Internet Governance

Every business today depends on a secure, stable, and trusted Internet and Internet governance has implications for businesses operating all over the world, regardless of location, sector, or company size.

ICC advocates for the adoption of policies that leverage the Internet to connect people, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster socio-economic growth. The existing multistakeholder model of governance is the best way to uphold these goals, and ensure that the Internet remains open, transparent and inclusive, and the most effective means to inform Internet policy decisions at government level. 

What is ICC BASIS ? 

Established in 2006, following the WSIS, Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) is a project of the International Chamber of Commerce and is recognised as the de facto focal point facilitating global business coordination on Internet governance, information and communication technology (ICT) and digital policy issues in the post-WSIS activities.

Designed as a hub of multinational enterprises, SMEs and associations from around the world and across sectors, ICC BASIS is the leading voice of business in international dialogues on how information ICTs and digital technologies can better serve as engines of economic growth and social development.

ICC BASIS leverages its collective expertise to engage with governments and international organisations, emphasising the impact and benefits of stakeholder inclusion in effective policymaking. ICC BASIS is a key advocacy vehicle of the global digital policy agenda, aligning with consensus-built policy positions and practical recommendations of ICC’s Global Digital Economy Commission.

Internet Governance Forum

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is recognised as one of the most significant outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).  This multistakeholder venue provides a platform for a candid and open discussion to consider public policy issues relating to the Internet.  Participants focus on sharing information and experience on an equal footing, to help policymakers take informed decisions. ICC BASIS, as the focal point for business since the IGF was launched, is the primary source for business input, advocating for the Internet to remain open, secure, stable, and inclusive.   

Global business firmly believes in the multistakeholder approach as an enabler of effective Internet governance and digital policy discussions.  Supporting the multistakeholder approach helps create a resilient digital environment that benefits all users and fosters development. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that it is preserved and reflected across discussions that aim to:

• expand connectivity and ensure meaningful access for everyone;
• promote a globally connected, stable, unfragmented Internet;
• enable data free flows with trust to support a truly global digital economy; 
• increase efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and fight cybercrime; and
• foster the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence for good.

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ICC AI Narrative

Relevant Publications

ICC on cybersecurity