Global business recommendations highlight Internet policy priorities
Increased focus on development issues and constructive policy discussions on Internet security are among recommendations put forth on behalf of business to ensure that the annual IGF remains the most effective Internet-policy related event of the year.
ICC and its Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) initiative members, from companies and associations including AT&T, the Global Information Infrastructure Commission, Google, Nokia Siemens Networks, Telefonica, The Walt Disney Company, Verisign, Verizon and the World Information Technology and Services Alliance, submitted the recommendations at the first round of open consultations for the seventh Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan later this year.
The consultations, taking place today in Geneva, aim to shape the programme for the next round of the IGF by taking stock and building on the experience of last year’s event, which took place in Nairobi.
As the European Commission proposes new legislation to reform the EU’s data protection rules, ICC BASIS underscores the importance of frank discussions on such issues to ensure that Internet governance remains in the hands of all Internet users and stakeholders.
“We strongly urge efficient and effective programme development around issues relevant to participants from all sectors,” the recommendations stated. “We encourage additional substantive dialogues on the issues of cloud, security and privacy, transborder data flow, mobile issues, infrastructure development and effective policy frameworks.”
Applauding last year’s forum in Nairobi, Kenya, the recommendations also encourage building on discussions initiated at previous IGFs on issues including the enabling policy and regulatory environment to attract investment in necessary infrastructure, the use of mobile Internet for disaster prediction and recovery efforts, freedom of expression, the free flow of information and human rights, broadband investment for developing countries, innovation, and growth of services relating to information and communication technologies.
Open to all, the IGF was established by the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS Geneva 2003, Tunis 2005) to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices on issues contributing to the sustainability, stability and robustness of the Internet. Every year, ICC BASIS organizes IGF business presence and participation to raise awareness of what business needs in order to continue contributing to the development of the information society, particularly through more informed policy choices. ICC BASIS members also participate in national and regional IGF events throughout the year.
Learn more about BASIS and the IGF
