Wednesday, February 12, 2014

ETNO says it’s time for Internet governance to evolve


The European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO) has drummed support for the multi-stakeholder model of Internet Governance (IG), even as it acknowledges some imminent changes in the model, reports DigitalSENSE Business News.

Head of Communications and Media at ETNO, Alessandro Gropelli, told DigitalSENSE Business News that ETNO welcomes the European Commission Communication on Internet Governance published Wednesday and shares the view that the multi-stakeholder model should remain the cornerstone of Internet governance.

Also, Gropelli says they believe there is a need to improve and strengthen the multi-stakeholder dialogue on Internet-related matters and to work towards a clear definition of the roles of public authorities and stakeholders in the debate.

“An evolved governance model should reflect the principles of transparency, accountability and balance and ETNO looks forward to the forthcoming Commission consultation on the formulation of future European Internet governance policies,” Gropelli said.

ETNO, further agrees that on the need to move towards a coherent set of global Internet principles and that the upcoming Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance, hosted by the Brazilian Government in co-operation with other Member States, stressing, it’s a good place to start that debate.

DigitalSENSE Business News reports that sustained efforts are now necessary in order to globalise institutions such as ICANN, which is an important player in the Internet eco-system.

Europe has been a key region for shaping Internet governance after the Tunis conference in 2005 and is best placed to shape its further evolution based on its traditions of democracy, freedom of speech and inclusiveness. It is the main contributor to the global IGF Secretariat and around half of all national IGFs world-wide stem from Europe, showing a vibrant, diverse and multistakeholder-based model of Internet Governance.


ETNO's Chairman Luigi Gambardella said: "We need more Europe in Internet governance, or we won't be able to make an impact at global level. We support the Commission in taking the lead in this process, opening up to stakeholders' participation, and adopt the necessary accompanying legislative measures to help rebuild trust online."

Chuks Egbuna/GEE
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