Larry Downes wrote for CNet on the Russian Federation’s leaked proposal to the World Conference on International Communications (WCIT). The narrative (at least here in the U.S.) has been that the U.N.–backed by “repressive” regimes–is looking to take greater control of the internet. The U.S. delegation is quite opposed to that. Various ITU officials have denied that’s the case.
According to Downes, the Russian proposal is “calling on the [U.N.] to take over key aspects of Internet governance, including addressing and naming.” Downes goes on to explain that the Russian proposal would transfer power away from ICANN and place it in the hands of national governments “under the authority of the UN.” One notable provision advocates for Member States “hav[ing] the sovereign right to manage the Internet within their national territory . . ..”
Anywho, seems our concerns about a U.N. internet power grab are well-founded.
Downes offers great analysis on the rest of the proposal and the hypocrisy of the ITU, take a look at his work for CNet here.
I don’t know if Downes found the Russian proposal on WCIT Leaks, because I couldn’t find it there. For those interested, WCIT Leaks is a great site. Obviously it has leaked proposals, but it also does a great job updating on WCIT related news.
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