Will back multi-stakeholder approach instead of seeking full governmental control
Mumbai, October 21:
India could dilute its stance on the issue of who will control the
Internet by supporting participation from the private sector and civil
society alongside governments.
A note prepared by the Department of Electronics and Information
Technology (DeitY) proposes backing for the popular view on a
multi-stakeholder approach to Internet Governance.
This is a departure from the earlier stand where India had argued that
only governments, working through international organisations like the
United Nations and International Telecommunications Union, have the
legitimacy to make decisions regarding the internet.
In a note to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), seen by BusinessLine,
the DeitY said that India should move towards a multi-stakeholder
governance model on issues related to the World Wide Web. The move comes
as India finds itself isolated on the issue with only a few countries,
such as Russia, supporting the earlier stand.
Security rider
However, though the DeitY has recommended a change, it has suggested
that Governments should have primacy when it comes to matters of
security.
“We need to leverage our strengths of industry, human resources and
market to frame our position on matters relating to Internet governance.
This would require greater acceptance of a multi-stakeholder approach,
especially for development, social, technical and economic
considerations,” DeiTY said in the note.
India has been clamouring for a strong state presence in the
decision-making process of internet governance. This multilateral
approach is seen as a means for Governments to get larger control over
cyber space.
However, Indian government officials have been compelled to re-evaluate
the position after Brazil took the limelight by hosting an international
event called ‘Net Mundial’ on April 23 and 24.
“Brazil has seized the opportunity to become a globally important player
in the internet governance of the world. India’s position of a
multilateral process has not … (given) it a leadership position in an
evolving scenario. Unless we play a more proactive role … our aim to
achieve a significant role in the Internet governance system is
unlikely,” the note said.
Looking beyond ICANN
Globally, there is a debate on who should control the working of the
Internet. At present, a US-based body called the Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers or ICANN, governs the broad functioning
of the Internet. This body is a multi-stakeholder entity with
participation from a number of private entities, consumer groups and
industry associations.
In March, the US said that by September 2015 it would give up oversight
of ICANN and a new body will be created with representation from all key
stakeholders to govern the Internet.
