How do we protect the future of the internet?

In order for the internet to continue to thrive, we need it to remain open, interconnected, interoperable, stable and secure. The NETmundial Initiative has the potential to bring together stakeholders from civil society, governments, industry, academia and others, to help to find solutions to internet governance challenges that have not been addressed adequately in other forums.

With preparations underway for the transition of the IANA function – the allocation of internet names and numbering in the domain name system of the web – from the US government to the global community, as well as intense discussions about an equitable commercial model for internet traffic, it is critical that effective mechanisms are put in place to enable all stakeholders to participate in the reform process and decide its outcomes collaboratively.

We hope that the initiative will carry forward the momentum of the NETmundial Global Multistakeholder Meeting on Internet Governance, during which a positive spirit of cooperation between stakeholders was instrumental in achieving agreement on a high-level set of governance principles. However, in order to have a positive impact, the NETmundial Initiative must have clearly articulated goals and processes that are communicated in a transparent way. It should be inclusive and open to all, and stand as an example of the multistakeholder model. It should not, however, duplicate other work taking place in parallel processes, such as the Internet Governance Forum.

As the representative of the global mobile industry, the GSMA looks forward to engaging in the NETmundial Initiative and helping to shape its direction and scope. In many respects, mobile technology is becoming synonymous with internet connectivity. Our members build infrastructure, invest in new and innovative technology, and grow businesses that become a fundamental part of the internet itself. It is estimated that mobile operators will help to connect the next billion web users for the first time by investing a further $1.7 trillion over the next six years. Our industry growth is inexorably tied to the evolution of internet-enabled services and devices.

The NETmundial Initiative is coming into being at a time of significant international pressure for reform in the way the internet is managed. We need minimal regulation in a competitive economic environment that allows for continued investment and growth in internet infrastructure. We also need a multistakeholder model of internet governance, with clearly defined processes that are transparent, accountable and allow for the participation of any stakeholders who wish to be involved. We look forward to participating actively in the NETmundial Initiative, launching on 28 August in Geneva, to deliver this.

Author: Anne Bouverot is director general of GSMA.

Image: An internet cable is seen at a server room in this picture illustration taken in Warsaw. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel