So, the U.N. is jumping on the “destroy the internet” bandwagon… Dozens of countries, China and Russia prominently included, are pushing for “international control over the internet”. The diplomatic process is set to begin in Geneva on February 27th. If this push is successful, it will completely overturn a treaty signed by 114 countries in 1988 that effectively insulated international communications–the internet being one form–from regulation.
I think the old men in power are finally catching on to how important the internet has become, especially to younger generations. Entire revolutions are organized over the internet and with other forms of new technology–think about the Arab Spring, the Occupy movement, the flash mob crimes in the UK and a few US cities.
The internet can overturn the status quo. It can make or break the reputations of individuals, companies, governments. It’s a source of almost limitless information, and that information creates a far more empowered and active citizen and consumer. I imagine this to be a terrifying thing to those who benefit from the current status quo, because now more than ever they are being held accountable. That is why we’ll need to fight against any sweeping regulation of the internet like what the U.N. is trying to implement.
Let me know your thoughts on this issue.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577229074023195322.html
The U.N. wants to get its grubby hands all over the internet
