Internet governance refers to the development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and use of the internet. It’s a complex, multifaceted area that encompasses a variety of stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society, and international organizations.
Policies Governing Internet Architecture and Operations:
- Domain Name System (DNS): The system translates user-friendly domain names (like “example.com”) into IP addresses. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for coordinating the global DNS.
- Internet Protocol (IP) Address Allocation: IP addresses are unique numerical identifiers for devices on the internet. Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are responsible for allocating IP address space within their respective regions.
- Internet Standards Development: The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the primary body responsible for developing technical standards that make the internet work.
- Root Zone Management: The root zone of the DNS ensures that domain queries are directed to the appropriate top-level domain (TLD) server. ICANN works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Verisign to manage the DNS root zone.
- Cybersecurity Standards: Various bodies, like the IETF and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), work on standards to enhance the security and privacy of internet users.
International Cooperation on Internet Governance:
- World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): Held under the auspices of the United Nations, WSIS seeks to create an inclusive information society. One of its outcomes was the creation of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
- Internet Governance Forum (IGF): An initiative of the UN, the IGF provides a platform for stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to discuss public policy issues related to the internet.
- GAC (Governmental Advisory Committee): Within ICANN, the GAC provides advice on public policy, especially where there may be an interaction between ICANN’s activities and national laws.
- Multistakeholder Model: Recognized widely as the ideal framework for internet governance, this model ensures that various entities, including governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia, have a say in the governance process. ICANN is an example of an organization that employs this model.
- Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: Countries often engage in agreements to tackle shared challenges on the internet, such as cybercrime, cybersecurity, and data protection.
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU): An agency of the UN, the ITU addresses issues related to ICTs, including aspects of internet governance.
The decentralized, global nature of the internet necessitates a cooperative approach to its governance. While certain aspects are technically driven, many intersect with public policy, underscoring the need for a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent governance process.