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November 22, 2012 · by Nanine Steenkamp

Google says governments should not dictate the Internet “behind closed doors”

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Source: Google

Google has opposed a United Nations (UN) telecom motion to tighten Internet regulations by launching a campaign to keep restrictions on Web freedom and openness at bay.

 


 “A free and open world depends on a free and open Internet. Governments alone, working behind closed doors, should not direct its future. The billions of people around the globe who use the Internet should have a voice,” Google’s online Free and Openstates.


According to Google, only people and parties directly involved with web design, like engineers and agents from the information technology (IT) sector who build on the web, as well as governmental officials are rightfully entitled to influence and determine the Internet regulations.


Negotiations began after 42 countries, including China and Russia, backed proposals to review Internet laws. If there are alterations to the web, they will be the first since 1988.


"Of course the Russian Federation, along with other repressive governments, uses every opportunity to gain control over the free flow of information, and sees the internet as its most formidable enemy," Larry Downes, an analyst with the Bell Mason Group consultancy who is updated on technology news, said.


The web giant’s greatest concern is the hampering of “innovation” that could mean information would not be distributed globally online.


The potential laws could also imply web developments like Skype, YouTube and Facebook will be subject to paying toll fees in order to reach people globally.


The International Telecommunications Union World Conference on International Communications will take place in Dubai on Monday, December 3, to finalise the motion for stricter rules.


The Google Take Action site invites people to submit their names in the fight against the demise of Web freedom.


Watch the video below, in which people from across the world are united in backing Google’s campaign.


 


 
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