Global Internet Governance
Global Internet Governance
Global internet governance refers to the policies, rules, and mechanisms that shape and regulate the use and development of the internet on a global scale. Because the internet is decentralized, it is managed through a multistakeholder model involving governments, international organizations, technical experts, businesses, and civil society.
Below are the key bodies and forums responsible for managing the internet globally:
1. Internet Governance Forums (IGFs)
These are multistakeholder forums that facilitate global discussions, policy development, and cooperation on internet-related public policy issues.
2. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
- Nature: It is a non-profit organization that was established on September 18, 1998.
- Core Function: It is primarily responsible for coordinating the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS), IP address allocation, and protocol parameter assignment. It ensures that computers across the world can find each other.
- IANA Operations: ICANN operates the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which include managing the DNS root zone.
- Historic Transition: In 2016, ICANN underwent a major transition that officially ended the U.S. government’s direct oversight of key IANA functions, shifting control to the global internet community to enhance accountability.
3. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
- Nature: WSIS is a series of United Nations (UN) conferences initiated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Objective: Its primary focus is to bridge the global digital divide, promote digital inclusion, and harness ICTs for sustainable development.
- Phase 1 (2003): Held in Geneva, Switzerland. This phase resulted in the adoption of the “Declaration of Principles” and the “Plan of Action” to build a development-oriented information society.
- Phase 2 (2005): Held in Tunis, Tunisia. This phase aimed to review the progress made since the Geneva Summit and address emerging internet challenges.
4. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Nature: It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
- Establishment: It is one of the oldest international organizations, established in 1865.
- Headquarters: It is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
