UN forum calls for Internet openness

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) brought together Internet stakeholders and policy-makers in an effort to share and exchange ideas, reports IDG.

The IGF has been touted as the largest, attracting over 2 000 participants in Nairobi, Kenya, and another 300 remote participants from across the world.

The Economist states that Herbert Heitmann, in charge of external communications at oil company Royal Dutch Shell, said he was “very concerned” about attempts to give the United Nations (UN) and governments the last word on Internet matters.

“Business hopes that all stakeholders will continue to support the open Internet, its existing organisations, and those that have built the Internet that serves all users so well,” added Heitmann.

Computer World Kenya says government, private sector and academia co-operation is essential to strengthening Internet security, and responding to the large and growing range of cyber security threats through having global Internet policies.

Around 125 governments had sent representatives to the Forum, estimating the regional distribution of participants as: African group, 53%; Western Europe and other states, 29%; Asian group, 11%; Latin American and Caribbean group, 4%; and Eastern European group, 3%, indicates Star Africa.