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14 Center for Democracy & Technology Global Internet The Internet’s exponential growth outside of the United States – particularly in the developing world – has been among its greatest success stories. At the same time, the emergence of the Internet as a critical platform for global commerce and communications has given rise to a new slate of challenges. Developing nations still face a “digital divide,” due in significant part to outdated national policies that stifle competition and innovation. Governments around the world are legitimately interested in child protection and network security, but often impose solutions that threaten openness and end-to-end control. Others seek to restrict legitimate content and to monitor and control users for political reasons. Debate continues to swirl around “Internet governance.” To realize the economic and democratic potential of the global Internet, these policy challenges must be met. Internet policy developments in the U.S. have global impact, but it is equally true that U.S.-based companies and U.S-based users are affected by laws and policies adopted beyond America’s borders. Of necessity, CDT must work in global policy forums to promote a legal and policy framework rooted in the principles of openness, human rights, competition and innovation. We continue to seek ways to assist policy reformers in developing countries. 2007 Accomplishments Developing a Roadmap for Principled Corporate Expansion Globally: The services provided by multi-national Internet companies are critical to fulfilling the Internet’s potential as a powerful tool for democracy and human rights. Yet as the Internet expands around the world, Internet companies and other communications providers are increasingly faced with demands from countries to censor content and breach the privacy rights of users. In 2007, CDT partnered with Business for Social Responsibility to convene leading Internet companies, human rights groups, academics, investors and others. The group proceeded from the premise that multi-national Internet companies should operate in all countries because their services contribute to democratization and development, but that such companies should seek in their dealings with all governments to promote policies and practices supportive of privacy and free expression. Through an intensive drafting process, the group is nearing completion of a set of human rights principles to guide Internet companies around the world in responding to government demands for censorship or disclosure of subscrib- Accomplishments and Objectives 2007-2008 CDT works in global policy forums promoting principles of openness, human rights, competition and innovation, while seeking ways to assist policy reformers in developing countries. er data. To accompany the principles, the project is also developing a framework for implementation and accountability. Defending the Multi-Stakeholder Model in Governance Debates: CDT had a major presence at the second Internet Governance Forum in Rio de Janeiro in November 2007, helping to organize and presenting on three panels and strengthening relationships with participants in the formation of Internet policy from around the world. Concerned that continuing misunderstandings about the nature of “Internet governance” could lead to more bureaucratic approaches and raise barriers to innovation, CDT issued a paper exploring how the Internet had flourished under a governance structure that includes empowered users, private parties in contractual arrangements, national regulators, regional and international governmental institutions, and non-governmental, voluntary standards bodies. CDT also continued to encourage greater openness and transparency in the operations of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Center for Democracy & Technology 15 2008 Objectives Translate Voluntary Principles into Meaningful Practice: We expect to bring to conclusion the first round of the intensive process to develop voluntary corporate responsibility principles for the Internet industry on free expression and other human rights. This will include adopting an accountability framework that can monitor the implementation of the principles. Thereafter, CDT expects to work with the signatories to the principles to develop a governance structure to support implementation, accountability, shared learning and collaboration on strategies in support of global Internet freedom. Engage Effectively in Regional and International Policy Forums: CDT’s work is highly respected in regional and international forums, but our engagement internationally has been ad hoc. In 2008, we will seek to establish a more systematic participation in policy development internationally. Our immediate goal is to establish a CDT capacity to engage in and influence the development of Internet policy in Europe, “translating” our work for use in the European context and responding to European policy initiatives that have global implications. We will also likely participate in the third In- ternet Governance Forum, to be held in New Delhi in December 2008. In preparation for that meeting, we will endeavor to turn the emphasis to practical solutions for the core concerns of security, openness, access, diversity and critical Internet resources. Support Policy Reform in Developing Countries: There remains an unanswered need for policy expertise in developing and transitional countries, where Internet advocates struggle with outmoded legal systems, entrenched monopolies, and the challenges of convergence. In 2008, CDT will seek funding to build on the success of our Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI) to work with local Internet policy advocates, strengthening information sharing and networking building among government officials, civil society groups, and entrepreneurs committed to the growth of an open, affordable and widely accessible Internet. CDT President Leslie Harris and CDT Chairman Jerry Berman (center) with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. In March of 2007, CDT was joined by 900 of its friends for an evening of celebration and networking. Gates and Senator Patrick Leahy stirred attendees with their visions for the future of the Internet. The fundraiser gave CDT a chance to connect with old colleagues and supporters while introducing its accomplishments to new friends. Beginning in 2009, CDT plans to make the gala an annual event. Accomplishments and Objectives 2007-2008
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