LAB 19: Who is controlling the internet? Toward a transnational model of democratic accountability

19 November 2015 - 16.00-17.30 - Room 5, Palais de l'Europe, Interpretation: FR/EN

Focusing on multi-stakeholder and inclusive models of democratic decision-making, this Lab will discuss frameworks of application for inclusive, transparent and accountable Internet governance.

Initiative 1

ICANN’s approach of multi-stakeholder governance

The Internet has attributes of a general purpose technology affecting directly or indirectly the daily lives of every person on the planet, every economy, culture and society. This new global commons should be shared and protected, and the means of governance of the Internet should serve the global community as a whole, rather than the particular interests of a small number of actors such as corporations or states, or driven by decisions made in policy making venues that are open only to a few. Internet governance should adhere to the principles of democratic governance. These governance principles have been illustrated in practice by the emergence of pioneering, so-called ‘multi-stakeholder’ models of governance. However, some crucial questions remain unanswered: What will be the source of legitimacy and the processes which ensure transparency and accountability of Internet governance? How can we make sure that the rights of Internet users will be protected in this new environment? How can Internet governance venues that address crucial Internet policy issues be held accountable, and do we need criteria that specifically address and establish standards of accountability and transparency in Internet governance?

https://www.icann.org/

Presenter(s)

Mr Jean-Jacques SAHEL, Vice-President, Europe & Civil Society (Global Stakeholder Engagement), ICANN

Jean-Jacques Sahel is a strong advocate for the open Internet and multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance, in Europe and beyond. For over 15 years in both the private and government sectors, Jean-Jacques has been involved in international government and regulatory affairs. He leads ICANN’s strategic plan for outreach, support and engagement with governments, private sector, civil society and user groups throughout the region. Working closely with the Internet community across Europe, he is focused on enhancing awareness, capacity and participation of all stakeholders in ICANN. Before joining ICANN in 2014, Jean-Jacques headed government and regulatory affairs for Skype, then digital policy at Microsoft for Europe, Middle-East & Africa regions.

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Discussants

Discussants are invited to take part in the Labs in order to share their experience with the presented democratic initiatives and try to bring broader perspectives to the following discussions.

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Ms Stefania MILAN, Italy, ICANN GNSO Councillor & Universiteit van Amsterdam

Stefania Milan is a researcher, writer and activist whose work explores the intersection of digital technology, governance and activism. She is Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam, where she leads a research team exploring the politics of big data. She is the author of ‘Social Movements and Their Technologies: Wiring Social Change’ (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013) and co-author of ‘Media/Society’ (Sage, 2011). She sits in the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization of the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, and in the Executive Committee of the NonCommercial User Constituency. She contributes to the Working Group ‘An Internet Free and Secure’ of the Freedom Online Coalition.

Moderator

Mr Lee HIBBARD, Coordinator of the Council of Europe’s Internet Policy

Lee Hibbard is coordinating the Council of Europe’s Internet policy in various international forums (EuroDIG, IGF, ICANN). At the content level, he is currently facilitating the Council of Europe’s upcoming Internet Governance Strategy 2016-2019. He has also the co-author of a new report on Children and young people’s sustainable digital development: Education 3.0 and Internet Governance as a new global alliance for dynamic learning, greater employability and general well-being.

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Cartoonist

Mr Matthieu CHIARA