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EC to pursue role as honest broker in future global negotiations on Internet Governance

18 Feb. 2014

Brussels, 18 February 2014 - In the wake of large-scale Internet surveillance and reduced trust in the internet, the European Commission proposes a key reform to the way the Internet is managed and run. The proposal calls for more transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.

Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes said: "The next two years will be critical in redrawing the global map of Internet governance. Europe must contribute to a credible way forward for global internet governance. Europe must play a strong role in defining what the net of the future looks like.”

The Commission is committed to an internet that continues to serve fundamental freedoms and human rights, Kroes noted: “Our fundamental freedoms and human rights are not negotiable. They must be protected online.”

The Commission proposes concrete actions such as:

  • Establishment of a clear timeline for the globalisation of ICANN and the “IANA functions”
  • A strengthening of the global Internet Governance Forum
  • A review of conflicts between national laws or jurisdictions that will suggest possible remedies

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