What Role Should the UN Have in Governing the Internet? A Briefing on the UN's Internet Governance Initiative

Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
http://www.netcaucus.org/events/2012/internetgovernance/

The Internet has played a historic and integral role as an outlet for free expression and economic growth. A gathering of United Nations (UN) diplomats overseas has recently raised concerns among some about a potential takeover of the Internet by foreign powers, with others claiming such concerns are unfounded. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a branch of the UN whose 193 member states also includes the U.S., is hosting a Working Group meeting on June 20-22, 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose of the conference is to seek consensus for an updating of the last set of international telecom regulations, also known as ITRs, which were issued in 1988. This panel briefing provides an important opportunity for a timely and informative panel discussion for Congressional Members and Staff about upcoming major developments at the UN/ITU that could significantly affect the governance of the Internet. The Geneva conference is part of a series of meetings to be held in advance of a December conference in Dubai, known as the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT). The ramifications of Internet governance are enormous. We have assembled a distinguished panel of experts and government officials to discuss this important and timely issue. This briefing is of interest to policymakers and stakeholders working Internet and international technology policy issues. As the briefing will be held weeks prior to a major ITU council meeting, we strongly encourage your attendance and participation.

Panelists

• Fiona Alexander - Associate Administrator, National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA)
• Richard Beaird - Senior Deputy United States Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, U.S. Department of State
• Amb. David Gross - Partner, Wiley Rein LLP
• Commissioner Robert McDowell - Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Sally Wentworth - Senior Manager for Public Policy, Internet Society (ISOC)

RSVP: rsvp@netcaucus.org or via phone to 202-407-8829 (Note: Registration is complimentary.)