Sorting out the past 36 hours at the WCIT

[Commentary] Anyone following the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) over the last 36 hours knows this has become a moment of high drama around the International Telecommunications regulations (ITRs) and the role of the ITU for internet-related issues. Unfortunately, that is probably the only thing anyone can say for certain.

Even the member states on the ground have expressed confusion on critical matters, such as whether the widely reported “vote” on a resolution that included express language relating to the internet was really a vote or not. Public Knowledge does not want to pre-judge any final outcomes while everyone remains in negotiation and debate. We are also mindful that the 8 hour time difference between Washington, DC, and the conference in Dubai, and the incredible speed with which events keep unfolding, has made us hesitate to say anything. But at this critical juncture we need to emphasize some important points.

• First, we continue to urge the ITU members to reject any version of the ITRs or any resolutions that would expand the scope of the ITU to Internet governance or Internet services.
• Second, we want to emphasize that nothing is gained for anyone if the conference resorts to dubious procedures.