Internet control delicate issue for U.S. at WSIS conference
WASHINGTON-The Bush administration could be headed for major embarrassment on the world stage this week as debate heats about whether the United States should surrender its control of the Internet-an American-invented technology that’s increasingly migrating to wireless devices-to an international body.
The Internet governance issue likely will overshadow the lofty goals on how technology can improve society across the board-many shared by the United States-at the World Summit on the Information Society, to be held Dec. 10-12 in Geneva, and perhaps rob the White House of a prime opportunity to re-engage with world leaders at a time when the U.S. finds itself on the defensive around the globe as result of the decision to go to war against Iraq.
The Department of Defense came up with the idea for the Internet, and the United States is highly vested in its infrastructure. But the flashpoint for developing countries and others is the California-based Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a nonprofit group.
Momentum is building around the world to wrestle control of the Internet away from the U.S., perhaps putting it in the hands of the International Telecommunication Union.
The Bush administration is adamantly opposed to the idea.
“We believe very strongly that the process needs to be private-sector-led. We, and I think most others, agree there’s an appropriate role for government and governmental institutions. Some say the ITU. We don’t think that’s appropriate. There is already a role for the ITU,” said David Gross, U.S. coordinator for international communications and information policy at the State Department.
If the two key WSIS documents negotiated by governments-a plan of action and a declaration of principles-include an Internet governance provision not to the liking of the administration, U.S. representatives will speak up. Finishing touches were being negotiated Friday.
“I would anticipate that we will not be shy about expressing our views, even if they may be somewhat different from the document,” said Gross, who is leading a U.S. delegation of about 40 officials. About 5,000 to 6,000 attendees are expected at WSIS.
WSIS will host representatives from 200 nations and heads of state from 50 countries. It was decided early on that President Bush would not attend, but there was a possibility that Secretary of State Colin Powell might be the main attraction. Instead, the top administration official will be John Marburger, the president’s science adviser and head of the office of science and technology policy.
How other countries will take the U.S. representation remains to be seen. Gross said he believes wireless technology has tremendous potential to foster democracy and economic development in developing countries, but they have to instill rule of law and make other reforms if they are to attract foreign investment.
