Labeled the Declaration for the Future of the Internet
(DFI), the White House said the aim is to reclaim "the immense
promise" of the Internet, pushing back against "rising digital
authoritarianism" to ensure it reinforces democracy, protects privacy, and
promotes a free global economy.
That goal is threatened by more cases of governments
repressing free speech and access to news, spreading misinformation or
throttling the Internet altogether, the declaration says.
Pointing to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a senior
administration official said in recent months Moscow "has aggressively
promoted disinformation at home and abroad, censored Internet news sources,
blocked or shut down legitimate sites" and attacked Internet access in
Ukraine.
"Russia, however, is hardly alone," the official
said, citing China as well.
More than 55 countries have joined the effort, including
advanced nations like Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan,
along with others like Argentina, Cyprus, Kenya, Montenegro, and Slovenia, as
well as Ukraine.
While not legally binding, the declaration establishes
"fundamental principles" and "commits governments to promoting
an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet for the
world," another senior administration official said.
The effort aims to combat the splintering of the Internet,
but will "respect regulatory autonomy" of each country, the official
said.
The declaration also points to the need ensure affordable
access for underserved groups. © Reuters
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