Global Declaration On Future On Internet

Why in news?

• Recently, the USA and 60 other countries signed a new Declaration for the Future of the Internet, setting out the vision and principles of a trusted Internet.

Goals of the declaration:

• To keep the Internet open, free, and neutral.
• To prevent rising digital authoritarianism.
• To ensure affordability, net neutrality, and removing illegal content without curtailing free expression.
• To reduce the environmental footprint of the Internet and digital technologies.

Major countries that signed the declaration:

• The USA, European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Canada, France, etc.
• India, China and Russia are NOT part of this declaration.

What are the commitments under the declaration?

• Protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all.
• Promoting a global Internet that advances the free flow of information.
• Advancing inclusive and affordable connectivity so that everyone can benefit from the digital economy.
• Promoting trust in the global digital ecosystem, including through protection of privacy.
• Protecting and strengthening the multi-stakeholder approach to governance that keeps the Internet running for the benefit of all.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, consider the following statements:

1. It is signed under the United Nations mandate

2. India is not a part of the declaration

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer