Preventing a fragmented internet

A Reuters story from the World Economic Forum caught my eye. The story was headlined: “At Davos, fears the Internet will devolve into a fragmented mess.”

Yet even as the Internet has become embedded in modern life, its interconnected nature has come under attack from interests ranging from governments to corporate brands decrying copyright abuses or fearing cyber attacks such as those at Sony.

Seeking to fill these breaches, national governments, courts and regulators are pressing for local controls that could “Balkanize” – or fragment – the network.

Michael ChertoffFormer Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, will be addressing these kinds of issues at The 2015 Canadian Telecom Summit, taking place June 1-3, in Toronto. His remarks will address “One Internet or Thousands: Preserving the World Wide Web in a Diverse Globe.”

Mr. Chertoff is a member of the Global Commission on Internet Governance, a two-year initiative launched in January 2014 by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Chatham House, to produce a comprehensive stand on the future of multi-stakeholder Internet governance.

As the Reuters story describes, there is a risk that the global Internet is fragmenting, with different countries controlling their own versions. This has raised concerns about the free flow of information and innovation, risks to human rights of free expression, and barriers to global commerce and economic prosperity.

The Global Commission on Internet Governance is seeking to recommend a model that promotes the continued existence a free and accessible global Internet into the future.

The objective of The 2015 Canadian Telecom Summit [June 1-3, Toronto] is to deliver thought provoking presentations from the prime movers of the industry.

The Canadian Telecom Summit gives you the chance to hear from and talk with them in both a structured atmosphere of frank discussion and high octane idea exchange and schmooze in a more relaxed social setting of genial conversation.

Early bird rates are available through February 28. Register now to save more than $200.

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