According to the US government, about 60 partners from around the world, including countries in Europe, have come together to sign a Declaration for the Future of the Internet, which opposes the use of digital tools to suppress freedom of expression and deny other people basic rights and freedoms.
The document outlines ideas for “reclaiming the promise online,” and US officials have described it as an effort to counter the practices of countries such as China and Russia. The declaration also states that countries are united in using technology to promote connectivity, democracy and affordable access to the Internet, among other factors.
The pledge calls for states to ensure that the Internet operates as a “decentralized network of networks” working in tandem with public and private actors.
The Declaration lists the protection of human rights, universal access to the Internet, protection of privacy, fair systems of competition and e-commerce, and reliable and sustainable infrastructure as the main principles of participation.
These principles are now under threat from the growing number of cases of governments suppressing freedom of expression and access to information, spreading misinformation or blocking access to the Internet, the statement said. In order to give freedom of expression to Internet users in particular, Elon Musk has just purchased Twitter for 41 billion euros.
Interestingly, China, Russia, India and Brazil are notable absentees from the deal. Nigeria, the Philippines and Turkey, all centers of high Internet usage, are not signatories to the pledge. It is not surprising to see countries like Russia and China refusing to sign such an agreement given the current geopolitical tensions, but others like South Korea were also unwilling to participate.
