Internet Innovation Alliance Applauds Vote on Bono Mack Resolution Aiming to Preserve Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance Model
Opposes Efforts by United Nations and International Telecommunication Union to Expand Control over Internet
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Applauding the House Energy and Commerce Committee for voting the Bono Mack resolution (H. Con. Res. 127) opposing Internet governance by international entities out of committee today, the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), a broad-based coalition supporting broadband access and adoption for all Americans, released the following statement:
"Aspirations of United Nations (UN) institutions, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to assume regulatory oversight over the Internet threaten the innovation, openness and freedom that have made it a foundation of global knowledge and economic development. If ratified, the proposed regulations would give the UN unwelcome control over Internet domain names, technical standards for Internet protocols, data privacy, Internet security and more. ITU member nations such as Russia and China are proposing not just regulation of Internet access, but regulation of the Internet itself.
"It has never been more important for the U.S. to lead. Congress and the Administration must work to reject all top-down regulatory threats to the Internet, both foreign and domestic. As outlined by the Bono Mack resolution, the U.S. should commit to protecting the multi-stakeholder private sector model of Internet governance that paves the way for the Internet to reach its full potential and has led to economic and societal benefits beyond measure -- its importance was understood by the Clinton Administration and must now be recognized by the current one."
H. Con. Res. 127 is backed by organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and by more than 50 bipartisan cosponsors, including Chairman Upton, Subcommittee Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Waxman and Subcommittee Ranking Member Eshoo, as well as Congressional Black Caucus Members.
About The Internet Innovation Alliance
The Internet Innovation Alliance was founded in 2004 and is a broad-based coalition supporting broadband availability and access for all Americans, including underserved and rural communities. It aims to ensure every American, regardless of race, income or geography, has access to this critical tool. The IIA seeks to promote public policies that leverage the power of entrepreneurs and the market to achieve universal broadband availability and adoption.
For more information contact:
Lauren DuBois
(917) 573-2485
lauren@internetinnovation.org