US House of Representatives opposes UN Internet control
updated 06:06 am EST, Thu December 6, 2012
Unanimous vote to protect current Internet regulations
The US House or Representatives has voted unanimously to keep the Internet "free from government control." The passing of a Senate resolution to oppose United Nation control of the Internet comes while the International Telecommunications Union conference, to decide the Internet's future regulation, is in progress in Dubai.
The 397-0 vote by the US mirrors sentiments by both Google and the European Parliament, where changes to the International Telecommunications Regulations are opposed. The ITU conference is set to make the first changes to the rules since 1988, and include proposals that could limit information flow and increase censorship, fundamentally preventing freedom of speech.
Rep. Greg Walden, speaking to The Hill, said that countries would have to consider the Internets non-governmental structure should be made "part of the United Nations," as well as to apply proposed changes. "Neither of thee are acceptable outcomes and must be strongly opposed by our delegation" continued Walden. "The United States of America is totally unified on this issue of an open structure, a multi-stakeholder approach that has guided the Internet over the last two decades," said Rep. Anna Eshoo, adding "There is complete support across the Executive Branch of our government."
The ITU World Conference commenced on the 3rd of December, and will run until December 14th.
