Internet Governance(Part one):A Case For Multistakeholderism

Hey y’all✌️,

Been a while since I wrote a piece; life happened.Firstly I want to thank y’all for the warm reception of my first article “Fintech Regulation in Kenya and Africa: A Look at the Current Landscape”. If you haven’t yet read it you can find it by clicking above:Here’s the LinkedIn version

Now to today’s agenda:

The 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum(IGF) was recently hosted in Kyoto,Japan from 8th to 12th October 2023.The event which brings together different stakeholders in the internet governance space had various resolutions which I will discuss in a future edition. Today I lay the foundation with a reflection of why multistakeholderism is imperative to achieve success in the internet governance space.

Let’s break down internet governance in order for us to define it.The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that allows for the exchange of information and communication between millions of devices worldwide.Governance on the other hand refers to the system and processes through which organizations, institutions, or societies are directed, controlled, and regulated. It involves the establishment of structures, mechanisms, and policies to define and guide decision-making, accountability, and the overall functioning of an entity.Consequently,Internet Governance can be defined as the processes and mechanisms by which the development, operation,and use of the Internet are managed. It involves the coordination, regulation, and administration of various aspects of the Internet, including technical standards, protocols, domain names, IP addresses, cybersecurity, privacy, online content, and legal and policy frameworks.The Internet Governance Project defines Internet Governance as the rules, policies, standards and practices that coordinate and shape global cyberspace.

History of the Internet & development of Internet Governance

The Internet began as a government project. In the late 1960s, the US government sponsored the development of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANet) which was a network aimed to facilitate the sharing of digital resources among computers. By the mid-1970s, with the invention of TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), this network evolved into what is known today as the Internet.At its core, the Internet operates using a set of standardized protocols known as the Internet Protocol Suite(commonly referred to as TCP/IP). These protocols define how data is transmitted, routed, and receive across networks. The Internet is not owned or controlled by a single entity; instead, it is a decentralized network governed by collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.In 2003 and 2005, representatives from governments, the technical community, civil society, and the private sector came together at the United Nations World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), where they adopted the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society.

The internet has become an essential part of our lives, but how is it governed? The answer is complex, but the key is multistakeholderism, which means that all stakeholders have a role to play in shaping the future of the internet. It is no wonder that UNESCO defines Internet Governance as follows: Internet governance is the complementary development and application by governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community, in their respective roles, of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and activities that shape the evolution and use of the Internet.The aforementioned definition factors in the aspect of multistakeholderism in Internet Governance.

So who are the different stakeholders responsible of taking part and therefore shaping Internet Governance?They include:

1. Governments i.e national governments

2. Technical community

3. Private sector

4. Civil society

5. Academia

6. International organizations/community

Why is Multistakeholderism Important?

Multistakeholderism is important because it ensures that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of the internet. This is essential because the internet is a global network that affects everyone.Each stakeholder group has a unique perspective and expertise to contribute. By working together, stakeholders can develop policies that are balanced, fair, and effective.

How Does Multistakeholderism Work?

Multistakeholderism works through a variety of mechanisms, including forums, working groups, and other collaborative processes. These mechanisms allow stakeholders to discuss issues, share ideas, and develop solutions.

In the subsequent editions of this newsletter I will delve into each stakeholder group and their role in Internet Governance.Stay tuned!😌

The writer is a lawyer and currently a legal intern at TripleOKLaw LLP