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Internet
has evolved itself into a powerful, ubiquitous, empowering and liberating
medium, even though only a fragment of its full potential is known and has been
exploited by us so far. In its borderless cyberspace, internet provides limitless
opportunities for freedom of speech and expression. Internet, perhaps is the nearest
approximation to the utopian world of freedom, envisioned by one of our
greatest poets, Dr Rabindranath Tagore. He said and I quote:
“Where
the mind is without fear,
Where
the head is held high,
Where
knowledge is free,
Where
the world has not been broken into fragments by narrow domestic walls,…..”
Internet
is greatly significant for India
and, we believe, India is greatly significant for the Internet.
These twin beliefs stem from two simple propositions. Firstly, Internet with
its immense transformational potential, can provide the means for sustainable
and inclusive development in a country of 1.25 billion people, in areas such as
education, healthcare, financial inclusion and service delivery. Secondly, with
an internet user-base of over 125 million, which is likely to grow to about
half-a-billion over the next few years, and an established mobile base of 950
million, coupled with a large and talented pool of human resources, India will
be a key player in the cyber-world of tomorrow. In view of these complementary
and mutually-reinforcing positive externalities, India is deeply committed to
the free and unbridled growth and development of the Internet, and is
determined on its own and persuade others, to exploit this tremendous
opportunity.
At
the outset, in the true spirit of the vision outlined in the
Tunis agenda, the issues of public policy related to the Internet have to be
dealt with, by adopting a multi-stakeholder, democratic and transparent
approach. It is belief that the term ‘Internet Governance’ is an
oxymoron. Internet, by its very nature, can not coexist with the concept of
‘governance’, which relates to a system designed for dealing with the issues of
the physical world. The term ‘Governance’, immediately invokes concepts of
those who govern and those who are governed, which have no relevance in
cyber-space. Semantics apart, what we need today is to put in place a
system designed for cyberspace – a system which is collaborative, consultative,
inclusive and consensual, for dealing with all public policies involving the
Internet.
Such
a cyber-paradigm should rest on 4 pillars that are rooted
in the fundamental principles of democracy, inclusive growth, transparency and
accountability.
Firstly,
it should be consultative, including all stakeholders in the
decision-making process. The medium of Internet provides voice to the voiceless
as never before in the history of mankind. This potential can be realized only
by providing universal access and affordable devices. The Digital divide must
be relegated to the past – instead, our communities must reap the benefits of
the digital dividend. Such a consultative process should also factor regional
and national sensitivities besides vast diversities in language and culture.
Secondly,
it should be evolutionary, with the processes evolving through a
dialogue that is continuous and continuing. This is in keeping with the very
nature of the Internet, which is mutli-dimensional, dynamic and evolving. A set
of static frameworks is inappropriate for meeting the ever-changing
requirements of the Internet space.
Thirdly,
it should put in place a mechanism for accountability, in respect of
crimes committed in cyberspace, such that the Internet is a free and secure
space for universal benefaction. A new cyber jurisprudence needs to be
evolved to deal with cyber crime, without being limited by political boundaries
and cyber-justice can be delivered in near real time.
Lastly,
it shall be duly reflective of the ground realities as to the manner of
representation of stakeholders at all consultative forums.
In
order to deliberate on the approaches to the design and establishment of such a
cyber-paradigm, India recommends the constitution of a Working Group on
Enhanced Cooperation. If we put
together our collective wisdom, we shall be able to soon make a transformational
shift from the Internet of today to the Equinet of
tomorrow.
