International events: “The Internet Economy: Generating Innovation and Growth” Conference in Paris

On June 28, 2011 in OECD Conference Center, Paris kicked off “The Internet Economy: Generating Innovation and Growth” conference. The two-day conference follows the e-G8 forum on Internet and digital technologies which was held in May, Paris.

The new conference has brought together OECD Ministers, experts and business leaders from the Internet economy.

Top of the agenda are problems of Internet regulation. The majority of participants support flexible regulations, which had previously enabled a swift growth of Internet globally. However Internet regulations must ensure private data and property protection, security of operations, promote growth of broadband services.

Particular attention during the debates will be turned to the problem of legal responsibility for operations on the part of Internet providers, intermediaries, search engines and e-commerce websites. They will also try to figure out how to avoid introduction of norms and regulations by a number of countries which could impede the dynamic growth of Internet and e-commerce.

Participants of the conference will highlight the issue of open Internet development, in particular by preservation of intense competition between providers.

The live webcast of the conference will be available online.

Speakers include secretary general of the OECD José Ángel Gurría, European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, Minister of Industry, Energy and the Digital Economy of France Éric Besson.