Internet and Society: The Regulation of the Internet is Discussed at the 5th World Telecommunications and ICT Policy Forum in Geneva

Headed by the Minister of Communications and Mass Media of the RF Nikolai Nikiforov Russian delegation has taken part in the Fifth World Forum on Telecommunications and ICT Policy (WTPF-13), organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In his speech at the plenary session of the forum, which was attended by the communication authorities of more than 130 countries around the world, Nikolai Nikiforov emphasized the importance of strengthening a role of the countries ITU-members in the development of the Internet in terms of its transition to a multilateral model of management.

In appeal to his Russian colleagues the head of the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media noted the relevance of Forum themes in view of the widespread use of the capabilities of modern telecommunications and information technology. According to the minister, presented at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) forum platform allows for open and constructive exchange of views on a wide range of related to the Internet governance in its existing model issues.

In addition, Nikolai Nikiforov said that for the Russian Federation is particularly important the insertion to the ITU General Secretary’s report of the concepts of "information and communication infrastructure" as applied to the Internet. "We believe that highlighting this scope of practice, including the Internet, will create a platform to discuss a very important and controversial issue: what exactly is considered the Internet. This will also allow us to form a balanced view on this debate, avoiding the spread of the concept of the Internet to any area of life, " - said the Minister.

However, he noted that Russia still focuses on the issues of human rights on the Internet, of strengthening the role of the countries ITU-members in multilateral governance of the Internet, and of the improvement of the efficiency and transparency of IPv6 addresses allocation standards in accordance to the real needs. "As the governments’ representatives we are aware of the responsibility of the member-countries of the International Telecommunication Union in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the Internet, taking into account international and open nature of this network", - concluded the head of the Russian Ministry of Communications and Mass Media.

Nikolai Nikiforov said that the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media of Russia joined the project Opinions ITU "The Role of Governments in Internet Governance in Models of Multilateral Participation" and supported the role of the ITU to create favorable conditions for discussion of this subject.