News: Internet governance
Spectrum use in Latin America: relevant aspects, conclusions and recommendations
APC’s “open spectrum” initiative aims to provide an understanding of spectrum regulation by examining the situation in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this synthesis, the project’s consultant Carlos Afonso brings together the most important aspects of the studies in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Spectrum in Colombia: Towards a participative model
In Colombia, several government initiatives aim at broadening telecommunications access for the whole population through spectrum. Colombian civil society should make the most of recent opportunities to lobby for the design of a management model that is more efficient and that emphasises the social value of the spectrum say Lilian Chamorro and Ariel Barbosa, authors of a new study for APC.
APC reviews the 2011 IGF
“There were very strong human rights themes across the main sessions, particularly around freedom of expression and freedom of association. However it is time for human rights to be the principal theme of the Seventh IGF,” says APC as the world’s oldest progressive network reflects on the progress of the UN conference on how the internet is run.
Spectrum regulation in Argentina: The need to move from broadcasting to access
Argentina is one of only three countries in the world that privatised spectrum. However the recent renationalisation of its control, together with the participative drafting of a new radio broadcasting law and a national plan for internet access, make this an auspicious time
A key moment for getting spectrum in the public agenda in Peru
Opportunities are emerging in the Peruvian political scenario to liberalise spectrum frequencies for open and community use. However academic institutions and civil society must participate get more involved in the policy and project debates say Maicu Alvarado y Gabriela Perona in a new report for APC.
APC's submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Ecuador
APC’s submission for Ecuador to the Universal Period Review process, with support from CIESPAL and Radialistas Apasionadas y Apasionados, highlights the critical importance of the Internet for human rights, as well as social and economic development.
Panel identifies crucial link between online safety and social activism
A recent panel on “Social movements and data security” held at the University of Costa Rica highlights the crucial importance of information security to today’s activists.
The need to build alliances in Ecuador for better spectrum use and regulation
Ecuador’s new constitution has created opportunities for democratising the spectrum based on a renewed vision of rights, and clearer definitions of the competencies required by the bodies that formulate policy and regulations. The priority now are civil society discussions on the legal reforms the new constitution demands says Marco Navas Alvear.
Finding a balance in spectrum regulation in Venezuela
Venezuela’s socialist development model has brought about significant changes favouring the democratisation of spectrum say Sandra Benítez and Ermanno Pietrosemoli in a new study for APC. But doubts remain about who will loosen the private sector’s grip on the sector. Civil society plays a key watchdog role to ensure that the steps taken benefit the state, rather than the government of the day.
Mexico: ICT and environmental policies must be linked
There is a lack of awareness in Mexico of the environmental harm caused by the present models of production, consumption and disposal of electronic waste. However, there is also a lack of awareness of the positive role that ICT can play in mitigating climate change.
ICT and environment in Costa Rica: Closing the gap between words and deeds
Laws on climate change and waste management in Costa Rica have existed since 2009. However, despite appearing on paper, there has been little progress in putting them into practice. If the situation does not change, the country will not become carbon neutral by 2021.
APC's Joy Liddicoat to advise on critical internet governance issues
APC is proud to announce that Joy Liddicoat has just been elected for a two-year term to the Generic Names Supporting Organisation (GNSO) Council. This council is one of the key venues through which civil society can voice its opinions and effect internet governance policy.
Let's get spectrum right: It's time to start making use of TV white spaces
The use and management of spectrum was raised repeatedly during the IGF with many seeing digital migration and TV white spaces as an exciting opportunity for bridging the access gap. A number of recommendations came out of an APC workshop on spectrum for development as APC schedules a white spaces workshop in Joburg this week.
Op-Ed: Colombian Law Sets Dangerous Precedent says APC
Colombian lawmakers are studying the “Lleras law”, the latest effort by that country to secure a free trade agreement with the United States by submitting to U.S. demands to comply with U.S. intellectual property laws. The bill is currently being fast-tracked with little input or consultation from Colombian citizens.
APC member Colnodo condemns anti-piracy law
“APC member Colnodo has issued a report about Colombia’s controversial “two strikes” bill. Under this law, file-sharers caught with copyrighted content can lose their internet connections or even face jail time.” See full article in Spanish.
Issue papers for Southern African IGF good preparation for Nairobi
New issue papers on cloud computing, mobile phones, privacy and security, critical internet resources, and access and diversity are a good introduction to some of the issues upcoming at the Sixth Internet Governance Forum.
Dot.Africa? First Southern African IGF starts Sept 1
On September 1-3 the first ever Southern African Internet Governance Forum kicks off in Johannesburg in preparation for the global UN internet forum to be held in Kenya.
London Riots: Social media does not cause social problems say APC and GreenNet
Following last week’s riots, British PM David Cameron said that his government is considering a crackdown on online communications. However he forgets that the same websites and phone networks were also used to locate friends and plan safe exits from trouble-spots. APC and GreenNet issue a statement.
Internet governance in Latin America and the Caribbean: Remote participation
From August 9-11 APC is at this regional meeting in Trinidad and Tobago. You can also participate from wherever you are.
Internet Governance Forum 2011: Pre-event on access as a right
APC and partners are hosting a pre-event on access to the internet from a human rights perspective on Monday September 26 at the sixth Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.
