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WITSA resolution for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Hyderabad, India the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) believes that the Internet must continue to thrive in an open and competitive marketplace unencumbered by unnecessary regulations. WITSA supports private sector initiatives to develop and deliver market based solutions to the challenges faced by the Internet and its users. A resolution with this message for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was adopted at the WITSA global public policy meeting in Hyderabad, India on the December 2, 2008
The internet is one of the key drivers of the global economy and will assume an even larger role in trade and commerce in coming years. To date, the Internet has grown in a largely unregulated invironment, and has shown an ability to thrive in a wide variety of market environments under
competitive conditions. This freedom has produced impressive results, delivering innovation, productivity and opportunity to users in all parts of the world. Today, policy makers at both national and global levels are considering a wide number of regulatory approaches to dealing with the issues of cyber security, access, management of spam and malware, protection of intellectual property and other issues. Dan E Khoo, chairman of WITSA: “concerns of governments seeking a centralized regulatory oversight of the Internet and its applications can be better addressed through a deepened industry-government dialogue and collaboration on solutions. It is the largely unregulated commercially driven environment that has supported the Internet’s initial success and will continue to drive the future growth of the internet”. Private sector control and expanded public-private sector cooperation could be the key to the further enhancement and security of the internet. Only there where government support could stifle innovation and investment, especially at this time, this might be appropriate. WITSA has been an active participant at all UN Internet Governance Forums from the inaugural meeting in Athens, Greece in 2006 to the second one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2007 and now at the session in Hyderabad, India in December 2008. WITSA continues its involvement in the Internet
Governance Forum and believes that all stakeholders should identify and focus on a set of priority issues that highlight the fundamental building blocks of an information society, including the Internet. Focusing on these priority issues will create a meaningful framework for demonstrable progress toward
the long-term sustainability of a truly global information society. The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is the leading consortium of nearly 70 IT trade associations from countries around the world. WITSA members represent over 90 percent of the world IT industry with a value over $ 3 trillion and employing millions of people.
Enclosure: WITSA resolution for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Hyderabad, India, December 2, 2008. For more information please contact Dr Jim Poisant, WITSA Secretary General,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
: Tel +1 703 728-4547. See also: www.witsa.org
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