The Internet has become an
important part of our global public sphere. Internet
provides access to a wealth of information and knowledge,
and the possibility to participate, create and
communicate. This public space made up of internet
infrastructures is increasingly threatened from two sides;
by the centralization and commercialization through the
dominant positions held by giant telecom and Internet
companies, as well as by an increasing trend in state
regulation and censorship of the net. This poses important
questions about how we choose to organize and regulate our
digital societies, and how Internet governance models can
be developed and implemented to ensure fair and democratic
participation.
When it comes to the future of
the Internet, a key discussion is one of infrastructures;
who owns, runs and controls them. The question of
regulation, and who oversees the regulators, is made
complicated by the transnational nature of the net. The
debates around net neutrality, infrastructure neutrality
and Internet monopolies reflect the important choices that
are to be made. It is essential the EU formulates a
comprehensive vision on the internet that addresses the
protection of civil liberties such as free speech and
privacy, but also the growing commercialization of our
digital public spaces and the commodification of personal
data with the effect of the market encroaching on all
aspects of our daily lives. Only then can it make relevant
interventions regarding the Internet and its governance.
Let´s discuss how to
re-decentralize and reclaim the Internet for all.
This conference will be live streamed at:
http://greenmediabox.eu/en/live/
Background & Programme:
http://www.greens-efa.eu/internet-as-a-commons-13850.html
Joint the event community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/939398269451418/
Registration: http://www.greens-efa.eu/events/registrations/658-internet-as-a-commons.html