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Declaration for the Future of the Internet

| Publications | LegalTech

The United States and 60 other global partners present the 'Declaration for the Future of the Internet'

On 28th April 2022, the United States and 60 other partners signed the Declaration for the Future of the Internet, affirming their commitment to promote an open, free, global, practical, trusted and secure Internet and to protect and respect human rights throughout the digital ecosystem.

Background

The Declaration for the Future of the Internet aims to align itself with the rights and principles strongly rooted in the EU and builds on the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles that the Commission has proposed to co-sign with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

The partners to the Declaration affirm that the Internet should reinforce basic democratic principles, fundamental freedoms and human rights as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

They share the belief that the Internet should operate as a single, decentralised network of networks, where digital technologies are used securely, avoiding unfair discrimination and allowing competition of online platforms and fair competition between companies.

Partners will work together to translate the principles of the Declaration into practical measures and actions.

Other global stakeholders, including from civil society and industry, will be invited to also support the Declaration and enable its implementation. 

The Declaration for the Future of the Internet

This Declaration represents a non-binding political commitment among the signatories of the Declaration to promote a positive vision of the Internet and digital technologies.

It commits its partners to the creation of a global, open Internet that fosters competition, privacy and respect for human rights.

Partners commit to contribute to promoting the positive vision of the internet and to implementing the principles of the declaration, while respecting each other's regulatory autonomy within their own jurisdictions and in accordance with their respective national laws and international legal obligations.

The principles on which the Declaration is based are

Protect human rights and fundamental freedoms:

Protect and respect human rights, legitimate purpose, effective oversight and transparency.

Promote online safety and security.

Promote safe and fair use of the internet.

Measures taken to reduce illegal content and activities are consistent with international human rights law, including the right to freedom of expression.

Refrain from misusing or abusing the Internet for illegal surveillance, repression, etc. that does not conform to international principles

Promote a global Internet:

Refrain from government-imposed Internet shutdowns or degrading national Internet access.

Refrain from blocking or degrading access to lawful content, services and applications on the Internet, in accordance with the principles of net neutrality, subject to applicable law.

Promote the benefits of free data flows.

Promote cooperation on research and innovation and standard setting, encourage the exchange of information on security threats through international forums.

Promote inclusive and affordable connectivity:

Promote affordable, inclusive and reliable access to the internet to avoid digital divides.

Support digital literacy, skills acquisition and development to bridge the digital divide.

Encourage greater exposure to diverse cultural and multilingual content, information and news online.

Promote trust in the global digital ecosystem:

Collaborate in the fight against cybercrime.

Ensure that access by governments and authorities to personal data is lawful and carried out in accordance with international human rights law.

Protect the privacy of individuals, their personal data, the confidentiality of electronic communications and information on electronic devices.

Promote the protection of consumers, against fraud and other unfair online practices. Promote and use reliable network infrastructure and service providers, based on risk assessments.

Protect and strengthen the governance approach:

Protect and strengthen the multi-stakeholder Internet governance system, including the development, deployment and management of its core technical protocols and other related standards and protocols.

Refrain from attacking technical infrastructures essential to the availability and integrity of the Internet.

You can download the full PDF file here.

For more information you may contact:

Vicente Moret
Of Counsel | Legaltech

Cristina Durante
Asociada | Legaltech

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