Open Internet

When the Internet became publicly available and became mainstream, the key benefit was its “openness”. The “open Internet” as we know it has always been free with access for all and the ability to choose what content to view online without restrictions This promotes not only freedom of expression and communication but innovation and growth. It is this “openness” which is said to encourage developments and growth of the Internet and business related industries.

To some degree, however, the concept of an “open Internet” is being challenged. More and more, governments are looking at ways to block certain types of traffic (I will discuss this in a future post) as well as curtail the power of technology and media giants.

Governments have their own reasons for doing this and most of it is not for the benefit of the public. Any attempt for Governments to exert influence over the Internet is heading in risky territory for the public. The Internet is now fundamental to content access and distribution and therefore it could be argued extremely important to our democracy.

A recent article “Britain, US Warn on Cyber Restrictions” about the “London Conference on Cyberspace” states that governments in developing countries must refrain from restricting the Internet so that it is free from censorship so innovation can thrive. This should equally apply for developed countries where the Internet has been growing for many years and is coming under increasing pressure to be regulated.

How the Internet will be in the future is up for debate. There is no doubt it will be more mobile and we will use it more and more. The free exchange of knowledge and information which promotes freedom of expression and communication plus innovation are all important for our society. Although, governments face unique challenges in balancing the positives and negatives of the Internet, any attempt to interfere must be seen as restrictive on the public. Therefore we must always promote the “openness” of the Internet as a key fundamental of democracy in our modern world.

What do others think? Should the Internet be “open”?

Tags: Cyberspace • Internet • Open Internet