Safer Internet and Internet Governance

Mahee Kirindigoda
Chairman
Internet Governance Initiative – Sri Lanka and Digital Policy Corp
Central Province Governor’s Media Secretary
Organization
Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
World Summit on the Information Society
(WSIS)
institutions, mechanisms, and processes that promote the development, use, and
International Telecommunication Union
(ITU)
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
and Numbers (ICANN)
Multistakeholder Group on Internet
Governance (MGIG)
Definition of Internet Governance
"The development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, and
decision-making procedures that shape the evolution and use of the Internet."
"The public management of the Internet through the establishment of
availability of the Internet for the benefit of nations and peoples."
"The international coordination of Internet-related public policies,
including those related to technical interoperability, spectrum allocation,
and numbering."
"The development and implementation of policies that promote the
global coordination of the domain name system (DNS) and other
Internet identifiers."
"The development and application of shared principles, norms, rules,
decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and
use of the Internet."
 • First, the internet is a global network,
but there is no single global government.
There are a This means that there is no single entity
number of reasons
for the conflicting responsible for governing the internet.
definitions of Instead, internet governance is a
internet multistakeholder process involving
governance. governments, the private sector, civil
society, and the technical community.
 • Second, the internet is
constantly evolving. This makes
it difficult to develop a single,
Reasons for the comprehensive definition of
conflicting internet governance that will
definitions
remain relevant over time.
 • Third, there are a variety of different
perspectives on the role and scope of
internet governance. Some people believe
that internet governance should be focused
Reasons for the on technical issues, such as ensuring the
conflicting interoperability of the internet. Others
definitions believe that internet governance should
also address social and economic issues,
such as promoting access to the internet
and protecting privacy.
  Internet governance is a complex and
challenging issue, but it is one that is
essential for the future of the internet.
By understanding the different
Reasons for the perspectives on internet governance and
conflicting working to build consensus, we can help
definitions to ensure that the internet is governed in
a way that benefits everyone.
 1.Technical Perspective
2.Legal Perspective.
3.Economic Perspective.
Perspectives on
IG 4.Sociocultural Perspective
5.Development Perspective.
6.Human Rights Perspective.
7.Security Perspective.
  This perspective focuses on the
underlying technical infrastructure,
protocols, and standards that enable
the internet to function. It delves into
Technical the intricacies of internet
Perspective architecture, network management,
and data transmission, understanding
the technical foundations upon
which internet governance is built.
  This perspective examines the legal
frameworks and regulations that
govern the internet, addressing issues
such as intellectual property, privacy,
Legal data protection, and cybersecurity. It
Perspective: explores the role of laws and legal
frameworks in shaping online
behavior, protecting user rights, and
promoting responsible internet usage.
  This perspective analyzes the
economic aspects of the internet,
including e-commerce, digital
markets, and the impact of
Economic
technology on economic
Perspective:
development. It examines the role
of the internet as a driver of
economic growth, innovation, and
job creation.
  This perspective explores the social
and cultural impacts of the internet,
examining how it influences
communication, identity, social
Sociocultural norms, and access to information.
Perspective:
It delves into the impact of the
internet on cultural diversity, global
connectivity, and the formation of
online communities.
  This perspective focuses on the role of
the internet in promoting development,
particularly in underserved and
marginalized communities. It examines
Development how the internet can be used to
Perspective: enhance access to education,
healthcare, financial services, and other
essential services, bridging the digital
divide and promoting inclusive
development.
  This perspective emphasizes the
protection of human rights online,
addressing issues such as freedom of
expression, privacy, freedom from
Human Rights surveillance, and non-discrimination. It
Perspective: explores the challenges and
opportunities in safeguarding human
rights in the digital age, ensuring that
the internet remains a space for free
speech, privacy, and equality.
  This perspective focuses on
cybersecurity, addressing threats
such as cybercrime, cyberterrorism,
and cyberwarfare. It examines the
Security measures and strategies necessary to
Perspective: protect the internet infrastructure,
defend against cyberattacks, and
ensure the security of online
information and systems.
  The stakeholder approach in internet governance emphasizes
the importance of involving a diverse range of actors in
decision-making processes related to the internet. This
approach recognizes that the internet is a global, interconnected
Stakeholders resource that impacts individuals, organizations, and
governments worldwide. Therefore, effective internet
governance requires the participation of all stakeholders.
 Governments play a crucial role in
developing national policies and
regulations related to the internet,
such as cybersecurity frameworks,
Governments data protection laws, and internet
access policies.
 Civil society organizations,
including non-governmental
organizations (NGOs),
Civil Society advocacy groups, and citizen
groups, represent the voices of
users and advocate for their
interests in internet governance
 Businesses, corporations, and
technology companies play a
significant role in the
The Private development and operation of
Sector
the internet infrastructure,
providing services, and
developing new technologies
 Engineers, programmers,
and other technical experts
provide the technical
The Technical knowledge and expertise
Community
necessary to understand and
address complex internet
governance challenges.
 Universities and research
institutions conduct
Academia and research and analysis on
Research internet governance issues,
Institutions
providing evidence-based
insights and
recommendations.
Internet Safety
as an IG Issue
  From a technical perspective, internet safety
encompasses measures and strategies to protect the
internet infrastructure, user devices, and online
information from various threats, including
cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches. This
involves implementing robust cybersecurity
Technical measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and access
control mechanisms, to safeguard sensitive data
Perspective and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally,
developing secure software and applications,
promoting responsible online behavior, and
educating users about cybersecurity risks are
crucial aspects of enhancing internet safety from a
technical standpoint.
  The legal perspective on internet safety emphasizes
the role of laws and regulations in protecting users
from online harm and promoting responsible
internet usage. This includes establishing robust
Legal data protection frameworks that safeguard personal
Perspective information, ensuring privacy rights, and
preventing unauthorized data collection and
surveillance. Additionally, addressing issues such
as cyberbullying, online harassment, and hate
speech through legal frameworks and enforcement
mechanisms is essential for promoting a safe and
inclusive online environment.
  The economic perspective on internet safety
underscores the importance of protecting
businesses and consumers from financial losses
and disruptions caused by cyberattacks and
online fraud. This involves establishing clear
Economic rules and regulations for e-commerce
transactions, ensuring consumer protection, and
Perspective combating online scams and phishing attempts.
Additionally, promoting responsible
cybersecurity practices among businesses and
organizations is crucial for safeguarding their
financial assets and protecting their reputation.
  From a sociocultural perspective, internet
safety encompasses promoting positive online
interactions, respectful communication, and
responsible digital citizenship. This includes
fostering digital literacy and critical thinking
Sociocultural skills among users, encouraging responsible
Perspective social media usage, and addressing issues such
as cyberbullying, online harassment, and the
spread of misinformation. Additionally,
promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in
online interactions is essential for creating a
safe and inclusive digital environment for all
user.
  The development perspective on internet
safety emphasizes the importance of
ensuring equitable access to secure and
reliable internet infrastructure, particularly
in underserved and marginalized
communities. This includes bridging the
Development digital divide by providing affordable
Perspective access to internet connectivity and digital
devices, promoting digital literacy and
skills training, and addressing the
socioeconomic factors that hinder access to
safe and secure online environments.
  From a human rights perspective, internet safety
encompasses protecting fundamental human
rights such as freedom of expression, privacy,
and non-discrimination in the online realm. This
includes addressing issues such as censorship,
Human Rights surveillance, and discrimination based on race,
Perspective gender, sexual orientation, or other factors.
Additionally, ensuring that internet safety
measures and policies do not infringe upon
individual liberties and human rights is
fundamental to a just and equitable digital
society.
  The security perspective on internet safety
emphasizes the protection of the internet
infrastructure, user devices, and online information
from cyberattacks, malware, and other threats. This
includes implementing robust cybersecurity
Security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and access
control mechanisms, to safeguard sensitive data
Perspective and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally,
fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and
promoting responsible online behavior are essential
for enhancing internet safety from a security
standpoint.
 Stakeholder
Approach in
Internet Safety
 Governments play a crucial role in
establishing legal frameworks, regulating
online activities, and setting standards for
internet safety. They also have a
responsibility to protect users from harm,
Governments: promote responsible internet usage, and
address issues such as cyberbullying, online
harassment, and the spread of
misinformation.
 Civil society organizations,
including non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), advocacy
groups, and user associations,
Civil Society: represent the voices of users and
advocate for their interests in online
safety. They conduct research, raise
awareness, and provide support to
users facing online harm.
 Technology companies, internet
service providers, and social media
platforms have a responsibility to
design and operate their platforms in
The Private a safe and secure manner. They also
Sector:
play a role in providing tools and
resources to users to protect
themselves online.
 Engineers, security experts, and
researchers provide the technical
expertise necessary to understand and
address online safety challenges. They
The Technical develop security solutions, conduct
Community: research, and provide guidance on best
practices for online safety.
 Universities, schools, and
other educational
institutions play a crucial
Academia and
Educational role in educating users about
Institutions: online safety, promoting
digital literacy, and teaching
responsible online behavior.
  The bill on safer internet in Sri Lanka
proposed by the Ministry of Public Security
is titled "Online Safety Bill". It aims to
establish an Online Safety Commission to
How Sri Lankan oversee its implementation and address
Government complaints related to online harms. Internet
Addressed the Service Providers (ISPs) are required to
Safer Internet remove harmful content from their platforms
and enable users to report such content.
 • Establishes an Online Safety Commission to
oversee the implementation of the bill and
address complaints related to online harms.
• Gives the Online Safety Commission the power
Provisions of to investigate complaints related to online harms,

the Online issue notices to individuals and organizations,

and direct ISPs to remove harmful content.
Safety Bill: • Allows the Online Safety Commission to impose
fines and other penalties on individuals and
organizations that violate the bill's provisions.
 • Protect children and other
vulnerable users from online
harm.
Potential • Reduce the spread of
benefits of the
misinformation and hate speech
bill:
online.
• Promote responsible online
behavior.
 • Broad definitions such as "online
harms" could be used to suppress
dissent.

Potential • Could lead to censorship and

drawbacks of surveillance.
the bill: • Could stifle innovation in the tech
sector.
  The stakeholder approach to Safer Internet offers several advantages:

 Inclusiveness: By involving a diverse range of stakeholders, the approach

ensures that the needs and perspectives of all users are considered in
addressing online safety issues.
Multi-
Stakeholder  Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The approach fosters

Approach in collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, leading to more

effective and coordinated efforts to promote online safety.
Policy Making
 Accountability: By involving stakeholders in decision-making processes,
the approach enhances accountability and transparency in addressing online
safety issues.
 • Complexity: Coordinating and balancing the
interests of diverse stakeholders can be complex and
time-consuming.

The stakeholder • Resource Constraints: Not all stakeholders may

approach also have the resources or capacity to participate

faces some effectively in stakeholder processes.

challenges
• Power Imbalances: The power dynamics among
stakeholders can influence decision-making
processes and the effectiveness of the approach.