Internet Society(ISOC), defines , “The World Conference on International Telecommunications 2012(WCIT-12) as a global treaty conference hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) where the national governments will be coming together to discuss and modify the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs).” The WCIT is proposed to happen this year 2012 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 3-14 December. The conference will consider a review of the ITRs, which define the general principles for the provision and operation of international telecommunications services around the world. Currently the global treaty is signed by 178 countries.
Looking back to history, after the 1988’s negotiation that took the form of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) treaty, the ITRs has not seen amendments in any form of its existence. From then the international telecommunications marketplace has grown and witnessed an incline in technological use and understanding resulting and adapting it in the normal lives of people. Technology no longer exists as a limitation for normal people in fact it has adapted the so called social aspect of life that communicates, searches and facilitates in existence of the digital world.
This year the participation counters the older policies to the flexibility of its operation and adaptation. Around 193 member states would participate in understanding and creating feasibility among major issues of internet and wireless, IP-based, and next-generation networks, and other important regulations. The most prioritized issue of the WCIT-12 is the risk of collapse of the ICT networks globally including all communications technologies, and internet itself. This issue has been questioning the ICT technological upfront showcasing a limitation and congestion in the Network. Highlighting the prospect of effective negotiation, the WCIT-12 also presents an effective platform for the developed and underdeveloped countries to result in effective diplomacy in use and operation of the resources of the telecom industry.
According to the official website, “The conference will consider a review of the PP-06 Resolution 146 of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs), which define the general principles for the provision and operation of international telecommunications. To be specific the WCIT-12 gives an open platform to expand the role and capabilities of ITU giving existence and voice of all the stakeholders.
- Establish general principles relating to the provision and operation of international telecoms;
- Facilitate global interconnection and interoperability;
- Underpin harmonious development and efficient operation of technical facilities;
- Promote efficiency, usefulness, and availability of international telecommunication services, and
- Treaty-level provisions are required with respect to international telecommunication networks and services.
According to Wikipedia, “The International Telecommunication Union is the specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for information and communication technologies. ITU coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world and establishes worldwide standards. ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums, such as ITU TELECOM WORLD, bringing together representatives of government and the telecommunications and ICT industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology.”
The Modifications of the ITRs can have significant result in the Internet’s architecture, operations, content and security:
- Standardization in price
- Quality of service and availability
- New technologies regulation , and censorship
- Data privacy, and security
- Cyber security, child protection
- Internet addresses and wide feasibility of gTLDs
- Misuse, fraud and spam
- Many more
My Argument
The major issue of Digital divide is also another question that haunts our technology in every aspect of its accessibility and existence. It is not just a question of what we all believe in but the question that makes us all aware of what we have learnt from our past experiences. More or less, the question of digital divide is less visible in every aspect of its meaning and operation in WCIT-12. As for the developed nations they have the technology and mechanism to curb any problem facing but for a smaller under developed or developing nation point of view, it’s a question of what to do and how to adapt to policies is more important. Reality of the developing nation, Technology has been transferred to the third world as a boon but at times due to lack of standardization and effectiveness it can have a drastic effective as a curse.
Adapting the policies looking at the present is not a question of having future vision; it’s the answer to be more practical and being prepared. And it’s the future that holds the key to the question of its reality.
Likes such cyber terrorism and warfare is yet another question that comes in mind which seems to be limited within the concept of cyber security, but to limit yourself in security of policies and mechanism and being in the shoes of the victims are two different things which needs a proper eye and understanding. Today’s technology is high end where big super powers are evolving and fighting for the share and affaire of what can be controlled and manipulated. Standardization is merely a question that seems vague where its relevancy is lost in existence when it comes down to adaptation.
The consequence is what needs to be understood than the question of what will happen untimely is, internet is a series of network that is chained from one end to the other, if there is a loop hole in one series then it will affect the other in its effectiveness. So it has to be tight from one end to another no ways of externalities.
