Working Definition of Internet Governance in Context

The IGCBP11 ACP Africa CE group at the 2^nd weekly session held on 16^th March 2011, discussed the working definition of Internet Governance as determined by the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG).

 “IG is the development and application by governments, the private sector, and civil society, in their respective roles, of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and use of the Internet”.

The team discussion included the following:

Whether the 5 Global IGFs held so far had met the objectives as set out in this definition.  Most of the participants were of the opinion that the measure of achievement would depend on the definition of IG in different countries or regions.  This definition would be determined by soci-economic, political and cultural difference

Some members of the team thought that the stakeholders identified in this definition were not exhaustive and that there was need to make the definition more comprehensive. 

The conclusion of the discussion was that the definition was a ‘working’ definition which meant that it was subject to change.  In the group’s view this changed would be occasion by the socio-economic, political and cultural differences in a country or region.