State of the Net 2016

Introductory Remarks by Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce

Governance on the Internet refers to managing the myriad human activity that has migrated to the Internet since its inception. Major global issues like security, human rights, cross boundary issues, intellectual property claims and consumer protection, have taken on new forms a networked world and challenged Internet governance stakeholders to shape effective policies. What is the state of play internationally regarding governmental cooperation and conflict with regards to Internet governance? What is the prognosis for convergence and cooperation in critical areas of human endeavors online?

Zero-rating plans and offerings continue to emerge across the world as a way to provide certain Internet content and applications to citizens at free or special costs. These services often are referred to as “toll-free data.” Sometimes this zero-rated Internet content is provided at reduced rates (sometimes even free) or at attractive terms (the content does not count against a mobile data cap, for instance). Many different zero-rating services have emerged in the U.S. and around the world. Some plans provide free services and content in developing communities around the globe. Others are domestic and entertainment-based. There are many others and more certainly on the way. Our panel will look at the myriad zero rating plans and will imagine what zero rating plans are on the horizon around the world and at home. They will discuss the benefits of zero rating plans and also address criticism that some of these plans run afoul of net neutrality principles.

As the Internet becomes more visible and important, governments and international organizations have become increasingly concerned about how, and by whom, it is administered. The US government, which currently exercises some control over these functions through its contract with ICANN to administer the IANA function, has stated its intent to release its control provided that the ICANN's multistakeholder community is mature enough for effective private sector-led self-government, but this transition has seen a number of delays. The United Nations, both directly and through the ITU, has expressed views that the Internet should be administered through international organizations. Countries have expressed a variety of opinions, generally reflecting their attitudes toward the management of information generally. Internet governance has become highly politicized, with the control of the critical identifiers, i.e. IP addresses and domain names, at the focus of attention and dispute. Stakeholders are waiting to see if the IANA transition succeeds, and some are ready to seize the moment to push significantly different administrative regimes once it does. This drama is being played out as we meet.