Internet Governance
Definition of Internet Governance
As articulated in the report of the United Nations’ Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) in 2005, “Internet governance 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.”
Regional Polices for Internet Governance
The Internet pervades all aspects of modern life and Caribbean governments have recognised the indispensability of digital services and transformation to future national and regional social and economic growth and development. Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have also approved a Vision and Roadmap for a CARICOM Single ICT Space which envisages a region of harmonised ICT policies, legislation and regulations that facilitates the concept of “an ICT-enabled borderless space that fosters economic, social and cultural integration for the betterment of Caribbean citizens”. In this context, it is prudent, even essential, that Caribbean stakeholders work collaboratively at all levels to put in place appropriate technical, legal, economic and social policies and practices to underpin regional development in this era of rapid technological change. Regionally harmonised policies for Internet governance would therefore support achievement of the Single ICT Space and help optimise the use of limited resources.
