This week sees the 2013 Seoul Conference on Cyberspace, the third in a series of conferences following London 2011 and Budapest 2012. The Conference takes place in the context of a debate in Brazil and abroad about the future of the internet.
Our Foreign Secretary has long been passionate about cyber (a broad term that includes issues as varied as internet governance, cybercrime and freedom of speech online). In 2011 he initiated a conference in London that brought together governments, business and representatives of civil society to discuss how to build a new international consensus on the future of cyberspace recognising the need to balance economic, social and security needs.
During his keynote speech, the Foreign Secretary advocated online principles including privacy, respecting international law, protection of intellectual property and increasing safe and reliable access to cyberspace.
Recent events have led to renewed discussion about how the internet should function. The five principles President Dilma gave during her UNGA speech included issues that the UK cares deeply about such as freedom of expression, cultural diversity and respect for human rights (the UK believes that human rights from the “real world” also apply online, and ensuring that freedom of expression is upheld on the internet continues to be a UK priority).
The internet has brought the world many economic, social and cultural benefits (as well as Angry Birds). The UK strongly believes that societies that embrace an open and vibrant internet will be the ones that develop and prosper most in the 21st century. Like Brazil, the UK is committed to an open, safe and secure internet which builds on these successes.
Both countries benefit from vibrant, multi-stakeholder models which encourage diversity of ideas, innovation, and freedom of speech online recognising that this approach to internet governance provides the best guarantee that economic and social benefits will be protected and enhanced.
Some countries have been using the recent debate to push for more government control over the internet. The Foreign Secretary tackled this head on in his speech at the Seoul Conference, warning that allowing governments to exercise exclusive control over the internet’s content and resources would be a drastic error leading to profound social and economic consequences.
Seoul is part of the continuing process to try and find consensus on the future of cyberspace. South Korea has put forward a “principles and next steps guidance” document during the Conference that advances these discussions. We hope that countries can come together to ensure that the internet is not only secure, but remains an engine for progress the world over.