US, UK and Canada refuse to sign UN's internet treaty

[Milton L Mueller]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: NCSG-Discuss [mailto:NCSG-DISCUSS at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of
> Avri Doria
> Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2012 2:30 AM

> In this case, the ITR treaty, was seen as  threatening the Internet and
> Internet governance in some ways, especially with regard to Internet
> content and the scope of Member State and ITU control over the Internet.
> 
> For me one the major issues related to the security and robustness of
> the Internet being a Member State responsibility.

[Milton L Mueller] Avri,
Did you notice that the word Internet does not appear in the ITRs?

 
> "
> ARTICLE 5A
> 
> Security and robustness of networks
> 
> 41B             Member States shall individually and collectively
> endeavour to ensure the security and robustness of international
> telecommunication networks in order to achieve effective use thereof and
> avoidance of technical harm thereto, as well as the harmonious
> development of international telecommunication services offered to the
> public.

[Milton L Mueller] international telecommunication services is not "Internet". And have you read all 

> First what is security at the telecommunication layer other that
> robustness?  And what does it mean to apply this security not only to
> the physical network but also to harmonious development...  The worst

[Milton L Mueller] ...of services. Harmonious development of services. No one knows wtf that means. If your point is that vague calls for peace and harmony can do enormous harm in the international sphere, better take a look at virtually every resolution, every document that comes out of the UN system. Better yet, give us one example, just ONE, of how the ITRs or any similar treaty have been used in the past to expand scope beyond what its drafters intended, beyond what the language says 

> power of the ITRs is what they allow Member States to do inside their
> countries with permission of international law.  Also what is envisioned

[Milton L Mueller] which they do already. With or without permission

> It does not take much imagination to see  the future actions of
> repressive states with regard to their power to protect the security of
> the network from disharmony.  

[Milton L Mueller] it does not take any imagination at all, because it is already happening - in dozens of jurisdictions. This provision does exactly nothing.