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Kuwait Times Labeed Abdal columnDec 19, 2012 (Kuwait Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Many concerns are being raised by several Internet service providers and some activists over a recent conference in Dubai about the new global telecommunications treaty. The supervision of the International Telecommunications Union of the United Nations is an issue that has played a major role in the debate since it's no longer a domestic issue but rather a global one in an area that has grown out of control for many governments around the world. The Worldwide Web is, so far, the primary 'open Hyde Park corner' of the world, where nations express their views freely, individuals are able to criticize any public figure, and revelations are easily made. Online speech remains a crucial right of expression, which started out as being free and without boundaries, and countries feel threatened by the power of the people online. Large and small countries vary in their online security. There are huge gaps between countries in their ability to identify codes and names to trace crimes or offences. In reality, those who ask for more regulations are seeking restrictions that are outdated and out of control. Furthermore, those who are not seeking regulations are enjoying their supremacy on the Internet and don't need to request regulations since they have rules of their own. If there are any new rules, all participants must focus on preventing cybercrimes and preserving freedoms rather than fragmenting the Worldwide Web as a whole. Decentralization and the neutrality of the Internet was a dream come true. People wanted an oasis of online freedom in cyberspace, away from wars and the many faces of oppression around the globe. Moreover, to be fair, among the three concerned partiesindividuals, companies, and governments as regulators-we must not go backwards by applying more restrictions. It is important to keep the Internet free and to guarantee privacy while surfing the Net. All new rules should only be necessary regulations with appropriate permissions from the judicial authorities to safeguard all types of freedoms and liberties, mainly in the case of serious cybercrimes or threats to individuals, public entities, or public peace. ___ (c)2012 the Kuwait Times (Safat, Kuwait) Visit the Kuwait Times (Safat, Kuwait) at www.kuwaittimes.net/ Distributed by MCT Information Services |