Information society

Internet Governance Forum - 6th meeting

27-30 September 2011, Nairobi (Kenya)

The Internet should be an open space where the rights of users’ are maximised while the restrictions are minimised, said Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, at the opening of the 6th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which the United Nations is organizing in Nairobi from 27 to 30 September.

Internet governance policy should focus on people and on rights, she added. As a result of this, as part of its long-term strategy the Council of Europe is considering drafting a charter of rights for Internet users.

The Council of Europe is presenting at the IGF a set of 10 Internet governance principles recently adopted by its Committee of Ministers, together with a number of recommendations and declarations aimed at protecting freedom of expression online and the free flow of information on the Internet. (press release)

During the IGF the Council of Europe is organising four workshops and an open forum, and is supporting a session on the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG). It is also contributing to other sessions with several panellists and moderators.

Web Content Display

Council of Europe at the IGF

Tuesday, 27 September
09.00-10.30 Human rights come first - A “constitutional moment” for Internet governance?

Council of Europe presents ten Internet governance principles
Is this the start of a “constitutional moment” for Internet governance and policy-making?
What are the fundamental values that should inform Internet policy making and constrain Internet governance arrangements?

Speech by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio

11.00-12.30 Strengthening the protection of cross border Internet personal data

Different legal frameworks, but one common objective: protecting privacy online

The Council of Europe data protection convention (“Convention 108”) has served as the backbone of national laws in over 40 European countries, and influenced policy and legislation beyond. The text is currently being updated to ensure that it is fully applicable to new tools and practices.

Should the notion of “transborder data flows” be reviewed in light of the instantaneous nature of Internet cross-border data flows?
How can minimum international rules be developed to ensure cross-border privacy?
Opening speech by Ms Maud de Boer-Buquicchio

Wednesday 28 September
11.00-12.30 Open forum: Towards a Council of Europe strategy on Internet governance 2012-2015

The Council of Europe is preparing its future strategy on Internet governance. The strategy will map out priority fields of work for the protection of democracy, the rule of law and human rights on the Internet. More information

14.30-16.00 Cybercrime strategies

Governments should develop specific strategies to combat cybercrime

Many governments are adopting cybersecurity policies and strategies but only few are developing specific policies or strategies on cybercrime. The workshop will address:

Cybercrime and cybersecurity strategies: concepts
Elements of cybercrime strategies
Stakeholders in cybercrime policies and strategies

Friday, 30 September
09.00-10.30 European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG)

14.30-16.00 Consensus building on Internet´s universality, integrity and openness

The workshop will address, among other issues, the responsibility and the role of states to protect the ongoing functioning of the Internet.

What are states’ expectations vis-à-vis each other regarding solidarity and co-operation?
What do other stakeholders expect of states to do in this regard?
Should such expectations receive explicit recognition in normative frameworks?

European Dialogue on Internet Dialogue (EuroDIG)

The Council of Europe provides the secretariat of the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) in cooperation with European Union institutions and other organisations.

EuroDIG is a platform for discussing and shaping a European perspective to Internet governance. In its last edition, participating stakeholders concluded that the protection of human rights, ensuring universal access to the Internet as a public service and promoting media literacy should be key priorities for Internet governance in Europe.