Internet governance on a dollar a day

Abstract

The submissions of ICANN and ISOC to the WSIS suggested Internet governance was purely about technical standardisation, addresses, domains and some service-related issues. Under this definition, there is little for poor people to worry about. At the same time, the term 'Internet governance' in an era of convergence is perhaps particularly unhelpful in the context of developing countries and especially poor people in those countries. It is in the nature of a global network such as information infrastructure that there are a number of global governance issues. These should receive due attention. But it is worth noting that, especially regarding the information needs of poor people worldwide, the most important governance issues remain at the national level, where there is a considerable reform agenda. Indeed, to some extent what is most urgently required is less governance and different governance.