By Wanjiku Ng’ang’a
The Internet is a set of interconnected computer networks. But who decides on the strategic guidelines and developments of the Internet?
No single individual, company, organization or state decides alone. The Internet relies on multi-stakeholder cooperation, known as Internet Governance.
A group of actors that work together at a national and International level in their respective roles with representatives of states, private sectors, civil society and users, technical and academic communities and international organizations. Actors include ICANN, W3W, ISOC, universities, IETF, and online platforms.
Kenya School of Internet Governance 2024
It has been an incredible experience being part of the 9th Cohort of the Kenya School of Internet Governance. With my interest in technology and inclusivity, being selected to participate in the course has been a significant opportunity.
The program’s well-structured nature and engaging discussions have fostered an inclusive environment, allowing everyone to participate and feel part of a community, understanding what they have learned.
One of the most enlightening lessons was the origin and history of the Internet. Here’s a summary of the origin of the Internet.
‘’In the early 1960s, J.C.R. Licklider from MIT University introduced the groundbreaking concept of an intergalactic network, a visionary idea that paved the way for the creation of packet switching. This innovative method allowed electronic communication to be segmented into data packets, a crucial development in the history of the Internet.
Government researchers initially used it to share information due to the enormous size of computers. Access to information was revolutionized through direct computer access or by sending magnetic strips via the conventional postal system.
The Cold War changed the way access to information was carried out; specifically, the launch of the Sputnik Satellite by the Soviet Union led the U.S. Department of Defense to consider ways in which information could be disseminated.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network was born to allow several computers to communicate in one network. In the 1990s, Sir Tim Berners took the Internet to the next level by creating the World Wide Web. This gave regular people like you and me a way to connect to the Internet by inventing basics like web pages, hyperlinks and Internet browsers.’’
Multi-stakeholder Approach
Regarding the multi-stakeholder approach, there is no universally agreed ’ right’ or ‘wrong’ taxonomy of Internet Governance issues and no prescribed way to analyse an issue.
This is why, since 2006, the IGF event has always taken place. It serves as a democratic platform where various stakeholder groups, including governments, the private sector, technical experts, academic researchers, and civil society, gather as equals to discuss public policy issues related to Internet Governance.
The complexity of Internet Governance is related to its multidisciplinary nature: it encompasses various aspects, including technology, socio-economics, development, law, politics and much more.
Just as there is no hard and fast definition of Internet Governance nor an authoritative taxonomy of Internet Governance issues, there is no universal formula for Internet Governance and policy issue analysis.
To conclude
All actors need to work together to ensure that the Internet is open and accessible and that end-to-end communications also naturally fit with human rights principles.
On matters concerning AI, there are many takeaways from the topic, such as how AI improves government services and healthcare, the benefits and risks of AI technology, and the importance of data governance in AI.
I am glad to be part of the 9th Cohort, and I encourage everyone interested in technology and Internet Governance to participate in this program. I am also looking forward to participating in Internet policies and governance discussions, educating people on the importance of inclusivity, and championing Internet Governance.
