Alien Nation

The matter of Internet governance evokes a myriad of issues that span policy, the law, business and socio-economic concerns affecting not only individuals but state or non-state actors whose actions inevitably affect activity and regulation of the Internet.

Internet governance is as much a question of social, political and economic realities for state or non-state actors whose activities affect or is affected by matters relating to the internet.

Take for instance the reality that developing or less developed countries are not as active in shaping policy or in raising concerns as developed countries are. It all pretty much boils down to, as usual, economics. They who have more resources at their disposal have the bigger say and therefore wield more power.

Indeed, despite the caveat that some things should be left as it is, the efforts of the United Nations and other international bodies seeking to firm up internet governance reflect good intentions. However, the direction of such efforts need to be equally geared for the benefit of other nations as well as those of developed ones. Otherwise, it will lead to oppression and will only subvert its objectives.