Global internet governance faces strain not severance

Significance

Since the internet’s inception as a military and research tool through to its development as a global platform for communication, commerce and collaboration, its governance has been informal, open and decentralised. This multistakeholder model is increasingly strained by geopolitical fault lines.

Impacts

• National-level restrictions on cross-border flow of goods, data and services will have a profound impact on business operations.
• Tighter state control over internet policies will imperil the right to protest and free speech.
• Decisions on infrastructure development and maintenance impact internet reliability and speed, affecting every sector and industry.