Afnic calls for a clarification of the role of the ITU on the Internet

As part of a public consultation launched by the General Directorate for Competitiveness, Industry and Services, Afnic has stated its position on the proposed review of a major international treaty for international telecommunication networks, and potentially for the Internet.  

The International Telecommunications Regulations establish the main principles governing the interconnection and interoperability of telecommunications networks worldwide. It is backed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations in charge of telecommunications, involving 193 countries and more than 700 private sector organizations, associations and universities.

At the World Conference on International Telecommunications to be held in Dubai from 3 to 14 December 2012, the Member States of the ITU will be in charge of reviewing this treaty.

The issues at stake at the conference

• The scope of applicability of the Treaty and its key role in the proper development of the Internet;
• The recognition of the contribution of the ITU in these actions and its potential contribution in reducing the digital divide;
• The role played by the organizations dedicated to the technical operation of the Internet, and their relationship with that of the ITU.

Afnic believes that this treaty, which has existed since 1988, has played a positive role in the development of the Internet as we know it today. The registry, however, has cautioned against extending the compulsory nature of the technical norms and standards developed by the ITU to other areas. On the other hand, it has called for an improvement in the coordination between this specialized agency of the United Nations and the technical bodies of the Internet, and an enhanced fight against the international digital divide.

To read Afnic’s reply

To consult the current text of the ITRs (French version)