Internet Governance

 

LACNIC has an important role in what is known as Critical Internet Resource Governance –the administration of Internet numbering resources and interaction with other organizations related to these technical functions, which are essential to the Internet at a global level.

Likewise, since its creation, our organization has been actively committed to the Internet Governance debate, participated in both World Summits on the Information Society (WSIS), involved in the United Nations' Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG), been a part of the United Nations Secretary General's Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), and actively contributed to the Internet Governace Forum (IGF).

At regional level, together with other organizations (NUPEF, APC), LACNIC has promoted the creation of spaces for multi-sector dialogue where in-depth debates can take place, priorites can be identified, and information on global issues and trends can be obtained. An example of this is the Latin American and Caribbean Preparatory Meeting for the Internet Governance Forum (pre-IGF).

Finally, LACNIC created a space for direct communication and exchange with the region's governments on issues relating to Internet numbering resources and Internet Governance (the LAC Government Working Group- GWG). Its creation has allowed more than 100 government officials representing 26 different countries to broaden their knowledge of IP address administration issues and understand the main elements involved in the technical coordination of the Internet.

Forums and Organizations Involved in the Issue of Internet Governance

 

Forums and Organizations	Who can join?	Who can participate?
2015 eLAC Program, within the framework of ECLAC	Member states designate representatives to the eLAC Coordination Board, which also includes representatives of the Private Sector, Civil Society and the technical Internet community, a role assumed by LACNIC.	Within the framework of the eLAC2015 action plan, approved during the Third Ministerial Conference of the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean, the creation of 14 working groups was decided. These working groups are open to community participation.
LAC-IGF	The LAC-IGF Program Committee is made up by entities representing the Government Sector, the Private Sector, the Technical Internet Community, and Civil Society.	Participation is open to members of the regional community representing all sectors.
Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO)	Full membership is available to telecommunications operating companies. Associate membership is available to any corporate entity wishing to show support.	CANTO sponsors many education and training workshops, discussion forums and an annual Conference & Trade Exhibition that are open to the public. Other work that involves governments and ministries may be closed to members.
Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)	Membership is available to States (both CARICOM and non-Caricom member states) and to private sector companies and civil society organizations involved in the telecommunications sector.	Many of the CTU's educational offerings and discussion forums are open to the public. Other work draws on their multi-stakeholder membership base to facilitate regional cooperation toward advancing information and telecommunication services for all people in the Caribbean.
Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL)	Member States of the OAS Private sector organizations as Associate Members.	Most meetings are restricted to Member States and Associated Members. Private sector participation is encouraged through associate membership. Final reports of the working committees are generally available to the public on the CITEL website.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)	A State member of the United Nations A State not a member of the United Nations Industry, international and regional organizations, as well as academia may join as sector, associate or academia members.	Membership is required to participate in the various Study Groups, Working Groups and to attend sector meetings as well as ITU World Conferences and Treaty Conferences. Some general information is available on the ITU website, but most documentation is restricted to members while under discussion and revision. Final treaty information is available to the public.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)	ICANN is not a membership organization. It has Supporting Organizations with elected and appointed representatives , a Government Advisory Committee and a Board of Directors elected in part by the community and supporting organizations.	ICANN holds three meetings per year open, all are open to the public. There is no registration fee, just the travel costs associated with attendance. Remote participation is available.
Internet Governance Forum (IGF)	The IGF is an open forum for dialogue and has no membership component.	Governments, civil society, organizations and individuals may all participate in workshops and general plenary session discussions. There is no barrier to entry other than the travel costs associated with attending the annual forum. Remote participation is available.
Caribbean Internet Governance Forum	This Forum is open to policy makers, regulators, service providers, content providers, consumer groups, academia, professionals, end users and other Internet interest groups in the region	Annual meetings to engage stakeholders in the development of appropriate policies and structures for Internet governance (IG) in the Caribbean.
Internet Society (ISOC)	Membership is available to individuals and organizations who wish to show support for ISOC's mission. There are also many ISOC chapters throughout the world with unique membership structures.	ISOC provides information and education materials openly through its website, and partners with organizations around the globe to provide technical training. There is no membership requirement to benefit from the majority of ISOC's resources.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Internet Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC)	ITAC membership is open to Internet technical or research organizations who agree to the principles set forth in the ITAC charter.	ITAC members meet to discuss issues and collectively provide a technical perspective during consultations, calls and meetings of various internal OECD study groups.