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The future evolution of the internet
QUESTION
What values do you see reflected from the Geneva document (http://www.itu.int/net/wsis/docs/geneva/official/dop.html)? What assumptions did the writers make about the future evolution of the internet, about its origins and about the values which the internet represents? Imagine that you are a policymaker from Russia or China. How might you read this document – what parts would you agree or disagree with? How specifically might you respond to the writers of this document in arguing for Cyber sovereignty?
| Subject | Technology | Pages | 3 | Style | APA |
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Answer
The 2003 Geneva Document
Optimism and positivity are evidently reflected in this document. The document highlights that information technology revolution is unevenly distributed. However, the leaders are fully committed and optimistic in turning this digital divide into a digital opportunity. Also, the document reflects passion and utter determination in its resolution to empower the poor to access and use ICTs. Equality is also evident as the declaration has a quest to ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer.
The declaration correctly assumed that the future evolution of the internet would bring the world a step closer to gender equality. The internet has been a great tool for women empowerment. It further correctly assumed that future evolution of the internet would not only bring about positive outcomes. The writers thus warned all key players to take necessary actions and preventive measures against abusive use of the internet. However, the writers wrongly assumed future internet evolution would bring about harmonious and equitable development for all. A great divide in terms of development still exists in certain countries despite evolution of the internet. Concerning the origins of the internet, the writers correctly assumed that advancement in science and sharing of research outcomes form the origins of the internet and its development. The internet represents an all-inclusive platform with equality where everyone has the freedom of expression despite where they come from. The writers correctly assumed this as a value that the internet represents since in our world today, on social media sites such as twitter, an impoverished farmer can hold an argument with a world economist from whichever location.
As a policymaker from Russia, I would read the document with partial interest since not all its declarations can be implemented in Russia. As Peterson (2005) confirms, information revolution in Russia, as many anticipated, remains far off in the distance. I would agree with the idea of each person having the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to understand, participate actively in, and benefit fully from, the Information Society (WSIS, 2003). I would however disagree with the idea that everyone has the freedom to hold opinions without interference. Russia puts little emphasis on liberal democracy where every person can have legitimate political opinions. In line with Russia’s proposal to the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, my response in arguing for Cyber sovereignty would emphasize non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. I would recommend the deployment of inspection tools and a suppression on the use of VPNs.
References
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Peterson, D. J. 2005. Russia and the information revolution. Rand Corporation, 2005. WSIS. (2003). "Declaration of Principles: Building the Information Society: a Global Challenge in the New Millennium." World summit on the information society.
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