Communication Futures for Internet Governance

Abstract

This paper understands the evolution of Internet governance as occurring in three phases: (1) the early phase of a largely open Internet and minimal government regulation; (2) growing concern about online harms and other adverse consequences of the platformisation of the Internet; and (3) the current phase, where appropriate models of Internet governance are being widely debated, and nation-states are enacting new laws for digital platforms. It notes that the implications of this shift are yet to filter through to global Internet governance institutions, which continue to be largely framed around multistakeholderism and a minimal role for national governments. The result is the rise of tendencies towards a global ‘Splinternet’ and a democratic deficit around issues of Internet governance.