Inclusion of the Civil Society in the Governance of the Internet

Abstract

Public participation in decision-making processes and in the governing of the Internet in particular has a legitimizing effect and enhances transparency and accountability of Internet organizations. Allowing the civil society to express its opinions and have their members' considerations taken into account makes decision-making processes and their outcomes more acceptable. Furthermore, public forums for discussions improve the information flows between the manifold stakeholders of the Internet. This study proposes the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between Internet organizations which could provide for a participatory framework in decision-making matters in favor of the netizens. For this purpose, reference is made to the environmental legal framework and particularly the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice. Since the interest of the civil society to participate in the Internet is quite similar to its interest to play a part in environmental matters, a comparison between developments in international environmental law and in the field of Internet governance may be fruitful.