EBU: NetMundial text lacks net neutrality provisions

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff addresses NetMundial The EBU expressed dismay today at the failure of the NetMundial internet governance summit to take a stand on net neutrality, and urged the EU to stand its ground by enshrining the principle in law. NetMundial concluded Thursday in S o Paulo, Brazil, with a statement focused on countering surveillance and the need for global consensus over internet policies and governance.

The text also prioritizes the protection of intermediaries and calls for cooperation among all stakeholders to tackle illegal online activity.

Yet it does not address the issue of net neutrality, the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat equivalent types of internet data equally, whatever their source, content or destination. Instead, it is listed as one of four points needing better understanding and further discussion in appropriate fora .

EBU Head of Institutional Relations Giacomo Mazzone, who was among 800 delegates from national governments, civil society and business, said: In her opening keynote address President Rousseff hailed a new law in Brazil that protects net neutrality as a key principle, so it was disappointing and surprising to see the issue treated with lower importance during the conference itself.

He added: European public service media are committed to an open, transparent and innovative internet because ensuring access to PSM services online is essential for the general interest, media pluralism and cultural diversity.

EBU Head of Public Affairs Nicola Frank said: While the recent European Parliament vote to protect net neutrality was good news for European consumers, the EU should ensure it stays the course and enshrines the principle in law. If EU Member States approve the improvements made by the European Parliament to the draft EU Regulation covering net neutrality, the EU will then be in a stronger position to defend the open internet in international fora.

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LINK:	http://www3.ebu.ch/sites/ebu/contents/news/2014/04/ebu-netmundial-text...
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