Status:
IGF Theme(s) for workshop: Emerging Issues
Main theme question address by workshop: Question 1 and 2 of Emerging Issues
Concise description of the proposed workshop:
Over the last few years, a myriad of new legal frameworks aimed at addressing enforcement of intellectual property rights both domestically and internationally have emerged, and rapidly became "center stage" of the Internet governance debate. Examples include: COICA, PIPA, SOPA, TPP and ACTA. Proponents argue that a new approach is needed because existing laws are insufficient to deal with infringement in the digital environment. Critics raise concerns about the potential collateral impact on free flow of information, freedom of expression and access to information, as well as the extra-territorial reach such laws may have. Views are passionate on all sides and the debate has spilled into the streets with citizens expressing their opinions in social media and protests.
Our objective is to facilitate a robust multi-stakeholder discussion about the appropriate policy infrastructure for maximizing the benefits of new technologies and allow for sustainable development of content, culture and innovation. The discussion will include:
- Views of cross-border enforcement frameworks from all stakeholders
- How are existing laws insufficient to deal with infringement in the digital environment?
- The appropriate role of internet intermediaries and ICTs in sustainable Internet development
- Seizing domain names through DNS enforcement and the risks of fragmentation
- Will structures built for copyright enforcement provide justification for censorship and surveillance by authoritarian regimes?
- What new approaches can help ensure legal frameworks provide space for freedom of expression and the free flow of information?
- How do we achieve a fair balance?
Background Paper:
Name of the organiser(s) of the workshop and their affiliation to various stakeholder groups:
Christine Runnegar, Internet Society (NGO, WEOG)
Kurt Opsahl, Electronic Frontier Foundation (NGO, WEOG)
Cynthia Wong, Center for Democracy & Technology (NGO, WEOG)
Have you, or any of your co-organisers, organised an IGF workshop before?: Yes
Please provide link(s) to workshop(s) or report(s):
http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=WSProposalsReports2010View&wspid=66 http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=Workshops2011View&wspid=205
Provide the names and affiliations of the panellists you are planning to invite:
[name to be advised], Disney/MPAA/RIAA
[name to be advised], Governmental - e.g. Norway
[name to be advised], Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Patrick Ryan, Policy Counsel, Open Internet, Google Inc.
Cynthia Wong, Center for Democracy & Technology
Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression [invited]
Cornelia Kutterer, Microsoft [invited]
Desiree Miloshevic, Senior Advisor, Public Policy & International Affairs at AFILIAS
Kurt Opsahl, Senior Staff Attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation
Christine Runnegar or Nicolas Seidler, Internet Society
Name of Remote Moderator(s):