IGF 2019 OF #8
Trust, norms and freedom in the Internet

In 2018, the world reached an important milestone – more than 50% of its population had access to the Internet. Open and interoperable internet has provided a platform for enormous economic development and political progress globally. Non-discriminatory access to and accessibility of the Internet are crucial for enabling and promoting the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association. It is critical that the stability of this platform is maintained by managing the increasing challenges. For many states, open, free and accessible cyberspace is part of their democratic identity; for some, Internet governance may seem to be yet another tool for executing state control.