The internet is familiar to us as a collaborative, innovative space that is constantly evolving. But what if the information we had access to was limited? In this post we are going to look at the role of the multi-stakeholder model in shaping Internet Governance within Australia, how internet fragmentation is prohibiting an inclusive, open platform and the significance of WSIS+20, an event that will shape the future of the internet we know today.

The Multi-Stakeholder Model

Here in Australia, we are fortunate that the internet is supported by the multi-stakeholder model, which enables a collaborative approach to Internet Governance, something that Identity Digital supports in its entirety. As we have previously shared in a blog post, multi-stakeholder models of governance enable all stakeholders to be involved in discussions and decision making, rather than just, for example, government representatives.  

The Internet Society defines the multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance as one that allows the internet to thrive and bring together open-ended innovation, decentralised governance and open and inclusive processes. Identity Digital supports this definition, as we believe the internet is for everyone, and that we all have the right to access its information. However, in spite of this, models of internet governance promoting digital authoritarianism do exist across the globe and have resulted in a fragmented, splintered internet.

Internet Fragmentation

An example of internet fragmentation is The Great Firewall in China, which “restricts access to the global internet within the borders of mainland China.” This may prohibit the people of China from knowing what’s going on in the world, which is the exact opposite of the free, open multi-stakeholder model much of the world is used to. This is a unilateral, closed approach to internet governance, where decisions are made by the government alone. 

As our colleagues at auDA explain, the multi-stakeholder model brings together different stakeholder groups to have a say on how the internet is governed. They state that while the multi-stakeholder model is not perfect, “it remains a proven model for responding to the complex and dynamic policy and technical changes that the internet has presented.” auDA recently released their Internet Governance Roadmap Progress Report, which acknowledges their successes when it comes to promoting the value of the multi-stakeholder approach and explores areas of work that still need to be accomplished in order to secure the future of the internet. 

The value of the multi-stakeholder model was further demonstrated at the Australian Internet Governance Forum (auIGF) 2024 in Minister Michelle Rowland’s opening remarks. She acknowledged the benefits of this model in underpinning the growth and vitality of our digital economy. Minister Rowland also highlighted Australia’s contribution to upcoming events that have the potential to shape how the digital space is managed into the future.

WSIS+20

A key event that will shape the outcome of the multi-stakeholder model is the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in July this year. As this post from ASPI explains, the United Nations is conducting a 20 year review of its World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS), which formally established today’s multi-stakeholder model of Internet Governance. The article explains the battle for the open global internet and the opportunity WSIS brings in ensuring the internet remains open, inclusive and development oriented.  

Identity Digital wholeheartedly supports auDA and the Australian Government in advocating for the continuation of the multi-stakeholder model, and encourages others to consider the implications of a multilateral approach. The team at Identity Digital is working with the government, the broader Australian internet community and internationally to ensure that the conclusions of WSIS+20 support multi-stakeholder collaboration, consensus building and decision making. It is crucial that people understand that if this review does not re-endorse the multi-stakeholder model we may no longer have access to the open, free and inclusive platform that we know today.

Have a question, comment or want to get in touch? Email us today at blog@identitydigital.au