EU calls on UN body to leave internet open

The World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT), convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 3-14 December 2012, is the first ever WCIT in the history of the International Telecommunication Union.

The conference will consider a review of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs), which define the general principles for the provision and operation of international telecommunications. Signed by 178 countries, ITRs are a global treaty applied around the world.

EurActiv reports the The European Commission as saying that it would seek 'a conservative approach' to proposed changes to international telecommunications regulations (ITRs) at the conference in December 2012, which some warn could end up imposing tighter security and pricing regimes on the internet.

• Primary Source

ITU: World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12), Dubai, 3-14 December 2012. http://www.itu.int/en/wcit-12/Pages/default.aspx

ITU: International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/itr/

ETNO: Press Release, 19.4.12: Revising the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) - Preparations for WCIT 2012 http://www.etno.be/Default.aspx?tabid=2478

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