Summary
The internet is a common good and its governance must be a
core aspect of public policy, both at national level and in regional
and global multilateral relations.
It is vital that there is an open and inclusive dialogue among
governments, the private sector, civil society, the academic and
technical internet community and the media, with a view to developing
and implementing a shared vision of a digital society that is based
on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms.
Member States are invited to fully implement the recommendations
of the Committee of Ministers in this domain. The report calls for
public investment policies that are coherent with the objective
of universal access to the internet, the commitment of member States
to uphold Net neutrality, holistic policies for combating computer
crime and abuse of the right to freedom of expression and information
on the internet, and an effective implementation of the “security
by design” principle.
Member States should make better use of the Convention on
Cybercrime to enhance interstate collaboration and they should engage
with the United Nations High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation
and contribute to its work, advocating internet governance that
is multi-stakeholder, decentralised, transparent, responsible, collaborative
and participatory.