Web decision makers gather in Rio

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The movers and shakers responsible for the future of the world wide web congregated in Rio de Janeiro today to commence four days of discussions as part of the second annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Topics to be debated at the event include best practice, censorship, control, human rights, safety, security and standards among other things, with the overall theme focused on 'Internet Governance for Development.'

"The IGF [is] more than a talking shop, it is a gathering of interested people who care about the internet and who can give direction...and prepare the decisions that will be taken into consideration by other organisations that do have the decision-making power," Markus Kummer, executive co-ordinator of the secretariat supporting the IGF told journalists at a press conference in Geneva earlier this month as a precursor to this week's activities.

He added: "The IGF is about exchanging information, exchanging opinions and exchanging best practices. A lot of the issues we are dealing with have to be dealt with at the national level. The problem is that the internet does not recognise borders so there is a need for international co-operation."

More than 1,500 delegates from over 70 countries are expected to attend the four-day, international event, which gives the UK a prime opportunity to showcase its leadership and experience in creating a thriving web-based ecosystem.

Recently, UK internet registry Nominet held a best practice challenge aimed at identifying the best case studies from this country to highlight on the global stage at Rio.

Later on today, it is hosting a workshop entitled 'Partnership in practice' that will examine how a partnership approach can stimulate innovation, investment and a united approach to tackling and solving governance issues.

Emily Taylor of Nominet will chair the workshop together with representatives from the Department for Business and London Internet Exchange, in addition to input from panel members from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and members of parliament the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP and Ian Taylor MBE MP.

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