Nerd world conference spells end of the world as we know it
Updated: 2012-12-11 09:20
By Jules Quartly (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
The Internet is such an important part of our lives that you would think attempts to change its structure would be of significance to all. But that is not the way things work. Hands up. Who's heard of WCIT-12?
The hugely important nerd World Conference on International Telecommunications is ongoing and scheduled to end on Friday. Delegates from 193 governments are in attendance and set to change the rules of Internet governance.
Related: Missouri an inalienable part of the United States
The last treaty regulating international voice, data and video traffic was inked 24 years ago in Australia, when I was paying extortionate telephone charges on fixed lines.
Since then, obviously, mobile phones and the Internet have transformed into the most important tools of our daily lives, both at work and play.
Naturally, this UN-sponsored conference is a long-overdue excuse for governments to get political, an opportunity for companies to make more money and for hacktivists to register their disapproval.
Anonymous, that evolving Internet group currently outing misogynists in another campaign, has made its feelings known by hacking the conference. Minutes of the meetings are being leaked online, and it makes interesting reading.
According to the website ZDNet.com (part of CBS Corp), one "WCIT-12 leak shows Russia, China and others seek to define 'government-controlled Internet'".
Related: You can call it retro if you like, but it looks old to me
Related Stories
You can call it retro if you like, but it looks old to me 2012-12-04 09:22
Missouri an inalienable part of the United States 2012-11-20 09:47
Bread, circuses and hair removal creams 2012-10-30 09:27
Long life isn't such a big riddle 2012-10-24 09:12
Do cyberwars really keep us from fighting? 2012-09-25 09:37
Today's Top News
Rescuers race against time for quake victims
Telecom workers restore links
Coal mine blast kills 18 in Jilin
Intl scholarship puts China on the map
More bird flu patients discharged
Gold loses sheen, but still a safe bet
US 'turns blind eye to human rights'
Telecom workers restore links
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
All-out efforts to save lives |
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Poultry industry under pressure |
'Spring' in the air for NGOs? |
Boy set to drive Chinese golf |
Latest technology gets people talking |