[Chapter-delegates] Internet Society’s Statement Addressing Reported Attacks Against the ITU Website

[Christine Saegesser]

Dear Colleagues, 

Please find below a message from Lynn St.Amour, President/CEO of the Internet Society:


Dear Chapters,
 
Earlier today (Dubai time) in response to several reports that the ITU website would be attacked this weekend, we released a statement saying, amongst other things, that "such actions would be wholly counterproductive, making it more difficult to have the kind of collaboration and thoughtful discussions that are needed at this critical point."  We obviously do not support these attacks and being a principled organization, we could not sit here in Dubai and not comment.
 
It has been welcomed by many here, including the ITU leadership.
 
The statement has been posted on our website at http://www.internetsociety.org/ituweb, pushed through social media channels, etc.  The statement is below and is on our home page as well.
 
Regards,
Lynn
 
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Internet Society’s Statement Addressing Reported Attacks Against the ITU Website
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The Internet Society releases the following statement from President and CEO Lynn St. Amour:
 
“The Internet Society is a strong proponent of openness, transparency, and collaboration.  Actions that disrupt these principles and impact dialogue or collaboration are counterproductive to an open and globally accessible Internet.
 
The World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) is an important event that the Internet Society hopes will contribute to greater connectivity and growth in international telecommunications. We have openly expressed our significant reservations about some of the proposals at WCIT, and this does not shake our foundational belief that an open dialogue between a broad spectrum of stakeholders around the world is the best way to ensure the continuation of the Internet’s growth and evolution.
 
Currently, numerous media reports suggest that attacks are being planned against the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) website to disrupt the WCIT proceedings in Dubai. Such actions would be wholly counterproductive, making it more difficult to have the kind of collaboration and thoughtful discussions that are needed at this critical point.
 
We urge everyone to take positive action to have their voices heard, not to restrict the very medium that amplifies that voice. Show your support, and help our collective cause by contributing constructively to a global conversation.  Share this message across your social media channels, so that everyone’s voice is heard: The Internet is open and should include #Everyone.”
 
For more information about the Internet Society and our positions on WCIT, visit http://www.internetsociety.org.