Internet Governance: Public Statement from the Representative Director of Japan Association of New Economy
December 7, 2012

Hiroshi Mikitani
Representative Director
Japan Association of New Economy

RE: Internet Governance: Public Statement from the Representative Director of Japan Association of New Economy

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has convened the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) from December 3, 2012, in order to discuss the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) that would limit the free distribution of information through the internet. This matter cannot be ignored as it has been a crucial topic for JANE to promote the economic growth through the internet use. Therefore, I, hereafter state that the Association will continue appealing to public opinion regarding the necessity of securing the free distribution of information through the internet.

1. The internet has given rise to the innovation by various private sectors and relevant professionals who have taken initiative to operate the internet use based on their inventive ideas. As a result, it has become the great power to entrepreneurs and people all over the world, and has provided the great benefit to the internet users. Furthermore, as the world’s largest system that has ever been brought by humankind, the internet has secured an appropriate operative environment.
2. Based on the above mentioned perspective, it is not appropriate for the government or the organizations where a nation is the constitution member to administer or manage the internet operations.
3. As for the internet governance, it is our strong request to maintain the free distribution of information through the internet in fair and transparent manner secured by not the government but the private sectors as well as the multi-stakeholders.