Declaration for the Future of the Internet forwarded by 32 nations, including US, EU members

With the intent to “reclaiming the promise of the internet”, 32 countries including the United States (US) and European Union (EU) member nations signed “A Declaration for the Future of the Internet.” Among its key points raise the support for a future where the internet is open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure.

“Globally, we are witnessing a trend of rising digital authoritarianism where some states act to repress freedom of expression, censor independent news sites, interfere with elections, promote disinformation, and deny their citizens other human rights. At the same time, millions of people still face barriers to access and cybersecurity risks and threats undermine the trust and reliability of networks,” the White House said in a statement on the declaration’s rationale.

The partners endorsing the Declaration affirm their commitment to ensuring inclusive internet access, economic prosperity, democratic principles, and basic freedoms as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

While the Philippines was not a signatory of the declaration as of writing time, other Asian nations such as Georgia, Israel, Japan, and Maldives have placed their support. You can access the three-page declaration here.