US Government Opposes UN Control of Internet, Committed to Free Speech
The Unites States government is strongly opposed to UN control of the internet and will not compromise in its support for freedom of speech and expression. Ambassador David A. Gross, who serves as the U.S. for Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, is quoted as stating that, "[w]e think it's extraordinarily important that it [the internet] continue to be private sector-led." Ambassador Gross made clear that the US is not willing to compromise on its positions, especially with regard to freedom of speech. The Ambassadors remarks are particularly important since the press is reporting that "[a]dvocacy groups have claimed that nations like China, Egypt, Pakistan, Tunisia and Vietnam are hoping to use the summit to gain power to censure the dissemination of information." Should the Summit's final declaration fail to sufficiently support freedom of expression and private sector control of the internet, "[w]e're prepared to make sure that our views are clear through a separate statement or otherwise," according to the Ambassador. The US government also indicated that it would not support a proposal for creation of a UN-run "digital solidarity fund" for financing information infrastructure projects in under developed countries. Instead, the State Department noted its own "digital freedom initiative" for supporting information technology projects in the developing world. The Administration's commitment to promoting core American values in the international forum is an important step in furthering the development of democracy and economic opportunity throughout the world.