Pitcom Warns Government Against Internet Regulation

A parliamentary body has advised the government to think carefully about its net neutrality policy. In the light of recent revolutionary activity, the policy-makers should consider how far Internet control should be kept away from governments. The UK should instead consider how it can support technologies to promote uncensored Internet access.

The impact of IT has not just helped to revolutionise business practices, it has also played its part in actual revolutions, the Parliamentary IT Committee (Pitcom) claimed.

The Tools Of Revolution

In a briefing for MPs and the House of Lords, Pitcom pointed out the important role that the Internet and mobile communications have played in the current unrest in the Arab states. The report advised that support for these services can aid regime change but warned that the converse can be true as anti-democratic forces often use these technologies for control.

Alun Michael, chair of Pitcom, said that the developing world is reaping great benefits from technology in health care and banking but the effects do not stop there.

“Most recently in Africa and the Middle East it has been used by protesters to coordinate and publicise their efforts – but governments in the region have used it to their advantage too, as mobile technology can be used to pin-point the location of protesters,” he told Publicservice.com.

He pointed out that the technology benefits can be a “double-edged sword”. In Egypt and Libya, control of the phone and Internet infrastructures has hindered the command and control systems of the dissident factions.

Careful management required

He advised the politicians to be aware that all aspects need to be influenced and managed carefully “otherwise they will be manipulated to the detriment of mankind”. He recommends that governments should consider how technologies can be used to enhance or undermine basic freedoms.

Pitcom admits that technology does not cause revolution but, when commercial software may be controlled, the use of open source web proxy software can allow oppressed people to battle against oppressive regimes. Enabling access to social media can further advance these causes.

Pitcom advises that enabling people to “move news” is a powerful tool for promoting democracy and enabling it to flourish.