Countries clash over who should run the Internet

A United Nations group is calling for greater globalization of the Internet, but there is disagreement over who should be in charge. Where countries like Brazil and the U.S. envision public-private partnerships to that end, China’s representatives have expressed a strong sense that governance should fall squarely within the purview of nation-states.

“Internet is the common home of humanity,” said Tian Lin, the head of China’s delegation, at the annual Internet Governance Forum held in Joao Pessoa, Brazil from Nov. 10-13. “Only with a contribution of all can we actually benefit the best. The government has the role of leadership. The government combines the problems and defines the policies towards its resolutions.”