Internet Industry Association

Last week in Melbourne the IIA launched its "manifesto on internet policy and regulation, with principles and recommendations to guide decision making".

A PDF copy of the guide is available at http://iia.net.au/images/resources/pdf/manifesto-2010.pdf

A podcast 'Twisted Wire' interview by Phil Dobbie talking with Peter Coroneos about the main points of the Manifesto is available for download here.

"We're interested in the responses by political parties to our recommendations over the coming weeks," IIA chief executive, Peter Coroneos, said.

First and foremost on the list of policy priorities is the need for ubiquitous, open access fibre to the premises, by whatever name. We look at the option of wireless as an alternative to fibre and conclude the massive growth in mobile internet is a good reason why fibre is necessary and must happen soon. A fibre investment will help underpin mobile data services, so they are mutually supporting.

The Manifesto focusses on five main policy areas:

• broadband
• eSecurity
• cybersafety
• copyright; and
• data retention.

In each area we examine policy responses in light of the speed of technological change and the global nature of the internet which is outstripping the ability of legislation and legislators to keep up. We advance policy principles to guide decision making in these complex areas, together with recommendations for action.

"A recurrent theme is can we or should we regulate the internet to tackle social policy challenges arising in the wake of rapid technological change without damaging our capacity to innovate and compete? If laws are passed, can they be enforced? Is technology to blame or are we really dealing with age old human problems that neither laws nor technology can regulate?"

The lack of a solid evidence base for social policy decisions is highlighted in the report, and a call is made for the benchmarking of our regulation against overseas jurisdictions to ensure we become a 'Net-friendly' destination for innovation and investment.

The document is the work of the Internet Industry Association. Given the diversity of IIA's broad based membership there are necessarily a range of opinions within the member base. Consequently, the perspectives, principles and recommendations contained within do not necessarily imply the endorsement of any individual member organisation.

About the IIA: promoting a faster, safer, fairer, more trusted internet for Australia.
The IIA (www.iia.net.au) provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives that enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the Net within Australia.

For further comment or background, contact

Peter Coroneos
peterc@iia.net.au
Chief Executive, IIA
Ph: 02 6232 6900