Report makes case for more rules to govern internet

Xu Lin, minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 18, 2016. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

A report on the need to form international internet rules has been released on the final day of third World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province.

A high-level advisory committee for the conference reviewed internet developments one year on from the Wuzhen Initiative that was released at the previous conference.

"In the past year, the Wuzhen Initiative has earned worldwide recognition. The expansion of internet infrastructure has progressed significantly, the digital economy is booming, and cross-country cultural exchanges and communication through the internet have benefited many," the report stated.

However, the report also noted "the digital divide has widened in different areas," including the availability of information infrastructure and access to digital technology for everyday life."

It also stated that there have been "large-scale data leaks" and "cyber attacks against public and corporate infrastructure" with internet development.

Xu Lin, minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 18, 2016. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

The report noted online threats to privacy, especially of the younger generation, and new types of cybercrime and cyber terrorism had become "more challenging and sophisticated".

Against this backdrop, report authors suggested that many countries would continue to establish international internet rules "on the basis of respecting national sovereignty in cyberspace".

"International norms and regulations will become the common aspiration of international society."

Wu Dong, secretary-general of the third World Internet Conference's organizing committee, praised President Xi Jinping's speech via video during the opening ceremony on Wednesday.

The conference released a list of the "world-leading internet scientific and technological achievements" for the first time after screening more than 500 technological achievements nominated by candidates in China and abroad. The achievements were considered "word-leading" as they made breakthroughs in various areas, including driver assistance and artificial intelligence.

He said the conference was covered by 678 reporters, including more than 100 from overseas, from 165 different media outlets.

Feng Fei, vice-governor of Zhejiang, said the event had given government officials and entrepreneurs in the province a chance to meet and talk with world-leading internet companies.

With the theme "Innovation-driven Internet Development for the Benefit of All – Building a Community of Common Future in Cyberspace", the conference attracted 1,600 delegates from more than 110 countries and regions and 16 international organizations.

There were 16 forums covering 20 hot issues during the conference, such as internet economy, internet innovation, internet culture, governance in cyberspace and international cooperation on internet.