Changes

==International Telecommunications Regulations (ITR)==

==International Telecommunications Regulations (ITR)==

The [[United Nations]]' [[ITU|International Telecommunication Union]] is holding the [[WCIT|World Conference on International Telecommunications]] (WCIT) in Dubai from December 3rd to December 14th, 2012. Government representatives from 178 nations around the world will be working to renegotiate the ''[[ITR|International Telecommunications Regulations]]'' (ITR), an information and communications treaty that outlines rules for how traffic should flow between telecom networks and how to calculate charges for traffic between different international carriers interfacing with one another. The treaty has not been updated since its signing in 1988.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20429625 Google attacks UN's internet treaty conference], BBCNews.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref>

The [[United Nations]]' [[ITU|International Telecommunication Union]] is holding the [[WCIT|World Conference on International Telecommunications]] (WCIT) in Dubai from December 3rd to December 14th, 2012. Government representatives from 178 nations around the world will be working to renegotiate the ''[[ITR|International Telecommunications Regulations]]'' (ITR), an information and communications treaty that outlines rules for how traffic should flow between telecom networks and how to calculate charges for traffic between different international carriers interfacing with one another. The treaty has not been updated since its signing in 1988.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20429625 Google attacks UN's internet treaty conference], BBCNews.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref> Of the goals of the updated treaty, the ITU has said that it hopes to ensure "the free flow of information around the world, promoting affordable and equitable access for all and laying the foundation for ongoing innovation and market growth".<ref name="bbcnews-1">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20445637 European Parliament warns against UN internet control], BBCNews.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref>

Of the goals of the updated treaty, the ITU has said that it hopes to ensure "the free flow of information around the world, promoting affordable and equitable access for all and laying the foundation for ongoing innovation and market growth".<ref name="bbcnews-1">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20445637 European Parliament warns against UN internet control], BBCNews.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref> A change in the treaty could include a possible shift in internet governance structures, which may change them from regulation under a U.S.-based group like [[ICANN]] to a more global organization.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/22/google-says-itu-is-wrong-place-to-make-decisions-about-the-futu/ Google says ITU is 'the wrong place to make decisions about the future of the Internet'], Engadget.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref>

One major aspect of the treaty could include a possible shift in internet governance structures, which may change them from regulation under a U.S.-based group like [[ICANN]] to a more global organization.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/22/google-says-itu-is-wrong-place-to-make-decisions-about-the-futu/ Google says ITU is 'the wrong place to make decisions about the future of the Internet'], Engadget.com. Published 22 November 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.</ref>

===Opposition===

===Opposition===