[December 14, 2012]

CEA Expresses Strong Concern Over ITU Actions Regarding Internet Governance

The following statement can be attributed to Gary Shapiro (News - Alert), president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® in response to reports from Dubai regarding the results of the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) and any implications for Internet governance falling into the hands of ITU Member States via revision of the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs):

"The Internet has been the greatest engine for social and economic progress the world has ever known. This success comes mainly because the Internet has been largely free from over-bearing government control. For this reason, we commend Ambassador Terry Kramer and the U.S. for refusing to sign the revised ITRs. We also commend the many allied countries who have expressed refusal and to the delegations of the U.S. and our allies for their tireless efforts to defend against Internet regulation.

"As negotiations and deliberations regarding revision of the ITRs to increase Internet governance by the ITU continue, we insist they move forward in an open and transparent manner. Any secrecy or lack of transparency around the ITU's discussions of Internet governance would underscore the concerns of the millions of Internet users around the world who fear the potential consequences of ITU Internet regulation and would dramatically onflict with the openness promoted and encouraged by the Internet.

"As we saw in the United States as millions rose up to oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA), those who try to regulate the Internet against the wishes of its users will face overwhelming resistance and lose legitimacy in the eyes of the public. We implore free people around the globe to make their voices heard, and demand that their governments protect an open and free Internet."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (News - Alert) (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $206 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES (News - Alert) - The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.

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