US, EU Members Among 60 Nations Calling for Open, Global Internet

The U.S., European Union members and 32 like-minded nations have said they want to see the internet stay open and global in the wake of threats of fragmentation, firewalls and privacy violations.

• The "Declaration for the Future of the Internet" warns of a rise in cybercrime and malicious behavior online, and that the invasion of Ukraine could disrupt the internet, or lead to Russia disconnecting from it entirely.
• The statement points out the online economy has become "highly concentrated," raising concerns over data use, and calls for the internet to operate as a "single, decentralized network of networks."
• Signatories call on online platforms to get rid of harmful content online without quashing freedom of expression – just after the 27-nation EU passed laws with the same goals, focused on web giants like Meta and Google.
• Sixty countries signed up, including the U.K., Israel, Australia, Japan and Kenya. Nevertheless, big emerging economies such as China, Russia, Brazil and India are absent.