A unified approach is stronger than a single entity acting on its own. Taiwan, just recently, joined a host of other nations led by the United States to agree on the use of the internet to advance mankind’s positive transformation. Specifically, Taiwan joined dozens of countries in signing a declaration led by the United States to promote a free and open internet. This is a call towards an open flow of knowledge and to counter uncalled-for harmful, undemocratic actions.
Thus, on behalf of Taiwan’s government, Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang made the country’s resolve for a better internet known by signing the Declaration for the Future of the Internet, an initiative launched by the United States recently. The signing of the agreement happened in a ceremony virtually held at the White House. There were 60 countries that signed the agreement. Among these are Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission.
Tang was affirmative of the call for a better internet. After the signing, she later took to social media to say that it remained an urgent task for democratic nations to build an internet environment where economic and social development is encouraged and democratic values and individual rights are protected. Thereby, Taiwan can contribute to the task up ahead as taken on by the declaration’s signatories, Tang added.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the country’s participation in the initiative was the latest example of the close partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. and the U.S.’ support for Taiwan’s engagement in international affairs. Moreover, MOFA disclosed in its statement that Taiwan would continue working with like-minded countries to contribute to efforts to tackle global challenges.
Commenting on the declaration, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a separate statement that “the future of the internet is also the future of democracy, of humankind.”
Like-minded countries from all over the world are setting out a shared vision for the future of the internet, to make sure that the values we hold true offline are also protected online, to make the internet a safe place and trusted space for everyone, and to ensure that the internet serves our individual freedom.
– Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission
The White House detailed 60 countries have endorsed the declaration that aims to support a future for the Internet that is open, free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure and affirms our commitment to protecting and respecting human rights online and across the digital ecosystem.
Through this initiative, the U.S. and its partners will work to tackle what they described as “rising digital authoritarianism,” the statement said. This refers to some states that had acted to:
- repress freedom of expression
- censor independent news sites
- interfere with elections
- promote disinformation
- deny their citizens other human rights
Signatories are committed to protecting human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all people while strengthening a multistakeholder approach to governance that keeps the internet running for the benefit of all. In addition, countries that backed the declaration agreed to promote a global internet that advances the free flow of information and trust in the global digital ecosystem, including through the protection of privacy. They will also strive to advance inclusive and affordable connectivity so that all people can benefit from the digital economy.