Dear Michel Bauwens,
The Centre for
Internet & Society (CIS) and the Observer Research
Foundation in association with Centre for Global Communication
Studies, Annenberg School for Communication, University of
Pennnsylvania and Internet Policy Observatory is organizing
this event at the Observer Research Foundation's office in New
Delhi from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on December 12, 2015.
Context
Net
neutrality can broadly be understood as the principle of
non-discrimination which in practice allows the internet to be
free and open by preventing service providers from slowing or
interfering with the transfer of data. Net neutrality has
risen as a global policy issue, yet cultural, political,
commercial, and economical factors influence how net
neutrality is understood and addressed in a particular
context. Indeed, the factors driving the net neutrality
debate, the way in which governments are addressing net
neutrality, the role and response of industry, the public
response, and the role of civil society has been varied across
contexts. The topic of net neutrality is not limited to a
technical debate and brings together a number of issues
including the right to access, the right to freedom of
expression, fair competition practices, and privacy.
This conference
seeks to bring together domain experts, industry, government,
and civil society across South Asia to understand how net
neutrality is understood in different contexts, how it is
being addressed from a policy point of view, what the varying
public dialogues around net neutrality are, and what role
civil society can play in influencing the debate.
Thanks and regards,
Prasad