By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
The chief American delegate at a U.N. conference weighing possible Internet rules says the U.S. may snub the final document over proposals interpreted as giving governments greater oversight over the Web.
A disappointed American delegation led a Western snub of a U.N. telecommunications treaty Thursday after rivals, including Iran and China, won support for provisions interpreted as endorsing greater government control of the Internet.
Talks over possible new U.N. regulations for the Internet were deeply divided Monday, with Russia and others advocating for more government control, while a U.S.-led bloc warned against rules that could restrict freedoms in cyberspace.
Talks over proposed U.N. regulations for the Internet were deeply divided Monday, with Russia and others advocating for more government sway while a U.S.-led bloc warned against rules that could restrict freedoms in cyberspace.
The U.N.'s top telecommunications overseer sought Monday to quell worries about greater Internet controls emerging from global talks in Dubai, but any attempts for major Web regulations likely will face stiff opposition from groups led by a high-powered U.S. delegation.
In response, the head of the U.S. delegation, Ambassador Terry Kramer, said: "We do not believe the focus of this conference should be on the Internet, and we did not come to this conference in anticipation of a discussion on the Internet."
In a packed meeting hall, the head of the U.S. delegation, Ambassador Terry Kramer, said he could not sign the final accord, noting a "heavy heart and a sense of missed opportunities."
