Wiley Rein's David Gross Writes Important Article on Potential United Nations Regulation of the Internet

November 30, 2011

Ambassador David A. Gross, chair of Wiley Rein's International Telecommunications Group, and M. Ethan Lucarelli have written an article in Who's Who Legal on the brewing storm surrounding the United Nations potentially regulating the Internet.

Amb. Gross and Mr. Lucarelli warn that the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is poised to regulate critical aspects of the Internet, while substantially expanding its jurisdiction over the telecoms and ICT industries. In December 2012, the ITU will hold a major treaty-writing conference in Dubai, with many countries seeking to give the agency greater influence not only over Internet governance, but also major telecom issues involving accounting rates and termination charges for next-generation networks, data privacy, cybersecurity, international mobile roaming and equipment specifications.

Amb. Gross and Mr. Lucarelli write that "it is important that telecoms, technology, and ICT lawyers, consultants, and advisers-both in-house and outside-carefully monitor the domestic and international preparations by governments leading up to this major international treaty conference as it will potentially have a material impact on companies throughout the entire sector."

To read the entire article please click here.