Great strides have been made in recent years to enhance global connectivity, particularly in the developing world, through the use of mobile technology. However, two thirds of the world’s population do not have any access to the internet. The digital divide is still substantial. In Iceland 91% of the population are connected, but only 0.3% of Bangladeshis have web access.
Safe and reliable online access is critical to realising the economic and social benefits of cyberspace.
The issues that the conference delegates will address will include:
- The importance of global interoperability and resilience, protocols and technical standards and the security of networks and users
- Ensuring public risk-awareness and education in secure online behaviour (particularly for vulnerable groups such as children)
- How to ensure lawful access for individuals without discrimination or interference, while protecting against abuse
- Finding the right balance between regulation and self-regulation
- The integration of SMS and web based systems to enhance international and local communication where members of society have limited access to the internet.