Internet Governance and Regulation: What Should Be Government’s Role?

As the Internet increasingly drives global commerce and social connectedness, the debate about government’s role in Internet governance and regulation intensifies. Proponents of Internet self-governance argue that market forces and self-regulation can go a long way toward ensuring order and standards of good behavior. Advocates for government intervention believe the Internet requires more regulation in order to flourish as a public good.

On November 15, the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings hosted a forum on the policy issues and challenges of Internet governance. David Cohen, Comcast Corporation executive vice president, presented a keynote address outlining models for Internet self-governance. Moderated by Governance Studies Director Darrell West, a panel of industry and academic experts examined arguments on the roles of self-governance and government involvement in promoting an open Internet.

David Cohen’s prepared remarks » (pdf)