[Washington, DC] – At INET Washington, DC on July 24, 2013, the Internet Society, in conjunction with George Washington University's Cyber Security Policy and Research Institute, will host a half-day of timely discussions with leading Internet privacy, security, and governance experts. The event will tackle the complex implications of recently revealed government surveillance programs around the world.
The Internet Society and others have expressed concern that policies that result in the unwarranted collection, storage, and potential correlation of user data undermine many of the key principles and relationships of trust upon which the global Internet is based. The Internet Society notes that information about a startling number of programs by governments around the world has emerged in recent weeks; developments that we believe will have a chilling effect on the growth of the Internet and the realization of its full potential as a trusted medium for free expression and creativity.
This forum will examine how to balance objectives for openness, global interoperability, and security in an online world and whether the vision of an open, innovative Internet can persist in an environment of online surveillance and data collection. Can we achieve a balance between national security, privacy, and free expression or do users have to be willing to compromise?
“It’s clear that recent reports about a government surveillance program have driven a strong public reaction, with reverberations and implications for Internet users, architecture, governance and more,” said Paul Brigner, Regional Bureau Director, North America, of the Internet Society. “This event will provide an open forum for dialogue so that all interested stakeholders understand the issues at hand and what is at stake regarding interrelated principles of privacy, security, reliability, and user choice.”
The INET Washington, DC agenda will feature a panel and roundtable discussion, each of which will cover key issues related to online privacy, security, and governance. Noted event participants include:
- John Curran, President & CEO, American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN);
- Laura DeNardis, Professor, American University School of Communications;
- Leslie Harris, President & CEO, Center for Democracy and Technology;
- Melissa Hathaway, President, Hathaway Global Strategies;
- Lance Hoffman, Distinguished Research Professor, The George Washington University;
- Randy Marchany, IT Security Officer, Virginia Tech;
- Steve Roberts, J.B. and M.C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs,The George Washington University;
- Lynn St. Amour, President & CEO, Internet Society; and
- Daniel Weitzner, Director, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab.
INET Washington, DC will be held on July 24 at George Washington University in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom from 2:00 – 6:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The entire event will also be streamed live for those unable to attend in person, http://new.livestream.com/internetsociety/INETDC2013. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.internetsociety.org/inet-washington-dc/.
About the Internet Society
The Internet Society is the trusted independent source for Internet information and thought leadership from around the world. With its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet Society promotes open dialogue on Internet policy, technology, and future development among users, companies, governments, and other organizations. Working with its members and Chapters around the world, the Internet Society enables the continued evolution and growth of the Internet for everyone. For more information, visit www.internetsociety.org.
Media Contact:
Wende Cover, Internet Society
[email protected], 703-439-2773