Canada, US, UK oppose ITU communications treaty to police the Internet

DUBAI - Negotiations to update UN telecommunications rules have collapsed with Canada, U.S. UK, and several of their allies refusing to sign the proposed International Telecommunications Regulations (ITR) tabled by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). "Canada believes in a secure, stable and resilient Internet that enables rapid innovation and delivers benefits for Canadians," said Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "The current multi-stakeholder, private sectorled model promotes innovation and the development of new digital industries." With many like-minded countries, Canada endeavoured to reach consensus on new International Telecommunication Union regulations that recognized advances in telecommunications while maintaining an open, accessible Internet. The...