Who and What Are Shaping the Net? An Update on the Internet Society's Policy Initiatives Michael R. Nelson Director, Internet Technology and Strategy IBM Vice President, The Internet Society James X. Dempsey Executive Director Center for Democracy and Technology In many countries, the Internet is becoming a mass media. As a result, it is providing access to information that some governments would rather their citizens not see or hear. Furthermore, new services such as Voice over IP and video streaming are threatening the profits of well-established (and powerful) telephone and broadcasting companies. As a result, more and more governments are feeling compelled to regulate or constrain services provided over the Internet. Last December, the United Nations convened the first World Summit on the Information Society where many speakers called for better "Internet governance" and more government control over the management and evolution of the Internet. The Internet Society is helping policy makers around the world understand how the Internet works and how the genius of the Internet is its decentralized, flexible structure. This session will give an overview of critical Internet policy issues and provide a chance for audience members to discuss how best to address them.   Web Link: http://www.isoc.org http://www.inet2004.org Handout: The Internet Society's Public Policy Agenda Presentation: Update on Internet Society Public Policy Activities (PPT)