Statement

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05), a Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, released the following statement today praising the decision by the White House to not ratify a United Nations telecommunications treaty that would open the door for government to control the Internet:

"I am troubled by the decision announced in Dubai regarding U.N. influence over the Internet. Any international authority based on a top-down, government-controlled regime over the internet is troublesome. I believe the U.S. Delegation worked diligently, under difficult circumstances, to craft a deal that protects a free and open Internet. Ultimately, however, I believe that the Administration made the right decision by refusing to support a bad policy.

"A free and open Internet is critical for both consumers and industry, and is necessary for the advancement of American innovation and ingenuity. I believe the multi-stakeholder approach must continue to define internet governance, rather than a governmental body. It is my hope moving forward that the U.S. continues to urge all governments to maintain a free, and open Internet. We need to continue to promote innovation and openness of the Internet around the globe."