Examining Internet Fragmentation at ICANN79

I recently led a small delegation from InternetNZ to ICANN79 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The theme of this ICANN meeting was ‘One world One internet’. What could be more relevant to maintaining a global Internet than understanding more about the threats of fragmentation? As New Zealanders, it’s important we understand the significance of Internet Fragmentation and its implications for our current digital ecosystem.

What is Internet Fragmentation? 

Fragmentation occurs when the Internet becomes divided or fractured due to various factors, including technical, user experience, and governance issues. While there's no universal definition, recent frameworks have attempted to categorise it into ‘dimensions’. These were examined at ICANN79 and helped us see where we are at with this issue in 2024.

An example of technical fragmentation is if there was a secondary number identification system so the numbers system stops being unique and universal.

Can countries turn off the Internet? 

There are lots of user experience challenges that lead to fragmentation, like app functionality being different in different markets, or governments turning off the Internet in geographic areas for political or social reasons. Governance-based fragmentation would be where the processes and protocols that currently form the global decision making layer of the Internet (Internet Governance ) break down or fail. From technical challenges, to user experience issues, and governance dilemmas, each dimension poses unique threats to the integrity and interoperability of the Internet.
Political agendas— what we need to look out for

Political interference in any of the three types of Internet fragmentation is possible. Governments can ‘turn off’ the Internet, block access to elements of it, or undermine its multi stakeholder governance by excluding key parties. This would mean that  governments make decisions rather than the combination of civil society, technical community, academic, business and governments. The geopolitics of the world right now presents real risks to the ‘One World One Internet’ model. Even if our government is not turning off the internet for political gain, our access to the people and markets in those countries is compromised.

What it means for us — implications for Aotearoa

As a country deeply integrated into the global digital landscape, New Zealand stands to be affected by fragmentation.

Fragmentation poses risks to New Zealand's digital economy, affecting trade, innovation, and access to global markets. Ensuring a unified and interoperable internet is essential for sustaining economic growth and competitiveness.

Internet fragmentation can challenge our cultural identity and sovereignty by limiting access to information, allowing misinformation to run amok, and eroding control over digital resources. We need to strike a balance between digital sovereignty and global connectivity in order to preserve our mana and national interests.

Our participation in international forums like ICANN and engagement with global internet governance processes are vital for shaping policies that safeguard the internet's openness, security, and accessibility. By advocating for multi stakeholder approaches and prioritising collaboration, we can contribute to mitigating the risks.

Next Steps for the Internet Community here and around the world:

All stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society, and technical experts need to collaborate and address the challenges posed by Internet Fragmentation. We can do this by:

Protecting Multi-stakeholder Models: Defending the multistakeholder approach to Internet governance is essential for preserving inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes.
Enhancing Coordination: Improving coordination among Internet governance bodies, and fostering dialogue between national governments and global forums, can help prevent Internet Fragmentation and ensure coherent policy development.
Raise Awareness and Build Capacity: Educating stakeholders about the implications of and building capacity for effective participation in Internet governance processes are critical steps toward safeguarding the internet's unity and resilience.

Thanks for engaging in this important topic!

Check out the ICANN79 Internet Fragmentation Session and for more on our Internet governance work read this blog. We’re going to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in shaping the future of the Internet, both globally and here in Aotearoa.