NICTA to set industry code with internet providers

NICTA CEO Charles Punaha. 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, January 1, 2017 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)



THE National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) has indicated plans to development a code of conduct for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to govern the use of the internet in the country.

Revealed last week, the ICT regulator stated that in view of the large number of complaints being received- it has initiated consultation meetings with ISP to address the issues regarding the improper use of the internet in general.

“An agreement has been reached to collaborate and together endeavour to mitigate the abuse of the internet within the scope of the applicable laws.” NICTA CEO Charles Punaha said.

“NICTA and ISPs and other relevant stakeholders will establish how best to deal with the situation on a long term basis with the means available and without restricting freedom of expression.”

“NICTA will develop and industry code to determine the minimum standard that all members have to comply with in providing ISP services. Among other things, the code will deal with abuse of the internet and how the ISPs will deal with content on general and specifically how complaints will be addressed.”

He said a meeting held last week was attended by ISPs with plans to call other stakeholders to also get on board.

“We intend to reconvene after the New Year and start the process. Of course this has been undertaken by way of consultation because everything in the drafting of a code has to be done through a consultation process done in due process.”

“As a minimum requirement, each ISP will have an administrator to monitor the websites it hosts in order to ensure that no explicitly indecent content is published on its websites or passes through their system.”

When asked if the development of industry codes directly to ISPs would be seen by some as censorship of the web- Mr Punaha stressed that in no way was the regulator trying to prevent the rights of citizens in the areas of freedom of expression.

“Not necessarily. As we stated all along we respect the freedom of information the freedom of speech that is provided for under the constitution,” Punaha pointed out.

“But also to specify that people should not abuse those freedoms to commit against others. We are always mindful that our code will be developed within the confines of the law- the ACT and the legislation and we are also mindful to facilitate for freedoms provided.”

With plans underway to launch the country’s very first IXP (Internet Exchange Point) in the first half of 2017- NICTA has also indicated plans to consult its international partners assisting with the IXP set up to factor in the industry codes to the exchange point.