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WEF report highlights risk of Internet fragmentation

Xinhua, January 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Concern has been growing over the past two years that the global public Internet is in danger of splintering into a series of bordered cyberspace segments, according to a new report published Saturday by World Economic Forum (WEF) in its annual meeting.

The report, contributed by leading experts to help build a shared understanding and advance the emerging conversation about this global challenge, cites 28 examples arising from technical, governmental and commercial trends.

The troubling trends have emerged that could endanger the openness and consistency of the Internet underlying infrastructure and erect barriers to some of the content and transactions it conveys, according to the report.

"As a first-cut overview of the landscape of Internet fragmentation, this paper is an important new resource for everyone who cares about the Internet's ongoing contribution to human progress and potential," said Richard Samans, an expert from WEF.

The report concluded that meeting the challenge of Internet fragmentation will require vigilance, analysis and international cooperation involving all relevant stakeholders.

The 46th WEF Annual Meeting is set to wrap up on Saturday night, with the participation of over 2,500 leaders from business, government, international organizations, civil society, academia, media and the arts. Enditem