The European Union's role in Internet governance : the case of IP standard-setting : fostering social and academic apprehension of Europe's actions, viability and relevance in the realms of technology and governance

Abstract

The Internet Protocol (IP) connects devices in the Open Internet and is standardised by the stakeholder-driven IETF. A recent proposal by China to the multilateral ITU, aiming to make the Internet Protocol more susceptible to state intervention, has provoked questions about its governance. The EU is often seen as a proponent of multilateralism but appears to support the current governance structure of the IP standard-setting process. This study investigates its role in a transnational standardisation process and the routes of influence the EU can have. It touches upon common analytical frameworks in inductive qualitatively driven research. To that end, interviews were conducted and documents were analysed. The EU appears to have multiple ways to influence the IP, mainly via its normative and regulatory power. Yet, it also faces multiple challenges, tied to its internal structure, technological changes, shifting geopolitics, and the increasing calls for sovereignty and multilateralism.