The United Nations last week formally established a working group to look at spam, cyber-security and other Internet-related issues in preparation for the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society to be held in November 2005 in Tunis.
At the WSIS's first phase held last December in Geneva, countries asked for the establishment of a working group to develop a working definition of Internet governance and to identify the relevant public-policy issues.
The panel is also responsible for fostering a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of governments, international organizations and other forums, as well as the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries.
The working group will be chaired by Nitin Desai, Mr. Annan's special adviser for the World Summit and includes 40 members from governments, the private sector and civil society representing all regions.
"We come into this process as facilitators, and will strive to establish a dialogue of good faith among all participants," said Mr. Desai.
