The main representative entities of the Information Technology (IT) sector expressed on May 30, through a manifest together, deep concern about Bill No. 4557/2024, which proposes substantial changes to Internet governance in the COUNTRY.
The project seeks to transfer to the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) responsibilities currently performed with excellence by the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil (CGI.br) and by the Information and Coordination Center of Ponto BR (NIC.br). The proposal includes everything from regulatory activities to essential private functions, such as the registration and maintenance of domain names, as well as the allocation of IP addresses.
According to the signatory entities, the project presents blatant unconstitutionalities and flaws in its initiative, by suggesting changes to the structure of the Executive Branch through a parliamentary proposal and by transferring private powers to a Regulatory Agency.
O manifest It also warns of the risks to Brazilian society if the project is approved. “It will disrupt the multisectoral and democratic model of Internet governance, which is an international reference and basis for business, education and social inclusion,” the document states.
Internationally recognized model of excellence
Currently, the CGI.br It is composed of twenty-one members, representing government (nine), private sector (four), technical-scientific community (four) and third sector (four). This multisectoral model has promoted a robust, plural and sustainable digital environment.
The committee supervises and delegates functions to the NIC.br, a private non-profit entity, responsible for strategic technical activities, such as the management of the national system of Internet Exchange Points and the administration of domain names and IP addresses in the COUNTRY.
The proposed Bill 4557/2024, by assigning these functions to ANATEL, dismantles the separation between Internet governance — which deals with protocols and standards — and the governance of physical telecommunications infrastructures, which is the responsibility of ANATEL. “Such separation is a pillar of international good practices, as seen in the relationship between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and entities such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA),” the manifesto points out.
Risk of institutional setback
The entities emphasize that the current model is a vector for the expansion and diversification of actors and services in the Brazilian digital environment. “Although it is always legitimate and necessary to seek to improve institutions, the proposal of PL 4557/2024 represents a serious setback by compromising an institutional arrangement that works, is efficient and is already consolidated,” they state.
Appeal to the National Congress
In view of the risks highlighted, the undersigned entities call on the Chamber of Deputies to reject PL 4557/2024, preserving the current model of Internet governance, which has guaranteed a plural, efficient and democratic environment in the COUNTRY.
Signatory entities:
ABES — Brazilian Association of Software Companies
ABINC — Brazilian Association of Internet of Things
ABRANET — Brazilian Internet Association
ASSESPRO — Confederation of Associations of Brazilian Information Technology Companies
BRAFIP — Brazilian Association for the Promotion of Innovation in Technological Platforms
FENAINFO — National Federation of Information Technology Companies
RIOSOFT — Rio de Janeiro Software Production and Export Support Center
TI RIO — Union of IT Companies of the State of Rio de Janeiro
Download the manifesto on here.
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