Coalition for Internet freedom

IJMA3 discusses Internet protocol for the region

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Telecommunication, the Arab ICT Organization IJMA3, formed the ‘Coalition for the freedom of the Internet’ to develop a common vision for preserving freedom of access to the Internet in the Arab countries.

IJMA3 is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization gathering members of national ICT associations from 13 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The Coalition includes representatives from private sector entities in Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, and Lebanon.

The coalition’s first initiative will set and promote Internet protocol (IP) principals on national and regional levels, in line with international laws. “Our announced principles were well accepted by members of the new Coalition, but they are not compulsory,” said Nizar Zakka, General Secretary of IJMA3.

Zakka said that until March 2014, the Coalition will launch its activities in the member countries. This first round will be funded by IJMA3 for around $50,000.

“Being part of civil groups, with partners in all countries in the region, our task would be less difficult. We aim to form a lobby and exercise increasing pressure on governments,” he said.