Taiwan’s Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang (top center) joins senior officials from countries and territories including Australia, Canada, the European Commission, Japan, the U.K. and U.S. April 28 in launching the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. (MOFA)
 

Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang joined representatives from over 50 countries and territories at the signing of the Declaration for the Future of the Internet April 28, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure cyberspace.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the declaration was issued during an event hosted by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington. It was attended by senior officials from Australia, Canada, the European Commission, Japan and the U.K., among others, while Tang took part via video link.

With state-sponsored and condoned malicious cyber behavior on the rise, access to the Internet is limited by some authoritarian governments and online platforms, while digital tools are increasingly used to repress freedom of expression and deny other human rights and fundamental freedoms, the declaration said.

The signatories pledged to work toward an environment that reinforces democratic systems; promotes active participation for every citizen in democratic processes; secures and protects individuals’ privacy; and promotes a free and competitive global economy.

The government is a firm believer in broadband as a basic human right, since a speech environment that is open to all and free from any control is the foundation for a prosperous digital democracy, the MOFA said.

Taiwan has been working with like-minded partners such as the U.S. toward this end, the ministry said, citing as examples various workshops on enhancing media literacy and combating disinformation staged under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework initiative.

The country is willing and able to contribute to the global community, the MOFA said, adding that the government will continue to work with other forces for good to address such global challenges for the benefits of all human beings.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Digital authoritarianism undermines free & open societies. #Taiwan stands with the #US & more than 50 other countries in signing the Declaration for the #FutureOfTheInternet. Great to see @audreyt put pen to paper & recommit Taiwan to reclaiming the promise of the Internet.” (SFC-E)