Xu Lin, minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 18, 2016. (Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn)
A report on the need to form international internet rules has been released on the final day of third World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province.[Special coverage]
A high-level advisory committee for the conference reviewed internet developments one year on from the Wuzhen Initiative that was released at the previous conference.
"In the past year, the Wuzhen Initiative has earned worldwide recognition. The expansion of internet infrastructure has progressed significantly, the digital economy is booming, and cross-country cultural exchanges and communication through the internet have benefited many," the report stated.
However, the report also noted "the digital divide has widened in different areas," including the availability of information infrastructure and access to digital technology for everyday life."
It also stated that there have been "large-scale data leaks" and "cyber attacks against public and corporate infrastructure" with internet development.
The report noted online threats to privacy, especially of the younger generation, and new types of cybercrime and cyber terrorism had become "more challenging and sophisticated".
Against this backdrop, report authors suggested that many countries would continue to establish international internet rules "on the basis of respecting national sovereignty in cyberspace".
"International norms and regulations will become the common aspiration of international society."
Wu Dong, secretary-general of the third World Internet Conference's organizing committee, praised President Xi's speech via video during the opening ceremony on Wednesday.
