European Quartet of Missed Opportunities for Internet Governance

Who controls the Internet? Conventionally, it is assumed that the hegemony, if not monopoly, of the U.S. Government over the Internet governance is a fait accompli generated by the historic evolution, as well as the economic and political power which the USA asserted in an almost aggressive manner. This assumption is the result of a set of myths and misinformation and deserves to be corrected while presenting both American and European perspectives, in the context of the real managerial and technical setting. This black-and-white perception is to be rejected and replaced by a colorful mosaic showing that a set of misunderstandings and aborted opportunities shaped the pathway to the status quo. An active and strong impact over the Internet governance was several times close to European hands, and it is highly instructive to analyze these situations where Europeans did not manage to get involved in the top Internet management. Four decades, four sets of opportunities and four failures for many business management and other reasons are detailed. Considering the global situation, Europeans cannot afford repeating such mistakes. Taking into account the current stage of the relationship between the EU and USA, especially Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a consensus, or at least a respected tolerance, of the management of the Internet and governance over it is critical.