The internet, its governance, and the multi-stakeholder model

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of key issues and concepts related to discussions of the internet, its governance, and its multi-stakeholder model. Design/methodology/approach – The method adopted is to discuss definitions of internet, to identify the key characteristics of internet, to define the multi-stakeholder approach, and to discuss the results it has achieved. Findings – The article finds that the internet is different from other networks, albeit not exactly in the ways that are commonly mentioned, and it finds that the internet's current governance mechanisms can be improved, in particular by increasing the role of more traditional governance mechanisms such as intergovernmental organizations. Originality/value – The analysis and conclusions are not found in previous literature, and they are meant to provoke further research and discussion.