G8 Research Group

Members of the e-G8 delegation spoke to the press about the proceeding of the e-G8 summit in Deauville. Among the speakers were Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook, and Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google. The delegation emphasized the direct and open nature of the talks, the results of which will be presented to the G8 heads of state in the coming days. The speakers highlighted the positive aspects of the internet, such as job creation, digitization of business, benefits to health care, education, and research and development. They unanimously agreed that free and open access to the internet should be made available to all stating that this could fundamentally change the nature of relations between the state and its citizens.
In regards to internet regulation, the speakers agreed that it may be necessary, but stressed the dangers of regulation that would hinder innovation. Schmidt advised that policy makers pursued a technological solution, rather than outright bans.
Intellectual property was discussed, but the conclusions are less certain. Again, they agreed that intellectual property should be protected, but not at the expense of internet growth and development, the social benefits of which would be huge.
The speakers all agreed that the e-G8 meeting was a success and expressed interest in making it annual. The response of the G8 leaders to the conclusions remains to be seen.