Russia and China refuse to sign “Declaration for the Future of the Internet” proposed by US and EU

• Human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the well-being of all individuals are protected and promoted;
• All can connect to the Internet, no matter where they are located, including through increased access, affordability, and digital skills;
• Individuals and businesses can trust the safety and the confidentiality of the digital technologies they use and that their privacy is protected;
• Businesses of all sizes can innovate, compete, and thrive on their merits in a fair and competitive ecosystem;
• Infrastructure is designed to be secure, interoperable, reliable, and sustainable;
• Technology is used to promote pluralism and freedom of expression, sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and the fight against global climate change.

The Declaration for the Future of the Internet was not signed by a number of countries including, Russia, China, India, Brazil, Nigeria, Philippines and Turkey .

China has reportedly monitored its citizens by using the internet in the past, as well as blocking many western websites, making them inaccessible to Chinese citizens, providing a possible reason for its refusal to sign the document. Russia, which is currently in the middle of a war with Ukraine, has also refused to sign, fearing that Western powers will use it to undermine their political moves.