New Internet Protocol New IP proposed by China and Huawei, but there are concerns

Changes to key aspects of modernInternet was offered by some Chinese operators and Huawei. Despite the increased network efficiency, some of the proposed innovations are alarming. The basic Internet protocol is subject to restructuring, and proposals for changes have been submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Chinese companies suggest using insteadthe current TCP / IP standard, the new New IP protocol, which improves the efficiency of addressing and Internet management. However, there are concerns that the new protocol may be used by authoritarian authorities to control citizens and censor online. The protocol has a “shutdown command” that allows you to centrally isolate individual addresses for incoming and outgoing data. Such an opportunity will allow a state with authoritarian rule, such as, for example, China, to deprive opposition figures of the opportunity to communicate without using additional tools.

In addition, the introduction of New IP may requireuser authentication when authorizing new and existing Internet addresses. This condition is consistent with the long-standing intentions of the Chinese authorities to connect real citizens with an Internet user, which will actually allow you to identify a person using an Internet connection. Testing New IP may begin at the beginning of the next 2021.

A developer from Huawei assured that New IPDesigned for the technical processing of rapidly changing digital spaces and is not aimed at user control. During the presentation of the new protocol, a Huawei representative pointed to the use of technology to transmit “holographic sensations and control autonomous cars.” It was especially noted that the protocol will be open to developers from around the world.

However, experts believe that the statementsHuawei representative does not match the nature of the architecture and structures that offer innovations. An open protocol will not prevent government agencies from using New IP to control specific segments of the Internet. An even greater concern in the community is the possible support of the new protocol by other authoritarian regimes, especially those as powerful as Russia.

There is currently no assurance that ITUapprove the proposed innovations and approve New IP as a new standard. At the same time, many countries may refuse to adopt a new technology, which will slow down its advancement. However, human rights defenders are concerned about the very existence of such technology and its support by large companies.

Source: Engadet