America beats Russia in United Nations election that determines the future of the internet

Doreen Bogdan-Martin will head the International Telecommunication Union for the next four years

Adam Smith
Thursday 29 September 2022 14:54 BST
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The United States’ candidate Doreen Bogdan-Martin has beaten Russia’s Rashid Ismailov in an election to head the International Telecommunication Union, which oversees internet and communication standards.

The election was seen as a ideological race between a continuation of an internet led by the US , or a “humanization” of the infrastructure against American “dominance” online, as Mr Ismailov described it.

“The world is facing significant challenges – escalating conflicts, a climate crisis, food security, gender inequalities, and 2.7 billion people with no access to the internet,” said Ms Bogdan-Martin after winning. “I believe we, the ITU and our members, have an opportunity to make a transformational contribution.”

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