The second Asia-Pacific Regional Policy Survey takes an in-depth look at ongoing Internet policymaking trends with the objective of gaining further insights on the most important policy themes and areas of concern as identified by Internet users in the 2014 study.
The annual survey by the Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau this year had 3,302 respondents and, unlike last year’s study was made open to non-members of the Internet Society, which made up 40% of the participants. It focuses on stakeholder perceptions towards Internet policymaking and policy issues, specifically Internet connectivity and cybersecurity.
Below are the key findings of the 2015 survey:
- Connectivity continues to be the topmost concern for stakeholders in the region
- Over-the-top services has risen to the top 10 issues for respondents, from being at the bottom in last year’s survey
- 87% of respondents would like their government to provide more opportunities for them to be involved in Internet policymaking
- 90% believed that policymakers in their country need a better understanding of Internet issues
- 94% of respondents indicated that governments should invest in developing Internet infrastructure and networks
- 99% felt that universal broadband access policies are crucial in expanding Internet connectivity to under-served populations
- 70% believed that cybersecurity and civil liberties are equally important
- 95% thought that online privacy protection should be guaranteed by national law
