网络中立理论及其对世界贸易组织架构下互联网政策的影响

Network Neutrality and Its Implication for Internet Governance under the WTO Mechanism

网络中立理论源于竞争法中的核心设施理论,其目的是确保互联网的开放性。目前,美国和欧盟已经在争议声中开始确立网络中立制度,这不仅对其各自的互联网产业的发展产生了重大影响,也波及到国际贸易法领域相关议题的发展。互联网的全球架构及网络中立的开放网络理念,使网络中立与世界贸易组织法律制度中的贸易自由原则产生了相当程度的契合。而世界贸易组织《服务贸易总协定》中关于竞争法义务的规定及《电信服务协议》确定的不得限制竞争及互联互通义务,在条件成熟时,都会为网络中立在国际贸易法领域的进一步适用提供必要的法律基础。这将对我国的互联网监管制度产生实质性影响。

Originated from the theory of essential facilities,network neutrality has been put forward to protect and preserve the open network of the Internet.In spite of strong resistance from the industry as well as from the academic circle,the USA and the EU has begun to establish the mechanisms to ensure network neutrality.If succeed,it would significantly influence the development of Internet industries of each of the jurisdictions.Besides,the success of network neutrality would also shape the relevant mechanism relating to international trade law.The embedded global structure,as well as the open network concept embodied in network neutrality,has made the principle of free trade within the WTO mechanisms a close concept to the network neutrality itself.Furthermore,the relevant competition commitment tried by the GATS,together with the commitments to eliminate anticompetitive practices and the obligation to offer interconnect may provide the necessary legal basis for the application of network neutrality within the international trade law system.This will also significantly have an implication for China's regulatory system regarding the Internet.