Q and A with an Internet Maven in Armenia

David Sandukhchyan, right, directs the newly established Internews Center for Information Law and Policy in Armenia and is Country Coordinator of the Global Internet Policy Initiative in Armenia.

David Sandukhchyan started working with Internews in 2001 as the Country Coordinator for the Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI) in Armenia, where only 5% of the population use the Internet regularly. Sandukhchyan started his legal career in one of the most problematic areas of law at the time—intellectual property rights, specifically in the digital environment. He recently established the Internews Center for Information Law and Policy. Internews Report interviewed him, naturally, by email.

How has the Internet changed life in Armenia?

The Internet has given Armenia, which is a landlocked developing country, a window onto the rest of the world. Unlike television or radio, it is a two-way communication device. It has improved Armenians’ access to worldwide information and provided the population with new business opportunities as well as entertainment.

What are your hopes for the future of information technology (IT) there?

The Internet provides a unique opportunity for the realization of the fundamental human rights of freedom of speech, expression and communication. So far, the Armenian government has focused mainly on software production, microchip design and telecommuting. But I am hoping that public policy will also address IT education, computer literacy and Internet connectivity. I hope that the Internet will become an important element of Armenian day-to-day life and work.

What has GIPI accomplished there?

GIPI Armenia improved Internet market conditions for local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which meant that the Internet became more affordable and more accessible for end users. GIPI made a significant contribution to the development of e-commerce and De-governance policy. We implemented a regional project with Georgia and Azerbaijan that analyzed the IT legislation of the three countries and developed recommendations on bringing them into compliance with European standards. GIPI’s main focus for the next two years will be developing not-for-profit networks and public access points for the Internet.

What are the biggest frustrations in this work?

My biggest frustration is with the lack of willingness among the authorities to promote the information society. Another issue that makes our work particularly difficult is the policies of Western countries (the European Union in particular) that restrict individuals’ freedoms in cyberspace. Local authorities point to these “European standards” with enthusiasm as an excuse to impose politically motivated restrictions here.

At the end of the day, how do you know if your work is making a difference?

Our work not only involves promotion of policies, but also educating people about effective policies. When I see at the end of day that a particular regulation was changed, I understand that we did good work. But that does not happen very often. If I see that more people are thinking the way we do, it means that we have made some real changes.