Internet public policy issues: technical infrastructure, data protection, e-commerce, and security, among other policy areas. 2.9 Convergence The Internet has blurred the difference between telecommunication, broadcasting, information management, and media. Convergence is related to technology (a common platform for delivery data, voice and multimedia), services (variety of digital services delivered via the same medium), and regulation (the need for more integrated regulation of previously separate areas of telecommunication, information, broadcasting, etc.). Status of governance mechanisms for convergence Convergence is mainly addressed at national level. At international level, governance mechanisms are mainly used for the exchange of best practices and experiences. The ITU’s telecommunication development sector (ITU-D) has a study group on the converging environment. The Council of Europe has a steering committee on media and information, covering one aspect of convergence: the interplay between traditional and new digital media. Convergence is most directly related to net neutrality, the IoT, the role of intermediaries, ecommerce, consumer protection, and taxation. Possible gaps in dealing with convergence The mechanisms analysed appear to indicate a knowledge gap of data, research, and awareness of the impact of convergence on Internet public policy issues. 2.10 The Internet of Things (IoT) The IoT refers to the ubiquitous use of Internet-enabled devices ranging from wearables to fridges that communicate directly with a smartphone, and watches that can detect and monitor health. The IoT is also essential for the development of smart cities. The core functionality of the IoT relies on collecting and processing high volume of data in real time. Status of governance mechanisms for the IoT The governance of the IoT is at an early stage. However, for instance, the EU has a Task Force on the Internet of Things and it has also been dealt in the IGF Dynamic Coalition of the Internet on Things. The digitalisation and automation of devices, as well as the sheer volume of data to be managed, creates new challenges for regulation. Confidence in and acceptance of the IoT will also depend on the creation of a regulatory environment that provides protection for users’ rights, including privacy. The first regulatory challenge for the IoT will be how data is 15