The International telecommunications Union hosted, on 17 – 18 November 2014, high level talks to address the global challenges posed by counterfeit and substandard ICT products.
Leading experts representing industry, governments, regulatory authorities, international organizations and standard bodies took part in the discussions.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, said ITU's role in the addressing the issue is supported by resolution 79 adopted at the last World Telecommunication Development Conference in Dubai last April. The resolution was reinforced in Busan, Korea, at the just concluded ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
"These resolutions empowers us to enter the minefield of counterfeiting and stand up for the interest of our constituencies", said Mr Sanou. "They entrench counterfeiting countermeasures in ITU's work programme for the next four years, and very likely beyond."
He said counterfeiting is a growing problem across regions and economies with negative effect on innovation, foreign direct investment and economic growth, in addition to redirecting resources into organized criminal networks.
"ITU is seeking views on refining its role in assisting members address their concerns regarding counterfeiting in the ICT sector", he added.
The meeting heard from several governments which shared challenges and experiences, as well as on their best practices, in combating counterfeit and substandard ICT products.
This is the first time that ITU has hosted a meeting on this topic.
Participants also took part in a technology debate where ICT industry players explored various types of technologies and other technical measures used by governments and rights' holders in combating counterfeit and substandard ICT products.
Click for more details about the event.
Watch views from the participants.
Dr Robert E. Kahn, Corporation for National Research Initiatives
Glenn Jones, BASCAP, ICC and Hewlett-Packard Global Anti-Counterfeit Program
Jean Bergevin, Head, Fight Against Counterfeiting and Piracy Unit, EC
