Information Problems Analyzing Center

Information Problems Analyzing is an non-government organization targeted to promote the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks that will support the growth of an open, democratic, affordable, decentralized, market driven and user-controlled Internet - an Internet that can drive economic growth and advance human development in countries with transient economy. IPAC are working to convene dialogue and build informed consensus among all stakeholders, providing objective expertise on policy issues, commenting on draft legislation, and assisting policymakers and civil society in achieving a better understanding of the legal environment needed for the Internet to develop. IPAC serves as a resource to local stakeholders in the Internet policy development processes.

The Need for IPAC

The development of Internet mostly depends on the legal and regulatory framework of individual countries. Consequently, nations around the world are revising their legal systems with a desire to participate in the global information, knowledge based economy. There is a critical need for a project to assist government officials, emerging Internet companies, and NGOs to craft policy frameworks and country-specific strategies for creating the environment conducive to Internet development.

The IPAC Approach

IPAC develops and advocates Internet policy reform protecting principles of state regulation transparency and prediction in ICT sector, as well as predominance of regulatory market constituents, non-discrimination, fair competition and privatization, reasonable tariffs, access to information resources, and also universal telecommunication services.

IPAC approach is to work from the top down and the bottom up to create a roundtable or dialogue involving all stakeholders - ISPs, content providers, telecommunications and wireless service providers, NGOs, universities, government officials, and foreign investors.

IPAC 's activities include:

• Defining and promoting legal and regulatory reforms that will foster Internet development.
• Working through local partners and an open, consultative process based on objective legal analysis, drawing on international models and best practices,
• Establishing working groups with Internet industry, government, non-profits.
• Educating policy-makers on the uniquely decentralized, open, market-driven nature of the Internet.
• Educational seminars for government officials, the private sector and non-profits.
• Reviewing and commenting upon local policy and legislative proposals.
• Advocacy at the international level for open Internet principles.

IPAC has began its activity in Azerbaijan since March 31, 2001, lead by IPAC director Yashar Hajyev. IPAC legal expert Akif Aliyev jointed to project in April 2002. IPAC actively involve the local and International experts into realization project on improving ICT regulation in Azerbaijan.

IPAC succeed in establishing partnership with ICT stakeholders at the local such as Internet and content providers, Ministry of Communication and Information, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Economical Development, Department of Information Recourses President Apparatus, Deputy commission of Milli Medjlis, Open Society Institute, UNDP mission, Eurasia Foundation, USAID missions, TACIS, other different Internet related programs and projects.

IPAC within state working group took part in drafting the laws on e-signature, on e-commerce, on e-document, state strategy on cyber crime etc.

IPAC Azerbaijan has realized following projects:

• Legal Support for the Global Internet Policy Initiatives (GIPI) in Azerbaijan" - granted by Open Society Institute-Azerbaijan;
• Approximation of Information Legislation of South Caucasus Countries with European Union and Council of Europe Standards - granted by Synergy project, Eurasia Foundation

IPAC Contacts

Yashar Hajiyev, director
Address: 6, Magomayev 1st turning,
Baku, Azerbaijan AZ1000
E-mail: yashar@gipi.az
http://www.gipi.az
Phones: +994 12 936626/989895
Fax: +994 12 983215

Akif Akiyev, IPAC legal expert
E-mail: akif@gipi.az