(Lack Of) Representation of Non Western World in process of creation of Web standards

TL;DR

This paper examines the underrepresentation of non-Western and female participants in the development of web standards, highlighting diversity issues in the W3C's processes.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of participation disparities in W3C standard development, emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity.

Findings

Significant underrepresentation of non-Western contributors

Gender diversity is notably lacking in EME debates

Participation from diverse backgrounds is limited

Abstract

World Wide Consortium (W3C) as an standard setting organization for the world wide web plays a very important role in shaping the web. We focus on the ongoing controversy related to Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) and found that there was a serious lack of participation from people from non western countries. We also found serious lack of gender diversity in the EME debate.