On 1 February 2016, the multi-stakeholder Global Network Initiative (GNI) and the Telecommunications Industry Dialogue (ID) announced that seven global telecommunication companies will join with GNI to promote and advance freedom of expression and privacy around the world.

Millicom, Nokia, Orange, Telefónica, Telenor Group, TeliaSonera, and Vodafone Group will have official observer status within the GNI.  As the GNI announcement states: "Observer status, which lasts for one year and precedes full GNI membership, is an opportunity for the ID companies to engage directly within GNI’s unique multi-stakeholder forum of ICT companies, human rights and press freedom groups, academics and investors."

Access welcomed the development.

Related: On 2 February 2016, the NYU Center for Business and Human Rights resigned its membership from the GNI.