Cross-posted from the Google Public Policy Blog report released earlier this month in Geneva, the UN’s Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue argued that restricting the flow of information via Internet blackouts violates human rights.motion demanding that the government review its website blocking plans. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe , the Organisation of American States , and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to issue a ringing joint declaration in defence of free expression on the Internet. The declaration sets out several important principles, including:Freedom of expression applies to the Internet, as it does to all means of communication. Any restrictions are acceptable only in the rarest of occasions when prescribed by law and if in compliance with international standards.
Internet service providers that provide the platform for free expression cannot be held liable for illegal or harmful content generated by third parties.
Mandatory blocking of websites or IP addresses represents an extreme measure, analogous to the prohibition of a newspaper, radio, or television station.
The “single publication rule” should be respected. It holds that damages can be recovered only once for any single piece of content.
Posted by William Echikson, Head of Free Expression Policy, Europe, Middle East and Africa
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