MEPs view net censorship as a trade barrier
The European parliament recently passed (via) a resolution to treat Internet censorship by repressive regimes as a trade barrier. The proposal, submitted by Jules Maaten of the Dutch liberal VVD, passed on 19th February by 571 votes to 38. Maaten describes it as an “unusual, but effective way” to promote freedom of expression on the Internet.
The initiative is aimed at countries – such as China – that have enforced heavy restrictions on what their citizens can say or see online.
“The ‘Great Chinese Firewall’ should be seen as an international trade barrier,” Maaten said according to Livre. “In addition to American companies like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft, European Internet companies like Wanadoo, Telecom Italia, and France Telecom have to unwillingly censor their services in authoritarian states.”
The proposal now has to be considered by the European Council who can either adopt it or propose amendments back to the European Parliament. If adopted, the proposal would require the EU to classify any Internet censorship as a barrier to trade, and would require that the issue be raised in any trade negotiations.
Sunday 02 Mar 2008 | Paul | EU
