[A2k] Free speech online 'under threat'

[Teresa Hackett (eIFL)]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6090448.stm

Free speech online 'under threat'

Bloggers are being asked to show their support for freedom of expression
by Amnesty International.

The human rights group also wants web log writers to highlight the
plight of fellow bloggers jailed for what they wrote in their online
journals.

The organisation said fundamental rights such as free speech faced
graver threats than ever before.

The campaign coincides with the start of a week-long UN-organised
conference that will debate the future of the net.

Watching words

"Freedom of expression online is a right, not a privilege - but it's a
right that needs defending," said Steve Ballinger of Amnesty
International. "We're asking bloggers worldwide to show their solidarity
with web users in countries where they can face jail just for
criticising the government."

Mr Ballinger said the case of Iranian blogger Kianoosh Sanjari was just
one example of the dangers that some online writers can face. Mr Sanjari
was arrested in early October following his blogging about conflicts
between the Iranian police and the supporters of Shia cleric Ayatollah
Boroujerdi.

Amnesty wanted bloggers to publicise cases such as this, said Mr
Ballinger, and to declare their backing for the right to free speech online.

The human rights group is also taking its campaign to the Internet
Governance Forum (IGF) - a group set up by the UN to act as a debating
body for national net policies. The first big meeting of the IGF takes
place in Athens from 30 October to 2 November.

"The Internet Governance Forum needs to know that the online community
is concerned about free expression online and willing to stand up for
it," said Mr Ballinger.

Many governments were using technology to suppress the free flow of
information among their citizens, said Mr Ballinger.

"People have been locked up just for expressing their views in an email
or a website," he said. "Sites and blogs have been shut down and
firewalls built to prevent access to information."

Hi-tech firms such as Yahoo and Google have been criticised for the help
they have given to nations such as China which works hard to monitor
online discussion.

In May 2006, Amnesty International started a campaign that aimed to
expose the ways that governments use the net to quash dissent.
Co-ordinated via the Irrepressible.info website, the campaign asks
websites to use an icon displaying text from censored sites.

Pledges gathered from those backing this campaign will be presented at
the IGF.