Online campaigners 38 Degrees have launched an attack on Mandelson's plans to give himself the power to order internet cut-offs without trial. Other campaigners from a range of NGOs are getting in touch with us about this: there is a growing sense of outrage among people who know that the internet is the most important political tool we have.
The right to our freedom of expression cannot be withdrawn without very good cause and due process. An accusation of a financial offence like copyright infringement is not a cause to restrict someone's freedom of speech.
Similarly, the right to a fair trial cannot be circumvented because of the inconvenience it may cause. Mandelson's proposals to place draconian powers in his own hands will be fought, and hopefully won.
J D:
Aug 28, 2009 at 05:34 PM
@Ricardo
Democratic Governments have certain responsibilities to maintain & "Dictatorship" becomes a very short step when powers are introduced which tend to Circumvent due Process of Law & Basic Human Rights!
Louise Ferguson:
Aug 29, 2009 at 09:28 AM
@ Ricardo
Well he hasn't been elected, has he? ;-)
Ronzig the Wizard:
Aug 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Freedom of Information
In this, The Age of Information, it is essential that everyone gain unrestricted access to the internet. It is worrisome that a huge proportion of Canadian and American citizens do not have access to a broadband internet connection. This phenomenon is called the Digital Divide since it essentially divides those who do not have access from effectively being able to participate fully in today’s society.
The current battle which threatens to eliminate all effective activism really has me terrified. All the major ISP's are doing their worst to eliminate net neutrality. If they succeed, the internet will become like all mainstream media, a source of propaganda for the elite that ignores everything that the people have to say. I'm working on a new page for my website that will deal exclusively with the internet and how it must be protected as the ONLY means for the common people to voice their concerns.
The recent proposals by British and French governments to curtail access to the internet arbitrarily and without due process of law to people who they deem unworthy is a first step towards widespread censorship of the internet,
All peoples, particularly activists should be concerned about the expanding threats to our ability to communicate broadly, for if these measures are allowed to proceed, civilization will be set back to the Twentieth Century where the only means of communicating ideas broadly was held by the elite and all ordinary citizens were virtually silenced. We must oppose our RIGHT to free, open and unrestricted access to the internet. Censorship in any form must not be allowed.
Links 30/08/2009: Dell’s GNU/Linux in Europe | Boycott Novell:
Aug 31, 2009 at 12:49 AM
[...] 38 Degrees backs campaign against ‘Digital Dictator’ Mandelson Online campaigners 38 Degrees have launched an attack on Mandelson’s plans to give himself the power to order internet cut-offs without trial. Other campaigners from a range of NGOs are getting in touch with us about this: there is a growing sense of outrage among people who know that the internet is the most important political tool we have. [...]
Ricardo:
Aug 28, 2009 at 05:09 PM
‘Digital Dictator’ seems a bit strong: proportion?
Margret:
Mar 23, 2010 at 07:15 AM
Mandelson is attemting to erode even more of our privacy. Before much longer we will have no control over our personal lives be they digital or otherwise.