Declaration of Internet Freedom
July 4, 2012
Commentary by Stephen Downes

I find the latest 'declaratiuon of internet freedom', promoted by dozens of companies and individuals, to be too simplistic, written (honestly!) and what appears to be a grade four level (and about as sophisticated). The first principle, for example, is:

  • Expression: Don't censor the Internet.

Seriously? The term 'censor' - referring as it does to a legal practice and set of laws - is far too vague. Does it mean I should remove posts from my discussion board? That we should allow the propagation of spam, viruses, and phiushing attacks? Is hate literature OK? I have long preferred my own Cyberspace Charter of Rights. Which, I admit, has zero take-up.

[Direct Link] [Tags: Spam]
Comments


Your Comment

You can preview your comment and continue editing until you are satisfied with it. Comment will not be posted on the Stephen's Web until you have clicked 'Done'.

Title: - 58582
Comment:
    
Enter email to receive replies:

Your comments always remain your property, but in posting them here you agree to license under the same terms as this site (CC By-NC-SA). If your comment is offensive it will be deleted.

Automated Spam-checking is in effect. If you are a registered user you may submit links and other HTML. Anonymous users cannot post links and will have their content screened - certain words are prohibited and your comment will be analyzed to make sure it makes sense.