The Global Network Initiative publishes statements and resources on a regular basis to highlight trends and issues of concern for all stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. As a multi-stakeholder initiative, GNI draws on the collective expertise of our members and on our cumulative experience in the global implementation of the GNI Principles.
We hope these resources will further the discussion on these trends and help identify best practices for advancing freedom of expression and privacy in the ICT sector. Please check back for regular updates.
From Global Network Initiative
Issue Statements and Briefs
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GNI Statement on Protecting Intellectual Property and Upholding Free Expression and Innovation Online
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) welcomes the decision by Congressional leaders to postpone immediate consideration of proposed intellectual property legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives.
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GNI's Submission to the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
The Global Network Initiative submitted the following letter to the UN Working Group on business and human rights. Our submission and that of other stakeholders can also be viewed on their website.
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GNI Welcomes International Support for Internet Freedom
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) welcomes the high-level international attention to internet freedom at the Freedom Online ministerial conference in the Netherlands, and stands ready to engage with companies across the information and communications technology (ICT) sector at a time of increased scrutiny regarding how their practices affect internet freedom.
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Open Letter on Freedom of Expression, Intellectual Property and H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is concerned that provisions of the proposed U.S. law H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and related legislation could have dangerous unintended consequences for freedom of expression and economic innovation in the U.S. and around the world.
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Open letter to UK Home Secretary in response to the recent violence in London
On 24 August 2011, GNI wrote to the UK Home Secretary about the discussions between the Government and companies in the ICT sector following the recent violence in London.
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GNI statement on U.S. Secretary of State Clinton’s Address on Internet Freedom
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) welcomes the continued focus by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Internet freedom and her acknowledgment of our initiative. We share her emphasis on fundamental human rights and the value of an open and free Internet.
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Global Network Initiative Statement on Internet Shutdown in Egypt
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is deeply concerned that the people of Egypt have been denied access to Internet and telecommunications services. This almost unprecedented step has enormous implications for human rights.
The GNI acknowledges the difficult situation faced by companies that provide Internet and telecommunications services. We urge companies to take action to protect freedom of expression and privacy, and preserve a free and open Internet. We urge the Egyptian government to respect its international human rights commitments.
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Statement on WikiLeaks and the Implications for Companies
Recent decisions by some technology companies to restrict access to or sever ties with WikiLeaks highlight the difficulties companies face when governments attempt to restrict controversial information.
The Global Network Initiative does not take a position on WikiLeaks decision to publish these materials or on their content, but is concerned about the implications for freedom of expression and privacy online.
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Reflecting on Google in Italy (and beyond): Implications for Online Privacy and Freedom of Expression in the Internet Age
The Italian court decision to hold three Google executives criminally liable for privacy violations raises important questions for human rights and for the technology industry. Privacy and freedom of expression are fundamental rights. How to best to align policies that protect both these rights is an issue that warrants broad consideration.
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GNI Statement for Hearing on Global Internet Freedom
On March 2, 2010, U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law held a hearing on “Global Internet Freedom and the Rule of Law, Part II.” The Global Network Initiative submitted a written statement to help inform the Subcommittee’s work. This statement lays out key human rights challenges facing the ICT industry and opportunities for collaboration to promote Internet freedom.
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