From Global Network Initiative

Issue Statements and Briefs

• 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.
  

  
  

• 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. 
  

  
  

• GNI Publishes Key Issues for Consideration in GNI Implementation Dialogue

  The GNI has established an "Implementation Dialogue" to explore how the Principles and Implementation Guidelines may be adapted to other segments of the ICT industry. To inform this dialogue, the GNI today published a short document setting out some of the key issues that need to be addressed in order to understand how the GNI Principles and Implementation Guidelines can be made more relevant for a wider range of ICT companies.

  
  

• GNI Statement on Google’s New Approach to China

  Google’s decision to reconsider its business in China is an indication of the tough choices information and communications technology (ICT) companies face around the world where respect for human rights is at risk. The Global Network Initiative provides principles, guidelines and support to help companies think through these choices and make decisions that protect freedom of expression and privacy for hundreds of millions of Internet users around the world.

  
  

• GNI Identifies Intermediary Liability for Carriers and Platforms for User Generated Content as a Key Issue for Business and Public Policy

  When companies are held liable for content uploaded or sent by users, freedom of expression can suffer. Collaborative efforts should help advance policy solutions that better protect fundamental rights to expression and access to information.

  
  

• GNI Principles Offer Guidance to ICT Manufacturing and Software Sector [UPDATE 08.19: Official update on Green Dam]

  The GNI is actively monitoring developments regarding the Chinese government’s directive that requires computer manufacturers to install the Green Dam/Youth Escort content control software on personal computers produced or sold in China. This directive is ostensibly intended to protect children from sexually explicit content, but in fact raises significant challenges for companies in the technology sector that also have a responsibility to respect human rights. The GNI offers a multi-stakeholder forum that provides operational guidance and a credible system for companies to develop effective strategies in response to these challenges.

  
  

• GNI Responds To Increased Censorship of Online Publishing Services and User Generated Content

  In responding to the removal, censorship and blocking of online publishing services – home to increasingly popular user generated content such as blogs, videos and photos – the Global Network Initiative stated today that its participating companies will continue to take steps to minimize the impact on users and the public and to encourage governments to protect the right to freedom of expression.