[huridocs-tech] Council of Europe adopts Declaration on freedom of communication on the Internet

New Council of Europe response to the regulatory challenges posed by the
Internet

Strasbourg, 30.05.2003 - On 28 May 2003, the Committee of Ministers of the
Council of Europe adopted a Declaration on freedom of communication on the
Internet.

The main objective is to strike a balance between freedom of expression and
information on the Internet and other rights guaranteed by the European
Convention on Human Rights, such as the protection of children against
unsuitable online content.

In response to the risk of over-regulation of Internet access, the text
underlines the principle of freedom of expression and the free circulation
of information on the Internet, in accordance with the requirements of
Article 10 (freedom of expression and information) of the European
Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Declaration condemns practices aimed
at restricting or controlling Internet access, especially for political
reasons.

The Declaration also deals with the freedom to provide services via the
Internet, the responsibility of intermediaries and the anonymity of Internet
communications.

The full text of the Declaration can be found at www.coe.int

ECHR, Article 10, paragraph 2: The exercise of these freedoms, since it
carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such
formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are described by law
and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national
security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of
disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the
protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the
disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the
authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

       Press Release
Council of Europe Spokesperson and Press Division
Ref: 291a03
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int


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