UN expert: Cutting Web access 'disproportionate'

[philw]

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/un-expert-cutting-web-access-disproportionate-20110519-1ev80.html

UN expert: Cutting Web access 'disproportionate'

The U.N.'s independent expert on freedom of speech says governments that cut users' access to the Internet are violating a basic human right "regardless of the justification provided."

Frank La Rue says blocking Net access is "disproportionate," whether it is a blanket ban imposed during times of political unrest or against individuals for violating specific laws.

Britain last year announced it planned to follow France's lead to cut off Internet access to people who illegally download copyright-protected material.

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La Rue's report made available Thursday also urges governments to decriminalize all forms of defamation and ensure Web users can express themselves anonymously.

The report will be discussed by the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva next month.

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Online:

http://bit.ly/k4C0eC.

so  it is ok by the UN to not censor the Net  however they don't want us having firearms.... 
 up yours  UN

[fightingquaker13]

I'd say its a step in the right direction. There is a reason the Bill of Rights was put in a particular order. The 1A, guaranteeing the right to free speech and protest was and is our most important right. The 2A, guaranteeing the right to bear arms was there as a fall back, in case "sweet reason" didn't work. I'm delighted the UN is standing for free speech. As it continues to be violated by tyrannies and nanny states alike, here's hoping they recognize the right to have the means to do something about it.
FQ13 who is not holding my breath, as the UN represents governments, not persons.

[JC5123]

I'd say its a step in the right direction. There is a reason the Bill of Rights was put in a particular order. The 1A, guaranteeing the right to free speech and protest was and is our most important right. The 2A, guaranteeing the right to bear arms was there as a fall back, in case "sweet reason" didn't work. I'm delighted the UN is standing for free speech. As it continues to be violated by tyrannies and nanny states alike, here's hoping they recognize the right to have the means to do something about it.
FQ13 who is not holding my breath, as the UN represents governments, not persons.

You do realize that those rights only apply to U.S. citizens right? Other countries without our Constitution and bill of rights can, and DO whatever the hell they want to their citizens er subjects.

[fightingquaker13]

You do realize that those rights only apply to U.S. citizens right? Other countries without our Constitution and bill of rights can, and DO whatever the hell they want to their citizens er subjects.

Wrong JC, those rights are universal and apply to all people. We are just lucky that our Constitution recognized and codified them. The way I see it, another governing body at least begining to recognize a portion of our God given rights is a good thing.
FQ13

[MikeBjerum]

Wrong JC, those rights are universal and apply to all people. We are just lucky that our Constitution recognized and codified them. The way I see it, another governing body at least begining to recognize a portion of our God given rights is a good thing.
FQ13

The founders of the United States of America saw it that way, and those that retain the heritage of our nation believe that.  However, that is our system, and we have a history of getting our self in it deep when we try to make the world follow our beliefs.

By the way, have I said get us out of the United Nations lately?  If you pay attention to the actions of the United Nations you will see that they are not about representing us as much as blending us with the rest of the world.  Sorry boys, but I like what this nation was intended to be, and you can keep your fingers out of our business!  Oh yea, you can also start reimbursing us for being your bounty hunter and enforcer as your appointed cop whenever the "United Nations" takes military action.

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