Dunja Mijatović: Blocking websites is a virulent form of censorship

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, said that in the 21st century access to the Internet is the foundation for pluralism and free media.

There can be no justification for government regulations to impede Internet access.

The Internet provides unparalleled opportunities to enhance free expression and pluralism. It is an essential element to build and strengthen democracy,” Mijatović said after signing a Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet in Budapest.

Mijatović emphasized that undemocratic governments are using disingenuous arguments to block their citizens' right to access to the Internet.

“Governments that block websites are engaging in a virulent form of censorship that is simply unacceptable,” Radio Svaboda cites her statement. “Cutting off access on the grounds of national security or public order should never serve as a pretext for hindering freedom of expression and the free flow of information.”

The Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet was also signed by three special rapporteurs on free speech.

In the Joint Declaration, the free expression advocates agreed, inter alia:

• Freedom of expression applies to the Internet, as it does to all means of communication;

• No one who simply provides technical Internet services should be liable for content generated by others;

• Content filtering systems which are imposed by a government or commercial service provider are not justifiable as a restriction on freedom of expression;

• Self-regulation can be an effective tool in redressing harmful content, and should be promoted.