UNESCO adressed Budapest Conference on Cyberspace

Graphic poster produced during the Budapest Conference on Cyberspace

Freedom of speech should not be compromised by measures taken in the name of cybersecurity – whether these measures are against cyberfraud or cyberwarfare. This was the message delivered by Guy Berger, UNESCO’s Director of Freedom of Expression and Media Development, at the Budapest Conference on Cyberspace on 4 and 5 October 2012.

The Conference was convened by the government of Hungary. It followed the 2011 London Conference and built on 2001 Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

UNESCO’s input at the Conference stressed the importance for cyber security measures to following international standards concerning policies and practices that could limit freedom of expression.

“These standards place strong conditions about transparence, predictability, legitimate purposes and due process, on any limitations of freedom of speech. Only by following these standards can we confine the limitations to the narrowest range and avoid both arbitrary and hidden violations,” said Berger.

The speech by Guy Berger is available here.

Freedom of Expression on Internet

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UNESCO recognizes that the Internet holds enormous potential for development. It provides an unprecedented volume of resources for information and knowledge and opens up new opportunities for expression and participation. UNESCO assumes its responsibility of promoting freedom of expression on Internet and has integrated it to its regular program. The principle of freedom of expression must apply not only to traditional media but also to the Internet and all types of emerging media platforms which will definitely contribute to development, democracy and dialogue.

With growing access to information in cyberspace, there is a raise of limit of access and information in cyberspace, done by a variety of actors which have diverse goals and values. In addition to Internet’s transborder feature, there are so many factors shaping the level of free expression on Internet, and there exist various policy approaches which have implication on freedom of expression. The real challenge is to fully exploit the potential of new media while not compromising civil liberties, including the right to freedom of expression, to education and also to privacy.

UNESCO seeks to trigger discussion on a wide range of issues related to Internet freedom at global, regional and national levels. UNESCO takes the responsibility to explore the changing legal and regulatory framework of Internet and provide member states with policy recommendations aiming to foster a conducive environment to freedom of expression on the net.