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9/21/10

The Netherlands: Internet Censorship Proposed by Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch-Ballin

Dutch Finance Minister Ernst Hirsch-Ballin has put forward a proposal  which indirectly has the appearance of controlling the use of Internet  Hirsch-Ballin says the purpose of the proposal  is aimed at combatting crime that is being enhanced by the use of Internet.

His proposal has three main points: a) Dutch courts to get the power to have information considered "not accurate" removed from the Internet; b) people or organizations who distribute or sell "non-public" information via the Internet can get a one year prison sentence; c) people who pass on information about credit card codes or passwords will be prosecuted by the legal system. By combining in the proposal item A and B with C, which is already in effect, the proposal is given the appearance to be a crime combatting proposal.    Presently the blocking of websites in the Netherlands still requires due process and the approval of  the Chief Prosecutor.

The proposal immediately resulted in a written protest to the Dutch Minister of Justice, signed by scientists, public interest and internet organizations. The letter was also signed by the Dutch Lawyers Organization, the Committee for Human Rights and the Digital  Freedom Organization "Bits of Freedom". The proposal is seen by the signatories of the letter as a tool which can obstruct the Public's right  to freedom of expression on a variety of issues including mal-practise at several levels, even that of the Government. It would also restrict the activities of "wistle- blowers" and public "watch-dogs ", such as wikileaks who have exposed many a Government  un-democratic and secret activities.

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