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.
For more news see EU-Digest
No comments:
Post a Comment