[governance] From the Google Policy Blog

[Matthias C. Kettemann]

It's actually quite disappointing that the six-page principles outlining 
"priorities for the business community" do not contain a single 
reference to "human rights".

When the document refers to the need of establishing "international 
commitments" on, inter alia, "expressly prohibit[ing] restrictions on 
legitimate cross-border information flows", the narrow focus becomes 
very much apparent. These commitments already largely exist: they are 
called human rights.

Clearly, a business case can be (also) made for human rights diplomacy. 
Relying on existing human rights law and calling states to account for 
violations of information and communication freedoms is the shared 
responsiblity of all stakeholders, including companies.

The business community has shown that it is sometimes not afraid to call 
human rights by their name, as does for example the Global Network 
Initiative.

Kind regards

Matthias



Am 05.11.2011 13:56, schrieb McTim:
>
>
>       Advancing the free flow of information
>       <http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2011/11/advancing-free-flow-of-information.html>
>
>
>     Friday, November 4, 2011 at 12:28 PM ET
>
> Posted by Winter Casey, Senior Policy Analyst, Google
>
> The global economy relies on the free flow of information more than 
> ever before. Companies large and small can use the Internet to reach 
> new markets, which contributes to economic growth, job creation, and 
> increased trade around the world.
>
> But as companies and individuals are transmitting more information 
> online, some governments are seeking to impose limits on the free flow 
> of information. More than 40 governments now block or restrict 
> information and data available on the Internet.
>
> Last year, we released a white paper 
> <http://www.google.com/googleblogs/pdfs/trade_free_flow_of_information.pdf> demonstrating 
> that governments which block the free flow of information on the 
> Internet are also blocking trade and economic growth. For example, 
> when companies can’t confidentially and confidently transmit the files 
> and information that are necessary to keep their business running, 
> their ability to export goods and services is hurt. The thesis is 
> simple: when countries support the free flow of information, they will 
> see more economic growth.
>
> That’s why we joined companies like Citi, Microsoft, IBM, GE and 
> others to endorse a new set of principles endorsing the free flow of 
> information across borders. The principles 
> <http://www.nftc.org/default/Innovation/PromotingCrossBorderDataFlowsNFTC.pdf>, 
> written under the leadership of the National Foreign Trade Council, 
> outline several priorities for the U.S. business community which will 
> promote transparent, fair, and secure cross-border data flows.
>
> Individuals and businesses will benefit from a more consistent and 
> transparent framework for the treatment of cross-border flows of 
> goods, services and information. We look forward to continued work 
> with governments and industry to advance the free flow of information 
> online.
>
>
> ------------------
>
> Principles are here:
>
> http://www.nftc.org/default/Innovation/PromotingCrossBorderDataFlowsNFTC.pdf
>
> -- 
> Cheers,
>
> McTim
> "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A 
> route indicates how we get there."  Jon Postel
>

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