[governance] From the Google Policy Blog

[Mawaki Chango]

I do not see Facebook among the endorsers! Talking about cross-border
data flows in this day and age, and the nb. 1 online social networking
company is missing? Perhaps if you throw in there a single positive
mention of human rights you may end up with even less endorsers. Is
this (intended to be) anything more than a coalition of companies
petitioning their government to secure predictable --and friendly,
while at it-- environment for their business to thrive worldwide?
Best,

Mawaki

On Sat, Nov 5, 2011 at 5:51 PM, Matthias C. Kettemann
<matthias.kettemann at uni-graz.at> wrote:
> 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
>
> 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 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, 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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