Foreign Minister: Freedom of Virtual Expression Is a Human Right
Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet, in The Hague today to speak at the conference on internet freedom, said it is an essential task for democratic governments to make new technologies accessible to the public.
“Freedom of virtual expression is a human right and must be protected and promoted," Paet said. He cited the Arab Spring as a good example of modern ICT solutions empowering communities and spreading democratic values.
Paet said that although security must be guaranteed on the internet just like freedom, "the fight against cyber crime must be carried out in such a way that it does not restrict freedom of speech and human rights.” He noted that currently the only internationally binding instrument for hindering and preventing cyber crimes is the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime. “We call upon all countries that have not yet joined the convention to do so,” said Paet.
The Hague conference discusses protection of human rights on the internet and the role and responsibility of governments and internet companies in ensuring internet freedom. Participants include foreign ministers, representatives of international organisations, internet companies, media and research institutions.
Erkki Sivonen