Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue warns that "fearful Governments are increasingly restricting the flow of information on the Internet due to its potential to mobilize people to challenge the status quo" -
In recent months, we have seen a growing movement of people around the world who are advocating for change – for justice, equality, accountability of the powerful and better respect for human rights.The report "explores key trends and challenges to the right of all individuals to exercise their right to freedom of expression" under article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil &Political Rights.
However, the unique features of the Internet, which allow individuals to spread information instantly, to organize themselves, and to inform the world about situations of injustice and inequality, have also created fear among Governments and the powerful.
Legitimate expression continues to be criminalized in many States, illustrated by the fact that in 2010, more than 100 bloggers were imprisoned. Governments are using increasingly sophisticated technologies to block content, and to monitor and identify activists and critics.Governments should "develop a concrete and effective plan of action" to make the net "widely available, accessible and affordable to all segments of the population".
There should be as little restriction as possible to the flow of information via the Internet, except in a few, very exceptional, and limited circumstances prescribed by international human rights law.
Essentially, this means that any restriction must be clearly provided by law, and proven to be necessary and the least intrusive means available for the purpose of protecting the rights of others.
