More Governments curtailing free speech on Internet

by Jan Harris

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Computers & Internet

According to a new report there is a growing and accelerating trend for Governments and state organisations to impose restrictions on the use of the Internet.

The report - ‘Governing the Internet’ - from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), finds that over 20 countries now impose rules which prevent citizens from using the Internet in order to stop political opposition.

The 212-page report includes case studies from Kazakhstan and Georgia revealing Internet censorship. It also highlights similar problems in other countries including China, Hong Kong, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

According to the report, many of the rules imposed on Internet users are vague and politicised, leading to situations in countries such as Kazakhstan where anyone is a risk of being identified as a threat to national security and named as an ‘enemy of the nation’.

In 2005, Kazakhstan took control of all .kz Internet domains. It closed a site run by British satirist Sacha Baron Cohen, claiming that it was offensive. Cohen made the spoof film ‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’.

The report states “Speaking out has never been easier than on the Web. Yet at the same time, we are witnessing the spread of Internet censorship”.

The OSCE is the world’s largest regional security organisation, with 56 participating States across a geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

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