[IRP] Conference Call - Access to the Internet

[Dixie Hawtin]

Hi all,

The next conference call will deal with the following topic: Access to the Internet
The call will be on Monday 6th December, please let us know your availability on this doodle poll: http://doodle.com/em6i7ee3uyatq8ii
 
This is one of the most important and controversial provisions in the Charter and we should have a well-considered position before the Charter is subjected to external consultations. Strong opinions have been expressed at either end of the spectrum, so we really need everybody's input to decide on the best approach.

The key questions we need to think about are: should we frame access as a right or a principle? And should it be an independent provision at it is at present, or under "non-discrimination" as it was before?

If you have time and would like to read a short synopsis of the debate so far and the decisions which we need to make as a Coalition with regards to access please see the document at this link: http://www.freedomofexpression.org.uk/files/Conference_Call_2_Access_to_the_Internet1.pdf

All the best,
Dixie

P.S. with regards to filtering and blocking: the next conference call will look specifically at limitations in the Charter, and this is one of the key issues to discuss in this area. Consensus seems to have emerged that mandatory blocking of content is always contrary to the right to freedom of expression, but that blocking of services or protocols is acceptable in under certain conditions. What does everyone think? Does anyone have any suggestions for wording? 

With regards to it's place in the Charter - It is currently under freedom of expression because filtering and blocking with regards to content is a freedom of expression issue. However, with regards to viruses and malware it is a security issue so we could separate out that provision and put it in section 4b) as Meryem suggested. What does everybody think?