The Declaration of Internet Freedom: Will You Fight For Your Right to Privacy?

The Internet today isn’t what it used to be. Previously a tool (or a medium) which people used to share information on freely is now constantly monitored by The Big Brother, whatever (or whoever) the Big Brother presents. The raise of social networks is making a big impact on privacy which is one of the biggest concerns today. People don’t like that.

People don’t like to be monitored, they want the freedom of speech and the ability to express themselves on the Internet. They want access to the whole web, without any restrictions. They want their privacy protected and have the control over how their data is used by sites and social networks. Naturally, this isn’t available for all the users now, so we got a draft of the Declaration of Internet Freedom.

The Declaration of In… ternet Freedom

The Free Press started the initiative by creating a specialized site to support the cause and to raise signatures from both individuals (you!) as well as the organizations. Once the organization is approved and confirmed, they’ll get the authorization to sign on.

Free Press explains why they are doing the project and why they think the Internet should be free and open to all:

We believe that a free and open Internet can bring about a better world. To keep the Internet free and open, we call on communities, industries and countries to recognize these principles. We believe that they will help to bring about more creativity, more innovation and more open societies.

We are joining an international movement to defend our freedoms because we believe that they are worth fighting for.

Let’s discuss these principles — agree or disagree with them, debate them, translate them, make them your own and broaden the discussion with your community — as only the Internet can make possible.

Join us in keeping the Internet free and open.

The Declaration itself states five basic principles:

We stand for a free and open Internet. We support transparent and participatory processes for making Internet policy and the establishment of five basic principles:

• Expression: Don’t censor the Internet.
• Access: Promote universal access to fast and affordable networks.
• Openness: Keep the Internet an open network where everyone is free to connect, communicate, write, read, watch, speak, listen, learn, create and innovate.
• Innovation: Protect the freedom to innovate and create without permission. Don’t block new technologies, and don’t punish innovators for their users’ actions.
• Privacy: Protect privacy and defend everyone’s ability to control how their data and devices are used.

Sign the Declaration!

If you’d like to sign the Declaration as an individual, go to Free Press site and join more then 21 thousand signers! If you’re an organization wanting to raise signatures on your own in your local community, submit your details here.

Alternatively, you can share this little infographic which briefly describes the Declaration itself:

So – do you want a free and open Internet?