Amnesty International calls for bloggers to unite

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Against the backdrop of this week's Internet Governance Forum (IGF), Amnesty International (AI) has asked bloggers unite to defend free speech on the internet.

The human rights campaigner feels that many citizens are at risk of living a big brother-like existence where governments try and control what they say and do online.

AI representatives will also be attending the IGF to ensure that the forum does not omit or underplay the issue of human rights during its discussions.

"Freedom of expression online is a right, not a privilege - but it's a right that needs defending," said Steve Ballinger, an AI delegate at the IGF.

"We're asking bloggers worldwide to show their solidarity with web users in countries where they can face jail just for criticising the government. The Internet Governance Forum needs to know that the online community is bothered about free expression online and willing to stand up for it."

And it's not just the IGF that Amnesty International is calling on for support. The body also wants businesses to take human rights expression issues much more seriously.

Citing examples from around the world where companies like Google and Microsoft have acted in response to demands from the Chinese government, the organisation is calling for additional support for its irrepressible.info campaign.

"The internet is a powerful force for human rights, enabling the free flow of ideas and information around the world....Companies have restricted internet searches to stop people accessing information that repressive governments don't want them to see," he said.

Ballinger added: "Countries and businesses have failed to respect, protect and promote the rights to freedom of expression, association and privacy, and the rights of human rights defenders."

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