Information Society Watch

February 27, 2008, Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica

In an effort to preserve freedom of expression on the Internet, the European Parliament has passed a proposal to treat Internet censorship as a trade barrier. This is among the first proposals to tie trade to Internet censorship. The proposal targets countries such as China, where the 'Great Chinese Firewall' and major American Internet companies such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft that have cooperated with government censorship requirements. If adopted, the proposal will require the EU to raise the issue in any trade negotiations. The measure will now go to the European Council for consideration.

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