[Chapter-delegates] ISOC Position on DNS Filtering in the US

[Zaid Ali]

Ted, this is very timely. On Wednesday there is a panel discussion at
Stanford Law school on SOPA and PIPA, Paul Vixie will be on the panel. SFBAY
ISOC will be in attendance and stress this position.

Thanks,
Zaid

From:  Ted Mooney <mooney at isoc.org>
Date:  Mon, 5 Dec 2011 13:02:21 -0500
To:  'Chapter Delegates' <chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org>
Subject:  [Chapter-delegates] ISOC Position on DNS Filtering in the US

To all the Chapter Officers,
 
Below is a statement from the Internet Society voicing concerns regarding
recent legislative initiatives on Privacy, IP Protection and DNS Filtering
in the US Congress.
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The Internet Society has noted with concern a number of U.S. legislative
proposals that would mandate DNS blocking and filtering by ISPs in order to
protect the interests of copyright holders. We agree with proponents of the
Protect-IP Act (PIPA) and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) that combating
illegal online activities is a very important public policy objective.
However, policies that are enacted to achieve this goal must not undermine
the viability of the Internet as a globally reachable platform. After close
examination and consultation with the Internet community, we do not believe
that the current U.S. legislative proposals are consistent with these basic
principles.
 
In particular, we are concerned with provisions in both laws regarding DNS
filtering. DNS filtering is often proposed as a way to block illegal content
consumption by end users. Yet policies to mandate DNS filtering have not
proven to be effective - these approaches interfere with cross-border data
flows and services undermining innovation and social development across the
globe. In addition, DNS blocking raises significant concerns with respect to
human rights and freedom of expression and may curtail fundamental
international principles of rule of law and due process.
 
The United States has an important leadership role when it comes to online
Internet freedoms and should show the way when it comes to balancing local
responsibilities and global impact, especially with respect to Internet
policy.
 
In short, the negative impact of DNS filtering far outweighs any short-term,
narrow, legal, and commercial benefits. The Internet Society believes that
sustained, global collaboration amongst all parties is needed to find ways
that protect the global architecture of the Internet while combating illegal
online activities. We must all work to support the principles of innovation
and freedom of expression upon which the Internet was founded.

 
 
We provide this to all of you, our eyes, ears and arms in the Regions of the
world, for your information and to assure consistency in our messaging and
actions.
 
With Best regards,
 
Ted
 
Ted Mooney
Sr. Director, Membership & Services
The Internet Society
www.isoc.org <http://www.isoc.org>
 
Direct Line: 703.439.2774
Cell:          301.980.6446
 
 
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