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

[David Solomonoff]

While this is the right position, it would have been more helpful if it 
had been issued a few weeks ago. It now appears that SOPA - at least in 
its current state - is dead in the water.

On 12/5/11 1:02 PM, Ted Mooney wrote:
>
> 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.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> 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
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Chapter-delegates mailing list
> Chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org
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-- 
David Solomonoff, President
Internet Society of New York
president at isoc-ny.org
isoc-ny.org

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