[Chapter-delegates] NEWS RELEASE: Internet Society Supports United NationsHuman Rights Day Focus on Social Media

[Ted Mooney]

Dear Chapter Delegates:  The following press release will be sent to all
members today.

 

Internet Society Supports United Nations Human Rights Day Focus on Social
Media 

 

Internet is central to promoting freedom of opinion and expression

 

[Geneva, Switzerland - 09 December 2011] - The Internet Society welcomed the
focus of today's United Nations Human Rights Day event highlighting the
transformational role of the Internet and social media applications in
giving voice to people around the world. The Internet Society is a strong
advocate of an open and accessible Internet, and sees the Internet as an
enabler of human rights.

 

The influence of the Internet and social media on the ability of citizens to
connect, share ideas, and join communities is undeniable. In 2011, popular
movements in the Middle East and North Africa demonstrated the Internet's
power to enable individuals to exercise their fundamental rights, in
particular the right to freedom of expression as well as the right to
peaceful assembly and association. In this context, the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights also points to the role of social media in
peaceful protest movements in many other cities across the globe.

 

These events illustrate the powerful impact of social media by generating
awareness of and support for efforts of people from all walks of life
seeking to bring about change, unconstrained by borders, time, and distance.

 

"The Internet's influence on society has been profound," said Lynn St.
Amour, Internet Society President and CEO. "The Internet Society is
committed to ensuring an open, global, and accessible Internet. It is an
instrumental tool to sustain basic human aspirations for freedom and social
development."

 

The Internet Society is deeply concerned about increased attempts by certain
governments in many regions of the world to control their citizens' access
and use of the Internet. Often such actions are taken without regard to the
basic principles of human rights and due process. 

 

"The Internet is an enabler for the realization of a wide range of human
rights, and the open Internet is the embodiment of freedom of expression,"
said Markus Kummer, Vice President of Public Policy for the Internet
Society. "In 2012, we plan to continue our efforts in this important policy
area and to bring attention to the impact of the Internet on other aspects
of human rights."

 

For more information on the United Nations Human Rights Day 2011, visit
http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2011/

 

For more information on the Internet Society and human rights, visit
http://www.isoc.org/internet/issues/humanrights.shtml

 

 

About the Internet Society

The Internet Society is the world's trusted independent source of leadership
for Internet policy, technology standards, and future development. Based on
its principled vision and substantial technological foundation, the Internet
Society works with its members and Chapters around the world to promote the
continued evolution and growth of the open Internet through dialog among
companies, governments, and other organizations around the world. For more
information, see: http://www.internetsociety.org

 

Media Contact: Wende Cover, cover at isoc.org, +1-703-439-2773

 

 

Ted Mooney

Sr. Director, Membership & Services

The Internet Society

www.isoc.org

 

Direct Line: 703.439.2774

Cell:           301.980.6446

 

 

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