Global Network Initiative: Protecting and Advancing Freedom of Expression

All over the world, companies in the Information & Communications Technology sector face government pressure to comply with domestic laws that may violate basic human rights of freedom of expression and privacy. In particular, anti-terrorism laws have been used to silence, harass and imprison individuals, including dissidents, journalists, writers, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens expressing their views on social media. Recent years have seen a global surge of internet and network-service disruptions, with content blocked and accounts closed down, and the rule of law, transparency, and due process restricted in the name of national security.

Founded in 2008, the Global Network Initiative brings together a broad-based group of companies, civil society organizations, investors, and academics to advance freedom of expression and privacy in the information and technology sector. Members are independently assessed on a set of human rights-based “global principles” designed to protect and advance freedom of expression when addressing extremist and terrorist content online.

Global Network Initiative