Sarko to use G8 presidency to promote net regulation
'Regulating the internet is a moral imperative!'
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Nicolas Sarkozy plans to use France's presidency of the G8 this year to promote international cooperation on greater regulation of the internet, according to reports.
"How do you respond to the problem of terrorism, of paedophilia, to subjects such as the right to be forgotten?" an unnamed source in Sarkozy's entourage was quoted as saying by the AFP this week.
France has been at the forefront of efforts by Western governments in recent years to take more control online, particularly with its HADOPI law, designed to clamp down on copyright infringement. Other governments, including in Britain, are now following suit.
In a country where major newspapers are not known for their aggressive approach to powerful interests, France has also been shaken by the Bettencourt affair, a high society tax and gifts scandal. The story was broken by Mediapart, an investigative online news start-up, provoking more political concern about the effect of the internet.
In a speech at the Vatican in October, Sarkozy declared: "Regulating the internet to correct the excesses and abuses that arise from the total absence of rules is a moral imperative!"
News that he apparently wants use the G8 presidency to promote his views internationally will concern advocates of internet freedom, especially amid the official anger caused by WikiLeaks' recent disclosures.
The AFP's source denied an authoritarian agenda, however.
"This is not to constrain the freedom of the Internet, it is not to reproach the Americans for having taken considerable positions in the matter, but on the contrary it is to see how we can regulate the virtual city while still regarding the internet as an opportunity," the source said.
The plan will be put into action at the next G8 summit, scheduled for May 26-27 in Deauville, Normandy. "Internet experts" will reportedly be convened to compare a report for member states to consider informally.
The Sarkozy government's plans are similar to those suggested by Silvio Berlusconi for Italy's G8 presidency in 2009, which came to nothing. ®
COMMENTS
"How do you respond to the problem...?"
Why, by State Control of the Right to Freedom of Expression of course!
And by bringing up the bogeymen of paedophiles and terrorists it just makes it so much easier because we're Thinking of the Children!
Sir
"Why are politicians such control freaks?"
because they think it's their job. They've forgotten that they who govern best govern least.
Someone will always ask "If they're not coming down hard on _someone_ what are they being paid for?"
I do believe that the populace gets what they vote for. If sheeple didn't react to sensationalist tripe all the time, the Politicians would have to work for a living.
Keep your morality away from me....
Beware of anyone doing anything using words like 'morality' or 'faith' to do anything. If something is really wrong you don't need to use the word morality as people just know it is wrong instinctively, no need for moral justifications.
The only time these word get used as justifications is when someone is imposing their morality or faith on others. Which is morally wrong, ....... right?
Also love politicians. A system that was designed to be invulnerable to any kind disruption or regulation. We need to regulate that.
And finally as I commented on another story here. Always love how people happily hand over controls to governments with the promise that it will help them be protected from terrorism and pedo's. Then get surprised when the government misuse those controls on something that is not terrorism or child protection related.
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