Durbin Praises Web Freedom Plan, Warns Of Hill Action
Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin praised Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and others involved in the launch of the Global Network Initiative on Tuesday, saying that the code of conduct the group released is "not perfect [but] is an important step toward promoting freedom of expression and protecting the privacy of Internet users around the world." He said he hoped the deal [see earlier post] will be promptly implemented and its membership expanded. He noted that congressional action may still be needed.
Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee and held a May hearing on the topic, said that while companies operating in Internet-restricting countries have an obligation to respect free expression and user privacy, "governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting human rights." "Congress should follow the lead of the private sector by considering Internet freedom legislation that would complement the code of conduct," he said. Durbin said he looked forward to working with his Capitol Hill colleagues and the new presidential administration on this in 2009.
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