GNI Statement on Thai Court Conviction

Submitted on Thu, 05/31/2012 - 10:08
Date: 
Thursday, May 31, 2012 - 10:01
Taxonomy: 
Thailand
Freedom of Expression and Censorship
Intermediary Liability

The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is troubled by the conviction of Chiranuch Premchaiporn, webmaster of the online forum Prachathai, under Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act for not moving quickly enough to remove content posted by users. Her conviction illustrates the serious harm that occurs when companies are held liable for content uploaded or sent by users. It has significant implications for freedom of expression as well as economic innovation in Thailand and around the world.

Freedom of expression and access to information are fundamental human rights. Moreover, governments create incentives for investment and economic growth when they protect companies that act as platforms or conduits for content from liability.  GNI will continue to work collaboratively around the world to help advance policy solutions that better protect fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
 
GNI is a multi-stakeholder group of companies, civil society organizations (including human rights and press freedom groups), investors and academics, who have created a collaborative approach to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy in the ICT sector. GNI provides resources for ICT companies to help them address difficult issues related to freedom of expression and privacy that they may face anywhere in the world. GNI has created a framework of principles and a confidential, collaborative approach to working through challenges of corporate responsibility in the ICT sector.
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