The Global Network Initiative (GNI) welcomes the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet adopted on July 6, 2012. At a time of great debate regarding the role of governments, companies, and other stakeholders on Internet governance, it is important that a UN body has affirmed by consensus that the same rights that people have offline, particularly freedom of expression, also apply online.
We are encouraged by the commitment of more than 80 governments who co-sponsored the resolution. As a network of technology companies, civil society organizations, investors, and academics, GNI provides a forum for participant organizations to engage with governments on free expression and privacy rights. We look forward to working with governments on the Human Rights Council and in other multilateral institutions as they consider how to protect free expression and privacy rights online.