By David Reid

Italian bloggers went on strike in July to protest against government measures that they claim could kill the internet. They say the Alfano decree restricts the rights of bloggers to express their opinions without fear of comeback.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8197639.stm

we a good meeting and discussed the following points:


Olivier will talk to Rudi Vansnick about registrant rights charter and hopefully get us an update

Online Rights Clearing House - Chilling Effects Cooperation

we all agreed that it is a good idea to contribute (rather than reinventing the wheel and start another clearing house)
the following people and institutions might be well positioned to promote "online rights cases reporting" beyond the USA:

Introduced in the House of Representatives, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California submitted the following resolution "H. Res. 672;"; referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

"Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to release imprisoned bloggers and respect Internet freedom. Whereas the Internet is a tool to exercise freedom of expression and association, both of which are basic human rights . . . "

[From Robin Gross @IPJustice]

"In a crisis, governments will often curtail freedom of the press, censoring or shutting broadcasts and newspapers. But blocking websites, slowing the Internet or cutting off SMS messaging can be harder to do...video roundtable focuse[s] on free speech online in various countries, from Iran to China to Kenya -- and even a mention of the U.S. government's attempts at curtailing speech online over the years." http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2009/07/the-importance-of-free-speech-onli...

"In reaction to a series of internet censorship policy, in particular the introduction of Green Dam, a declaration has been circulated on the net in the past two days calling netizens to express and protect their rights to anonymity on July 1st."

Attendees: Max, Lisa, Emily, Robert, Marco, Andrea, Rafik  (feel free to correct any errors/omissions - r)

1) IRP Workshop prior to the EuroDig 13th of September & IRP Meeting within the IGF preparation sessions
2) new Facebook Page
3) Our workshop plans for the IGF in Egypt
4) Human readable Privacy project
5) Engaging with the UN
6) APC charter
7) our Mission review
8) update on the report on values & rights approach to internet governance