Dont block internet to prevent criticism: Ban Ki-moon

Amidst a raging controversy over the Indian government’s proposal to monitor content in cyber space, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon on Friday said access to the internet and various social media must not be blocked as a way to prevent criticism and public debate.

In his speech on the eve of the Human Rights Day which was released at the United Nations Information Centre here, he said, “Today, within their existing obligation to respect the rights of freedom of assemble and expression, governments must not block access to the internet and various forms of social media as a way to prevent criticism and public debate.”

His comments came a few days after telecom minister Kapil Sibal had said the government will take steps to stop offensive and defamatory content on internet sites.

Maintaining that the government does not want to interfere with the freedom of the press, Sibal had said on December 6 that if social networking sites were not willing to cooperate with the government on stopping incendiary material “then it is the duty of the government to think of steps that we need”.

Emphasising on the important role that social networking sites played in global events, Moon said, “Many of the people seeking their legitimate aspirations were linked through social media.”