Tech Companies to Set Code for Global Privacy, Freedom
Microsoft, Google, Yahoo! and voice carrier Vodaphone Group PLC will work with a coalition of nongovernmental organizations to arrive at a code of conduct promoting freedom of speech and privacy, the companies announced Friday.
The announcement comes after growing criticism from lawmakers, shareholders and human rights groups regarding censorship and curbs on human rights in China’s administration of the Internet within its borders.
Last year, Google was criticized for creating a localized version of its search index in China that excluded sites the Chinese government found objectionable. And a Yahoo! subsidiary came under fire from human rights groups for cooperating with Chinese authorities in identifying individuals posting anti-government opinions online and in e-mail.
Congress has expressed distaste with American companies’ role in the limiting of Chinese civil liberties and held out the possibility of laws to make such cooperation illegal. And last month, shareholders in the New York City municipal pension fund called on Google and Yahoo! to protect unfettered Internet access around the world.
The four technology providers will work with the San Francisco-based group Business for Social Responsibility, the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School, the Electronic Freedom Foundation, Reporters without Borders and the Center for Democracy and Technology.
Participants will collaborate to develop the guidelines to protect civil liberties and also to set up ways to hold parties accountable for implementing those principles. The companies expect to complete the process this year.
