19 July 2006
The European Parliament has 'strongly' backed measures to promote freedom and accessibility of the Internet.
Calls to lift restrictions on Internet use have come after governments in various countries have sought to limit the activity of so-called "cyber-dissidents" online.
The parliament has hence backed EU measures to prevent Western businesses from censoring the Internet.
Google was one company that sought to restrict use recently when it came to an agreement with China resulting in certain web pages being blocked.
In light of this, Josep Borell , president of the European Parliament, recently supported the promotion of free speech on the Internet, following the release of cyber-dissident Hao Wu.
He said that he has "raised concerns about remaining restrictions on the freedom of expression" in parliament and intends to improve the accessibility of the Internet as a tool for freedom of speech.
Meanwhile, a Paris-based group called Reporters Without Frontiers placed criticism on China for its imprisonment of cyber-dissidents.
The organisation defends freedom of the press and campaigns against reporters who have been persecuted due to their work.
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