13 February 2007

The Internet has "revolutionised free speech and gives a voice to millions", according to Amnesty International UK.

Tim Hancock, the human rights group's UK Campaign Director, will make the statement speaking at the Internet Service Providers' Association award ceremony to be held on Thursday February 15th.

However, the official is also expected to warn that some parties desire to limit this freedom - with the Internet set to become "the new front in the battle" and service providers bearing the grave responsibility of ensuring that the web's democracy remains intact.

"Businesses whose operations impact on freedom of speech bear no less responsibility for upholding human rights standards than other industries," he will say.

In the UK, more than one million citizens have recently exercised their democratic rights online, signing a petition hosted by the Prime Minister's Office which calls on the government to scrap plans for a proposed road tracking and pricing system.

© Adfero Ltd

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