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EU Views Net Censorship As a "Trade Barrier"

Posted by kdawson on from the do-as-i-say dept.

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "The European Parliament just passed a proposal to treat internet censorship as a trade barrier, in particular the 'Great Firewall of China.' If passed by the European Council, the issue would be raised in trade negotiations and could lead to economic sanctions and trade restrictions for those countries unwilling to remove oppressive Net censorship." We have discussed some of the ways in which the EU, and its member countries, engage in their own brand of censorship.

12 of 245 comments (clear)

  1. The EU May Be Censoring... by Wandering+Wombat · · Score: 5, Funny

    But they're doing it to PROTECT people. Everyone ELSE is doing it to OPPRESS people. HUGE difference.

    --
    I like to place meaningful quotes in my sig, so people will know that I know what meaningful quotes are.
    1. Re:The EU May Be Censoring... by iamacat · · Score: 5, Interesting

      How is censoring sale of historical artifacts protecting anyone? I have an interest in history of warfare and would buy a nazi artifact, along with those of allied forces, japan or US civil war to get a concrete fill for the history that I didn't personally experience. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it and I don't see how censorship is doing anything good for the future of peace in Europe.

    2. Re:The EU May Be Censoring... by nycguy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      So the Chinese government is not PROTECTING its people from the DANGERS of porn? And EU officials are not OPPRESSING those who have views they find DETESTABLE? Of course, MAYBE you were just being SARCASTIC. Either way, why are we typing like THIS?

    3. Re:The EU May Be Censoring... by LithiumX · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes... that's the way to promote freedom. Cut oppressive governments further off from the outside world, so that they are even less inclined or able to change.

      I still believe if we had extended full trade relations towards Cuba as soon as they revolted, their communism would have quickly changed into something more balanced.

      Oppression can only exist in a vacuum. Opening your doors to such nations doesn't encourage them, it makes them interdependant, and exposes them to better systems. Just look at China - they are by no means perfect, but exposure to the free market has changed them drastically.

      --
      Do not confuse "Freedom of Choice" with "Free Will".
    4. Re:The EU May Be Censoring... by LithiumX · · Score: 4, Funny

      Opening your doors to such nations doesn't encourage them, it makes them able to easily get into your country.
      There, fix that for you. So you're the one who let the terrorists in. Jerk. I in no way support terrorists. In fact I denounce them. Or is that reject them? Denounce or reject... so complicated.
      --
      Do not confuse "Freedom of Choice" with "Free Will".
    5. Re:The EU May Be Censoring... by superwiz · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Censorship is good in one case only; To protect children. I personally think in that case it is protection. Think-of-the-children is a common tag line on slashdot for a reason. It is used to justify all kinds of trade offs of liberty for security. Parents must protect their children. The government should not and MUST NOT assume the position of a parent. Standards of "normal" vary and the government has no business protecting children from vulgar language any more than it has protecting them from "wrong" religions.
      --
      Any guest worker system is indistinguishable from indentured servitude.
  2. Positive movement by KublaiKhan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Even if it is somewhat hypocritical in some cases, it's a nice step forward--because, after all, this will mean that the member states will have to eventually reduce or eliminate censorship in order to comply with the EU regulations.

    --
    In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
    A stately pleasure dome decree
  3. Re:Social justice will create better markets by KublaiKhan · · Score: 4, Insightful

    A nice hope, but unfortunately many people prefer echo chambers to debating tables.

    This is why there are many vibrant communities for the support of racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and suspicion of conspiracies by Other People.

    --
    In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
    A stately pleasure dome decree
  4. Re:not likely by Jackdaw+Rookery · · Score: 5, Informative

    You do know that the G8 consists of: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Together, these countries represent about 65% of the world economy. Half the G8 is European and can vote as a block for European interests. Aside from a 2 country North America block, the other countries have no reason to be unified, unlike the European countries.

    So in fact the EU Parliament does have huge influence in the G8.

  5. Re:nazi ban by ZDRuX · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So basically you're against censorship, unless it's something you don't like - then it's to censor it.

    --
    The magical number is: 09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0
  6. Re:Social justice will create better markets by rrkap · · Score: 4, Funny

    I like it. I can't help but believe that unfettered world wide access to information will lead to a more informed populations that will shun oppression and xenophobia in favor of participatory government and ethno-religious tolerance. This, in turn, will lead to more prosperity and consumer spending.

    Because the internet is such a haven of enlightened tolerance now.

    --
    I like my beverages with warning labels!
  7. Re:nazi ban by cozziewozzie · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Could you give me some examples of "destroying historical artifacts"?

    Using Nazi symbols is explicitly allowed in Germany, if it is used for historical reasons, in documentaries, movies depicting that time, or any scholarly purpose. The museums are full of historical artifacts from that time. What "destruction" are you talking about?

    What is not allowed is glorifying the Nazi regime and holocaust denial, as well as reselling Nazi symbols. Mein Kampf is not banned, or illegal, it just can't be printed. There are plenty of copies floating around. But it's illegal to take a copy to school, and then try to convince kids that it's full of great ideas and that they should try them on their colleague with immigration background. Which happens right now, in Germany.

    I agree that banning things is not the way. But some people act as if Germany is doing it out of some childish spite, not real historical and political reasons. Millions of people were executed in concentration camps by the Nazi regime and there are many people still around who are trying to repeat that today. Comparing TODAY's Nazi gangs with Romans and Carthage shows complete lack of perspective.