Regulating Online Content

The internet has long been hailed as a forum for the free exchange of information, a promoter of human rights and a driver of innovation and economic growth. Its open and free nature is essential. Moreover, it is an instrument that can be used to protect and promote fundamental rights and to ensure that the importance of those rights is made visible and stays visible. It has become increasingly clear that the internet, despite its great value, can just as easily be used to cause major harm to society.

Regulating online content leads to difficult dilemmas. Choices have to be made all the time between different rights, including human rights.