OSCE media freedom representative calls for inclusive dialogue at Internet freedom conference in Vienna

VIENNA, 14 February 2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today called for an open and inclusive discussion on the challenges of Internet freedom as she opened the Internet 2013 conference in Vienna.

“Any attempt at Internet policy must be discussed openly, with the broadest possible involvement, and must be examined for its implications for the free flow of information around the globe. This conference will foster a dialogue involving all stakeholders, including governments, private sector, civil society and academia,” Mijatović said.

The conference, “Internet 2013: Shaping polices to advance media freedom”, gathers more than 250 key policymakers and experts from throughout the OSCE region and was opened by Ambassador Ihor Prokopchuk on behalf of the Ukrainian OSCE Chairmanship, the OSCE Secretary General, Lamberto Zannier, and Mijatović.

During the two-day event the participants will discuss a wide range of subjects regarding freedom of expression online, including blocking and filtering practices, copyright online, new media services and liability for comments on news sites.

“Joint efforts must be taken to focus on how the Internet should be governed to remain open, free, safe and inclusive,” Mijatović said.

“It is my sincere hope that this conference will stimulate discussions and propose solid recommendations on how new policies can be shaped in order to meet the challenges Internet freedom faces in the digital era,” Mijatović said.

Information on the event is available at: //www.osce.org/event/internet2013

The conference can be followed live at //www.osce.org/event/internet2013 and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/osce and using the hashtag #Internet2013