Internet Companies Agree on Code of Conduct

According to a PC World blog post Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and Vodafone will develop a code of conduct promoting freedom of expression and setting guidelines on how companies will deal with censorship and other governmental interference.

The code of conduct will be developed in co-operation with NGO’s and academics. Among those are the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School, Human Rights Watch, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Reporters Without Borders, and many others. Just have a look at the press release.

I think that’s actually a great initiative, especially as signatories should be hold accountable. In the past companies like Google and Yahoo have been heavily criticised because they have co-operated with Chinese authorities to censor content and prosecute dissidents. Hopefully some other companies join in acting as a counterbalance to governmental interference.