October 2008
Joining fellow founding members, Yahoo! Inc. has announced the launch of the Global Network Initiative: Protecting and Advancing Freedom of Expression and Privacy in the Information and Communication Technology Industry (GNI).
This landmark initiative will help guide information and communications technology companies in protecting and advancing freedom of expression and privacy across the globe when they encounter laws and policies that interfere with these fundamental human rights.
"Yahoo! was founded on the belief that access to information can enrich people's lives, and the principles we unveil today reflect our determination that our actions match our values around the world," saidJerry Yang, Yahoo!'s CEO and Co-founder.
"These principles provide a valuable roadmap for companies like Yahoo! operating in markets where freedom of expression and privacy are unfairly restricted. Through the collective efforts of industry, advocates, and government we will continue to see technology and the Internet as a way to improve people's lives."
The announcement represents the result of over two years of work by an international group of information and communications technology companies, human rights organizations, academics, investors and technology leaders.
The GNI establishes a core set of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Privacy that will help participating companies protect the use of the Internet as a worldwide vehicle for sharing information, personal expression, innovation and economic development.
Participating companies include Yahoo!, Google, and Microsoft, and human rights groups including Human Rights First, Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, and Human Rights in China.
The process was facilitated by the Center for Democracy and Technology and Business for Social Responsibility. The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University was also a key advisor in the process.
Beyond these principles, the GNI establishes a framework for providing communications products and services the world over while ensuring a sustained commitment to protect fundamental human rights.
Participating companies and other GNI members have agreed on Implementation Guidelines and a Governance, Accountability and Learning Framework that will ensure that the principles are reflected in their activities and business operations.
"Governments have the ultimate duty to protect their own citizens' rights, and we realize responsible company actions alone cannot guarantee governments will uphold these obligations That is why GNI participants will also engage with governments and advocate for change where policies or practices are inconsistent with the protection of free expression and privacy," said Michael Samway, Yahoo! Vice President and Deputy General Counsel.
GNI members commit to protect freedom of expression and privacy, partner with others to ensure collective governance and accountability, and promote its objectives throughout the world.
While Yahoo! still has much to accomplish collectively, Yahoo! believes the GNI and other business and human rights initiatives are important steps in advancing freedom of expression and privacy around the world.
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