Information Freedom
Information Freedom (also referred to as Freedom of Information) is a term that defines an individual’s right to access information and is largely thought of as an extension of ones right to privacy, speech and expression. Information freedom is often closely connected with digital technology and the Internet. The United States, United Nations and international community at large all consider freedom of information a basic human right.
Contents
Information Freedom in the United States
Freedom of Information Act
Private Sector
Global Information Freedom
Global Network Initiative
The Global Network Initiative (GNI) was launched in 2008 to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy in the digital world. To underscore the organizations objective of protecting freedom of expression and privacy, the GNI was established on October 29th, 2008. This date marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. The GNI is comprised of a collection of multinational technology companies, human rights and advocacy groups, and universities. The extensive list of high-profile organizations includes Facebook, Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Harvard University, University of California, Berkley, and Human Rights Watch.
The GNI participants are required to uphold the principals of the organization despite any pressure from national governments to do otherwise. Furthermore, participating companies are instructed to conduct human rights impact assessments before launching new products or entering new markets. Participating companies are also encouraged to communicate and collaborate with one another in order to find singular approach to the intersection of human rights and digital technology. The GNI also actively works with its participating organizations to advocate for legal change at both national and international levels. The initiative publishes annual reports assessing their progress.
