The Associated Press
via The Washington Post
12/19/2010
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended plans for a law that would impose broadcast-type regulations on the Internet, saying Sunday that his government should protect citizens against online crimes.
Chavez’s congressional allies are considering extending the “Social Responsibility Law” for broadcast media to the Internet, banning messages that “disrespect public authorities,” “incite or promote hatred” or crimes, or are aimed at creating “anxiety” in the population.
Government opponents and press freedom groups have been critical of the plan, saying it is one of several measures being considered that could restrict freedoms in Venezuela.
“We aren’t eliminating the Internet here … nor censoring the Internet,” Chavez said during his weekly television and radio program, “Hello, President.” “What we’re doing is protecting ourselves against crimes, cybercrimes, through a law.”
The article continues at The Washington Post.
Related: UK ministers threaten: Censor web, or we will legislate ‘to protect children’…
Also, The FCC’s Threat to Internet Freedom
Tomorrow morning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will mark the winter solstice by taking an unprecedented step to expand government’s reach into the Internet by attempting to regulate its inner workings. In doing so, the agency will circumvent Congress and disregard a recent court ruling.
How did the FCC get here?…
Both H/T Drudge Report
