EU: Net Censorship a Possible Trade Barrier

The European Parliament has accepted a proposal by the Dutch conservative member Jules Maaten to consider internet censorship a trade barrier. (The news, in Dutch.) This was first reported first on the Web site of Maaten's political party, the VVD.

The proposal was accepted on Tuesday (571 in favor, 38 against). When the proposal is accepted by the a meeting of the leaders of the 27 member states, the EU has to take measure against countries who deploy internet censorship. This would include China, Cuba and Tunisia.

Maaten admits the proposal is unusual, but could be an effective way to protect online freedom of speech.

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