EuroISPA partners with Council of Europe to protect fundamental freedoms online

Strasbourg, 23 May 2018 – EuroISPA and the Council of Europe have officially joined forces to promote respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law on the Internet. Yesterday, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland and EuroISPA President Oliver Süme exchanged letters to formalize an already fruitful co-operation.

Referring to the agreement, Oliver Süme commented: “We are delighted to partner with the Council of Europe to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms online.”

EuroISPA holds in high regard the work of the Council of Europe, especially in advocating for a balanced approach in dealing with illegal content online, in accordance with its Recommendation on the “roles and responsibilities of internet intermediaries.”

Oliver Süme added: “EuroISPA is concerned by the increasing trend of the privatisation of law enforcement. Our Members are being overburdened with increased responsibility and liability for policing content online and assessing its legality, without sufficient judicial oversight. In this context, the balanced approach promoted by the Council of Europe is a strong counterweight against invasive policy frameworks which are being developed both at the EU and at the national level”.

EuroISPA is looking forward to collaborating with the Council of Europe towards a balanced approach, which ensures the respect of the rule of law for users in the online sphere and which also supports European Internet Services Providers in effectively playing their role.