Comment to debate article, SvD: "Freedom online must be defended"

IT&Telekomföretagen welcomes Carl Bildt's (M) statement on SvD Brännpunkt about the need for international coordination on user freedom and security online

Carl Bildt (M) writes on January 21 in a debate article on SvD Brännpunkt, about the need for international coordination on users' freedom and security online. Sweden should, based on its leading position in communication technology and our profile in human rights issues, be prepared to take special responsibility for driving international cooperation on these issues. This is what Carl Bildt (M) writes and promises to give the issues special priority in the work of the Foreign Service in 2010, including by organizing an expert meeting to develop principles for freedom of expression online.

IT&Telekomföretagen fully agrees with the Foreign Minister's description of electronic communication, its importance for society and the individual, and the need to safeguard security and freedom online. There is room for some pride here, but also for self-criticism - both within the Swedish IT industry and the government. The industry can always do more to take account of human rights issues, both domestically and internationally. This also applies to the government. Legislation such as the Data Retention Directive, IPRED and the new signals intelligence legislation, for example, do not help to strengthen Sweden's reputation as a pioneer of freedom and security online.

As Carl Bildt writes, Sweden is in many respects a pioneer in both electronic communications and human rights issues. Against this background, it seems natural that Sweden should take an initiative. At the same time, the picture of responsibility online is blurred. Who should take responsibility for what is an important question. But it is difficult to provide simple answers, especially in an international perspective, as developments have progressed differently in different countries.

It is therefore gratifying that the Minister for Foreign Affairs is showing ambition to take overall responsibility and initiative on an important issue common to society. The leadership must be political, with the support of business, human rights organizations and other relevant stakeholders. If requested by the government, IT&Telecom companies will therefore contribute with our own and our members' expertise in the area.