David Kaye, the UN's special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, has written to the government warning it that implementing such measures would be a "significant tightening of control over the internet."
But the question remains, where do you draw the line on censorship and free speech when the access the state is trying to block is explicit online pornography from children?
https://t.co/TWtwm5No9c Please read our board and retweet if you care about your freedom #Investigatory Powers Act #DigitalEconomyBill 2016 pic.twitter.com/kT9PTclrTA
— Rem (@strandpro) January 6, 2017
The UK government's department for culture, media and sport, defended the bill saying:
"These measures will ensure children have the same protections online as they do offline. There is no question of the government collecting data on viewing habits and we are in discussions with the Information Commissioner's Office to make sure data protection standards are complied with."
But it's feared that if the UK's Digital Economy Bill is passed — which includes measures to control pornography and make certain sex acts illegal — a database of internet users' sexual preferences will be created.
Hookers, Camgirls and Pornstars: Your Country Needs You! https://t.co/uKUzpipCvh #digitaleconomybill
— Sex and Censorship (@PornPanic) January 11, 2017
"I am concerned that the age verification provisions give the government access to information of viewing habits and citizen data," Kaye writes, before expressing his concern for how this data will then be shared across other government departments.
"Finally, I express concern at the cumulative effect of the digital economy bill and the Investigatory Powers Act, [also knows as the Snoopers' Charter]. Together, these two pieces of legislation constitute a significant tightening control over the internet in the UK."
"Identity disclosure requirement in law allow authorities to more easily identify persons, eradicating anonymous expression… which has been one of the most important advances facilitated by the internet."
If your children use #Snapchat, #Minecraft, #PokemonGo or other sites, games or apps #NetAware has tips for parents https://t.co/FPW4euEDwe
— NSPCC Scotland (@NSPCC_Scotland) January 12, 2017
Kaye has branded the bill "insufficient" and that it "unduly interferes with the rights of freedom of expression and privacy."
Meanwhile, children's charities that welcome the Digital Economy Bill believe that youngsters need protection from explicit material and that the state is obliged to provide it.
