Online speech under assault around the globe

[Commentary] Worldwide leaders gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, last week to discuss government responsibilities to protect online freedom, at a point when the principle is under attack around the globe.

The decentralized architecture of the Internet created an unprecedented global platform for free expression, as exemplified by the role social networking played as an organizing force of the Arab Spring. But fearful and easily offended governments around the world are cracking down on those freedoms in ways large and small. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the otherwise thriving democracy and emerging tech powerhouse of India is pushing online giants like Facebook and Google to prevent offensive user-generated content from appearing online. At a press conference last week, Indian Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal pointed to online illustrations of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi in "compromising positions," the Associated Press reported.