[Privsec] update on terrorism paragraph

[Ralf Bendrath]

Hi all,

seems that our intervention was succesful. A number of delegations raised 
concerns, and the EU had brought their own new proposal (which 
unfortunately was worse - calling for "countering terrorist use of the 
Internet" instead of just "condemning" is as in the Israel version.
Anyhow, they quickly agreed to kick out all references to "incitement", 
"glorification" etc. And a new delegate from Equador showed up (maybe 
alarmed by our statement this morning) and insisted on Human Rights 
language (she is a member of the HR commission here at the UN). Like the 
princess who comes to resque you in the last minute. :-)

They could not finally agree, but the latest draft language now reads 
(according to my notes):

New 49 bis: We reiterate our commitments to the positive uses of the 
Internet and other Information and Communication Technologies and to take 
appropriate actions and preventive measures, as determined by law, against 
abusive uses of Information and Communication Technologies as mentioned 
under the Ethical Dimension of the Information Society of the Geneva 
Declaration of Principles and Plan of Actions. We also underline the 
importance of countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations on 
the Internet, while respecting human rights, and in compliance with 
obligations under international law.

They have to sort out the exact wording at the end, but is is much better 
than we had feared.

Best, Ralf