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Bono Mack: New Technologies Promote Democracy, Freedom of Expression
Urges Congressional hearing to explore government and the Internet’s role in protecting human rights and freedom throughout the world
Washington,
Jul 8, 2009 -
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today urged House Committee on Energy and Commerce leadership to hold a hearing on the role of the Internet and communications technologies in giving a voice to the silenced by repressive governments. Calling attention to recent events in Iran and China, where mobile phones and applications like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube became uncensored, citizen-fueled reports from the streets, Bono Mack said it is time the U.S. examine the threat that Internet censorship poses to free expression throughout the world.
“As a free and democratic nation, we cannot stand idly by while the voices of the oppressed are silenced,” said Bono Mack. “Social applications like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter – developed in the U.S. – provide opportunities for people whose words would otherwise never be heard and can foster respect for human rights and freedom across the world.
“These new technologies already are having profound social and political effects, allowing valuable information, new ideas and free thinking to transcend borders and make a difference.
“Holding a hearing on this critical issue would shed light on this critical issue and help examine ways our nation can do more to uphold and promote basic human rights, free expression, and the economic activity generated and supported by the Internet.”
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