The Huffington Post: Senator Chris Coons, a co-chair of the Senate Global Internet Freedom Caucus, penned an op-ed on Thursday supporting the right of citizens around the world to use the Internet to exchange thoughts, opinions, and expressions. The op-ed argues it is America’s duty to ensure foreign governments and the private sector are working to preserve the basic right of Internet freedom.
Popular movements and entrenched governments both clearly see how the unique power of the Internet can spread democratic ideas and demands for human rights and basic freedoms.
These fundamental values, which should be granted to citizens around the world as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are central to who we are as Americans.
We must continue to pursue an American foreign policy that protects the “right to connect” as a U.S. foreign policy priority. The Senate Global Internet Freedom Caucus advocates for the promotion of policies that promotes rights of all people to use the Internet and other forms of technology to exercise basic freedoms globally. In order to achieve this goal, we must engage with governments, individuals, and the private sector to preserve the Internet as an open platform for commerce and communication.
Click here to read the full op-ed on The Huffington Post’s website.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on foreign relations.