Human rights group Privacy International has written an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to express concerns about a directive that may result in website blocking.

Today and tomorrow, the parliament’s committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will consult on “combating sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.” This has a section regarding the blocking of internet sites that are accused of peddling child pornography.

The meeting primarily comprises groups and individuals with strong feelings against child abuse. This is making digital rights groups worried the site blocking regulations will be passed without much discussion.

Whilst rights groups are undeniably opposed to child pornography and abuse, the use of blocking sites is seen to be stepping on dangerous territory. The main concern is it could set a precedent for further blocks to be imposed in other areas and blocking is a futile process...
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