Click here for Lao version / ຄລິກຢູ່ບ່ອນນີ້ເພື່ອອ່ານພາສາລາວ
<!-- IMAGE -->Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the
United States Government:
Voice: The more freely information flows, the stronger a society
becomes, said President Barack Obama, because citizens can hold their
governments accountable. The free flow of information and ideas, which forms
the foundation of eCommerce around the world, also drives economic growth and
prosperity. The rights of free expression and freedom of information on the
Internet are a source of strength that should be encouraged.
Unfortunately, these rights are under threat. Too many governments block
content and harass or persecute those who use the Internet to communicate. In
the past year, there have been crackdowns on bloggers in Iran, increased
censorship in China and raids on Internet cafes in Burma. Also, lack of
competition and clear and transparent regulatory environments hinder telecom
network growth.
Reporters Without Borders reports that 70 cyber-dissidents are<!-- IMAGE --> currently
detained around the world because of what they have posted online. In addition
to jailing individuals for what they post online, new forms of censorship are
unfolding around the world. Some governments are flooding websites with
pro-government comments and launching attacks on opposition websites, while
others continue to create sophisticated firewalls that filter data or block
websites.
No country should repress the free flow of information. The freedom to speak
and write freely and critically is a fundamental right. Not only in the United
States, but around the world, the free flow of information has promoted good
governance by holding leaders accountable and encouraging open debate.
Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States
Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A,
Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment -- and view all our current
editorials -- at the V-O-A Editorials home page:
www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials.
