The 6th edition of the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG), which started today, is addressing in Lisbon on 20-21 June, the most recent public policy developments and challenges concerning the Internet, including the current controversy on online surveillance of individuals' communications by governments.
Held under the theme "Internet for society – how to serve the public interest?" with the Council of Europe and other organisations, the event brings together some 400 representatives from civil society, business, governments, parliaments and international organisations.
In the opening, Jan Kleijssen, Council of Europe Director of Information Society and Action against Crime, stressed that the democratic health of a country is measured by its protection of Internet freedom. He also pointed out the need to make compatible freedom and security, and to improve the knowledge users have of their rights. He recalled that the Council of Europe has just adopted a declaration on the risks of digital tracking and other surveillance technologies for human rights, the rule of law and democracy, and the need to ensure their legitimate use.
The main outcomes of the EuroDIG will be reflected in the "Messages from Lisbon", a document that will be presented at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) taking place from 22 to 25 October 2013 in Indonesia.
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