In the last years Internet freedom has emerged as an important priority in foreign policy agendas of several European and non-European states. Civil society has over a long period of time put forward demands to ensure an equal protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms online and offline. Yet, reports on Internet access cuts, censorship or other restrictions to freedom of expression, massive violations of privacy relating to surveillance programmes of intelligence services continue to take a significant part of public debate. The security crises that Europe and the international community are facing often translate in a false dilemma/choice between security and freedom in public policy and state action.

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