In November 2007, The Pew Internet & American Life Project surveyed attendees at the second Internet Governance Forum in Rio de Janeiro to find out their views on how governments and other regulators should structure policy about the internet, amongst other things.

The results?

  • Respondents indicated strong support for the establishment of a global internet users’ Bill of Rights. 66% of those participating in this survey agreed with the statement: “A global internet users’ Bill of Rights should be adopted.” 6% disagreed.
  • 76% of respondents supported freedom of information as a core ethic of online life and 75% agreed that such a policy ensuring freedom of expression on the internet should be adopted.
  • 62% of respondents said they believe content controls weaken the Internet.
  • By a 59%-28% margin, they disagreed with the statement, “My country should have the right to approve the internet content available to the people of my country.”
  • Even more disagreed (63%) that a commercial internet service provider should have the right to control content.

See more of the findings here (PDF).

I like the idea of an Internet Bill of Rights. I’ll have to do some reading on the subject. This site looks like a good start.

[Via PJNet]