- From: Philippe Le Hégaret <plh@w3.org>
- Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:43:26 -0400
- To: public-review-comments@w3.org
From: https://www.w3.org/2002/09/wbs/33280/EthicalWebPrinciples/results Formal Objection to W3C Ethical Web Principles Statement 2.6 The Web Enables Freedom of Expression The current articulation of support for freedom of expression in this section in our view should be improved based on accessibility considerations. The line, “We will create web technologies and platforms that encourage free expression, where that does not contravene other human rights,” suggests that freedom of expression is subordinate to other human rights. The concern is that without robust freedom of expression, it becomes challenging to identify, critique, and address human rights abuses, including issues related to accessibility and disability rights. We propose that the initial sentence be revised to: “We will create web technologies and platforms that encourage free expression.” This revision maintains the principle of free expression, removes any caveats while retaining the broader principle in the remaining text of the section and builds on the specific accessibility and disability discussion in Section 2.4. 2.7 The Web Makes It Possible to Verify Information The current use of the term “misinformation” raises concerns about potential misuse for state censorship, which could conflict with the principle of free expression outlined in Section2.6 as previously discussed. To avoid this issue, a more precise and neutral term should be adopted. Instead of the word “misinformation,” we recommend changing the relevant sentence to the following: “We have a responsibility to build web technologies to address both deliberate and inadvertent attempts to mislead, and to maintain the integrity of information for public good.” This adjustment would better reflect the intent to promote accurate information while safeguarding against censorship and preserving freedom of expression.
Received on Thursday, 12 September 2024 12:43:25 UTC