Today, Public Knowledge joins more than 50 organizations in a Save the Link campaign to protect the public’s ability to link to content online. This global campaign aims to push back against efforts by powerful media conglomerates to censor links and stifle free expression on the Web. One proposal being advanced could make users liable for the content of websites they link to.
The campaign launches as EU legislators consider a major copyright review, including amendments to the European Union’s Copyright Directive that some experts say would fundamentally undermine the right to link. Additionally, a recent leak from the European Commission reveals measures that could force online companies to monitor the activities of Internet users in order to block content in other countries — which has implications for Internet users and businesses everywhere.
The following can be attributed to Carolina Rossini, Vice President of International Policy at Public Knowledge:
“Sharing information online through hyperlinks is crucial to our freedom of expression. Linking, a core element of how the Web works, enables us to seek, receive and impart information regardless of frontiers, letting us share ideas beyond boundaries.
“Links are a critical component to the Web, allowing communities to flourish and relationships built on trust and collaboration to emerge. We must join forces across the globe to protect the right to link in Europe and elsewhere, and to ensure the Web doesn't break into pieces.”
You may join the Save the Link campaign to encourage decision-makers to shield hyperlinks from censorship. You may also join the conversation with the #SaveTheLink tag.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.