Hiselius, Patrik

Freedom of expression

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right derived from the inherent dignity of all persons. Freedom of expression and privacy are the most material human rights risks in telecommunications. The main risks include complicity in human rights violations following excessive governmental requests, which are to the detriment of freedom of expression and privacy. International standards on human rights go beyond identifying and managing material risks to TeliaSonera itself – they relate to the risks to individuals. TeliaSonera’s Board of Directors adopted a Group Policy on Freedom of Expression in Telecommunications in December 2013. The primary purposes of this policy are to reduce human rights risks and to ensure that our customers feel confident that TeliaSonera will, whenever possible, respect and safeguard their freedom of expression when we receive requests or demands from governments in relation to requests or demands that have potentially serious impacts on freedom of expression in telecommunications. The policy is – to the best of our knowledge – the most far-reaching policy of its kind in the industry.  more[...]