Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has urged IT businesses not to supply internet content filters to all countries. According to the minister, IT businesses should first make sure that content filters will not be used to limit the freedom of speech.

Mr Verhagen said IT companies should take into consideration that repressive regimes could abuse content filters. The minister will meet with the companies involved soon. He mentioned China and Iran as examples of countries severely restricting the freedom of speech.

The minister said recent events in the Arab world have underscored the importance of the freedom of speech on the internet. Mr Verhagen said he would seek support within the EU to come to regulations regarding the sale of content filtering technology.

(gsh)

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