The European Parliament has created a fund to protect internet freedom outside the European Union.

The money will be used to teach foreign bloggers, online journalists and human rights activists how to defend themselves against censorship and cyber attacks.

The initiative for the fund was taken by Dutch MEP Marietje Schaake (representing the D66 democrats), who says that the internet and mobile phones have become effective weapons in the hands of dictatorial regimes. She points out that citizens who fall victim to torture can now be confronted with the full text of text messages, phone conversations and e-mails.

(gsh/ae)

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