EU Internet proposals to protect society

This report is one thing. What it can actually mean is something else altogether. “Protect society?” Right, whatever THAT means.

EU proposals to regulate content on the Internet are aimed at protecting society not undermining free speech, European Union Media Commissioner Viviane Reding said on Thursday.

OK. “…to regulate content…not undermining free speech…” Huh? See recent posting for definition of “doublespeak”.

She said the proposed regulations reflected “basic societal values” — the protection of young children and restrictions on incitement to hatred.

Two parts to this then. The one sort of hearkens back to Hill and Bill: everything is “for the children”. Does this mean that the Euros want to protect young children from sexual and pornographic content for example? Somehow the Chief doubts that this is on the Euros radar screen.

The second part on the other hand: “…restrictions on incitement to hatred.” probably is the kernal of the issue. How this is interpreted will make all the difference. Does it mean that Islamofascists and Neo-nazis (for example) will be restricted? Not a problem. Will it strike at a religiously based expression of traditional morality (as for example designating non-marital sexual behavior as being “sinful”) also? What about criticism of fundamentalist Islam as being intrinsically prone to violence and terrorism? And finally – who decides?

The devil is in the details. This could be a good defense for Europe as Europe, or another construction moving towards Eurabian dhimmitude.

Overall, the Chief will remain skeptical if not fully cynical on this one, until the course of events shows otherwise. If this shows a lack of faith in the tendency of Eurocrats to get it right, well, based on the record, why shouldn’t it?