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StarNet supports freedom of expression over Internet


https://www.ipn.md/index.php/en/starnet-supports-freedom-of-expression-over-internet-7967_1008354.html

StarNet is concerned about some of the initiatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), which can restrict the people’s free access to information, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué from the company.

“Free to Discover” is more than a slogan for StarNet. It is the creed of the company and all the 600 employees of StarNet who work to provide the people with access to the best Internet and electronic communication services, and also an incentive for those who use the Internet daily. The slogan is very topical now given that certain state institutions intend to regulate this wide communication area,” reads the communiqué.

According to the company, the PGO recently announced in a communiqué that the free access to the online area will be soon restricted. Certain websites with illegal content will be blocked. StarNet considers that when implemented, this initiative will lead to the restriction of access to a series of websites and the limitation of the people’s free access to information.

StarNer said that on the pretext of avoiding cyber crimes, the PGO intends to sign agreements with the Internet providers by which to oblige them to block the Moldovan users’ access to different sites. “The document envisions the creation of a National Committee for Response to Cyber Security Incidents under the Prosecutor General and the organization of a system of databases concerning identified and reported cyber security threats and incidents, techniques and technologies used for attacks and good practices for protecting the cybernetic infrastructure. There will be also signed volunteer agreements and conventions between the local public authorities and private operators, especially Internet providers, concerning the method of blocking and closing illegal sites,” it is said in a communiqué published on the website www.procuratura.md .

StarNet has a proactive attitude to the protection of the users from illegal and dangerous content, but, until there are no working procedures and the legal framework does not set clear terms, the users risk being deprived of the right to information, says the communiqué.

“The Internet was and remains one of the most special communication and information instruments in the world. Any attempt to control the Internet will lead to the undermining of the World Wide Web conception and will suffocate innovation,” said StarNet marketing director Alexei Munteanu.

StarNet, which is the first company in Moldova that brought the high speed Internet through optic fiber to the people’s homes, now has over 75,000 clients. Over 2,000 companies are provided with safe and unhindered access to the Internet at the highest speeds. The freedom enjoyed by all the users is essential, while the attempt to block and close certain sites will deprive the clients of the right to information and of freedom of expression, says the communiqué from StarNet.