“E-Society”: There must be a balance between freedom of expression and the right to privacy

The need to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the right to privacy was the conclusion of the 11th E-Society Conference today. Dedicated to freedom and privacy the e-society conference was organized by the Foundation for Internet and Society, ‘Metamorphosis’ and the Institute of Human Rights and Peace based in Caen, France.
The French Ambassador to Macedonia Lawrence Auer spoke of the Internet as a new means of dialogue and information, but represents a threat that terrorists can use it as a tool for promoting their aims. “We are witnessing the shrinking boundaries between the virtual and the real. Media is the first vehicle to inform citizens, in the six months prior to forthcoming elections, the media must endeavour to inform fairly, and feel they are above political party control.” said Ambassador Auer in his opening speech. Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Fatmir Besimi stated the world pre-Internet and post-Internet is not the same, the Internet provides the right for freer speech, with social networks influencing the democratic processes.
The Internet provides and contributes to the freedom of expression and it is an excellent source of information. This is why it must be protected, considered Zhonas Bosa, Director of the International Institute for Peace and Human Rights.
Jardil Bashari, Director of the Metamorphosis Foundation said ” The key is to find a balance between freedom of expression and the right to privacy.”
“The Internet should be free and the citizens of Macedonia free to express themselves using it. Preventing them doing so in the names of safety and security directly threaten freedom of expression and the freedom of the internet, We have to find a way for a free Internet, and the rights of citizens using it, to be safeguarded. The Internet must be made clear of hate-speech.” added Mr Bardhil Jashari, another Metamorphosis Director