Free communication through digital networks allows our society to reinforce classic freedoms such as freedom of speech and free personal development. It creates informed citizens and strengthens democratic discourse, while new sectors are added to the economy and contribute to the wealth of society. Therefore, efforts towards the establishment of free communication networks in other countries must also be welcomed and supported. They enable more democratic forms of government around the world, more informed and tolerant societies and, consequently, more stable structures. The establishment of free communication networks must become a part of German development aid all around the world, wherever feasible.
Free communication networks around the world have time and again been threatened by censorship. These attempts are usually directed against the country’s own population and against the freedoms of its own citizens. Under no circumstances must Germany support censorship in other countries. The technical prerequisites for censorship must not be created at home or tolerated abroad. Initiatives–political or technical in nature–for undermining filtering systems must be supported to the extent that foreign relations permit.