Italy Releases Draft Declaration Of Internet Rights

Italy's Chamber of Deputies has proposed a 'Draft Declaration of Internet Rights' (Declaration), acknowledging both the way in which the internet has changed interactions and the way it has erased borders, but also noting that the EU's protection of personal data is a necessary reference for governing operation of the internet. The Declaration is now open to public consultation until 27 February 2015.

The aim of the Declaration is to establish some general principles to be implemented by national legislation. It consists of a preamble and 14 articles covering topics including the fundamental right to internet access, net neutrality and right to be forgotten.

In particular, there is strong emphasis on the protection of the individual from widespread monitoring. Article 9 of the Declaration, for example, states that restrictions on anonymous communications "may be imposed only when based on the need to safeguard the public interest and are necessary,