The Internet and its convergence with mobile communications have enabled greater access to information and communication resources, over one quarter of the world’s population now using the Internet. In this context, these publications support UNESCO’s efforts to provide stakeholders with useful reference tools containing up-to-date and sharp information on emerging issues, such as the relationship between freedom of expression and Internet privacy, and encroachments on online freedom of expression (arrests of bloggers, filtering of content or disconnection of users).

These relevant studies in their various translations are available for consultation and download on the website of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector. Furthermore, they will be disseminated in the multi-stakeholder WSIS+10 Review Event, taking place in UNESCO’s Headquarters in Paris from 25 to 27 February 2013, especially given their relevance in relation to planned debates on freedom of expression, privacy and safety of journalists online, as well as in connection to discussions focused on freedom of expression and media development in the Arab region.

The Global Survey on Internet Privacy and Freedom of Expression, originally published in English and now also available in Arabic and French, seeks to identify the relationship between freedom of expression and Internet privacy, assessing different circumstances in which they may support or compete with each other. It maps out key issues in the current regulatory landscape of Internet privacy from the viewpoint of freedom of expression, and provides an overview of legal protection, self-regulatory guidelines, normative challenges, and case studies relating to the topic. The first English version of the book, printed with Sida funding, was officially launched during the Internet Governance Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 6 to 9 November 2012.

Freedom of Connection, Freedom of Expression: The Changing Legal and Regulatory Ecology Shaping the Internet, now available in Arabic, provides a new perspective on the social and political dynamics behind the threats to expression. The publication develops a conceptual framework for discussing the broad context of policy and practice. Its English and French versions had previously been released by UNESCO, and have been re-printed also thanks to Sida funds.

Both publications form part of the UNESCO Series of Internet Freedom, commissioned by the Communication and Information Sector following the Organization´s mandate to promote the “free flow of ideas by word and image”, including by enabling a free, open and accessible Internet.