The Internet and freedom for all

By Malou Mangahas, PCIJ

STOCKHOLM, Sweden Freedom for all, and all stakeholders speaking out with equal voice, on how to govern the Internet. Internet Freedom. Internet for Freedom.

These issues drive the two-day Stockholm Internet Forum 2013 (SIF13) that opens today, May 22 in this country that ranks top in the world for leveraging the potentials of the Internet, according to the latest Web Index.

The forum focuses on two themes Internet Freedom and Security, and Internet Freedom and Development. Policymakers, netizens, techies, activists, and business and civil society representatives from 93 countries are participants.

(The PCIJ is attending the conference on invitation of the forum organizers, namely, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, .Se or The Internet Infrastructure Foundation of Sweden, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency or SIDA.)

At the reception for delegates on Tuesday, Fadi Chehade, president of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), called the Internet a free gift for all the people. It would thus be wrong for any one party, organization, or government to propose to control or govern it by itself, he said.

While some countries like the United States have played a big part in developing it, Chehade notes that even the US acknowledges that there is need everywhere for this great resource.

No one organization, no one country, no one government, no one, period, can control the Internet, he said. And we must respect it and govern it like that.

However, across nations and regions of the world, he noted that some parties have done a pretty miserable job of managing the Internet.

The conundrum that confronts governments, civil society, academia, and business is precisely how to manage this resources that spans the planet and crosses borders.

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The Internet and freedom for all

Freedom Innovations Launches Kinterra Hydraulic Foot/Ankle System Globally

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedom Innovations, an Irvine, CA based manufacturer of advanced technology prosthetic devices, has officially launched its new Kinterra Foot and Ankle System, making the technology available to amputees on a global level.

The Kinterra technology combines an innovative blend of hydraulics and carbon fiber to provide amputees with exceptionally normal walking and movement regardless of surface or speed.

"We performed a soft launch earlier this year to see what clinicians and patients thought and the response has been consistently positive exceeding even our own optimistic expectations, said Rob Cripe, Freedom Innovations Senior VP of Global Marketing. Were very excited to now be bringing Kinterra to our customers on a broader, global level.

Offering a number of unique features, such as articulated movement, an innovative dorsi-assist spring, and smart controls, all in a highly durable design, Kinterra provides end users with a symmetrical, energy-efficient gait that improves comfort, balance and confidence. Cripe explained that the technology was specifically designed to take everyday function to the next level, simulating normal body movements.

Kinterra users also benefit from increased stability on slopes and level ground, improved limb health thanks to Kinterras reduced socket pressure, and enhanced comfort while sitting, standing and squatting. The design even simplifies the process of putting on a shoe.

Freedom Innovations, LLC (www.freedom-innovations.com) designs, manufactures, and markets advanced technology lower extremity prosthetic devices that provide people with physical challenges the ability to reach their full potential. Based in Irvine, CA, Freedoms lower extremity prosthetics are distributed around the world.

Media: Interviews and photos are available upon request.

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Freedom Innovations Launches Kinterra Hydraulic Foot/Ankle System Globally

POV and off-ride of new Freedom Flyer suspended family coaster at Fun Spot America – Video


POV and off-ride of new Freedom Flyer suspended family coaster at Fun Spot America
Made by Chance Rides, this 1200+ ft. long Vekoma suspended family coaster is part of Fun Spot America #39;s new expansion, officially opening June 8, 2013. Spec...

By: Orlando Attractions Magazine

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POV and off-ride of new Freedom Flyer suspended family coaster at Fun Spot America - Video

US Sees 'Climate of Intolerance' on Global Religious Freedom

Source: VOA

The United States said the right to global religious freedom was challenged last year, with governments often creating a "climate of intolerance" leading to hatred and violence.

In an annual report, the State Department said Monday government officials worldwide are often allowed to act with impunity while violating the religious rights of their countrymen. It said there often is uneven enforcement of religious freedom laws and introduction of new restrictions.

International Religious Freedom Report for 2012

Secretary of State John Kerry said religious freedom is "the birthright of every human being," but is often restricted.

The chief U.S. diplomat said religious freedom throughout the world is a national security concern for the U.S.

When countries undermine or attack religious freedom, they not only unjustly threaten those who they target, they also threaten their countries own stability.

And we see that in so many places," said Kerry. "Attacks on religious freedom are therefore both a moral and a strategic national security concern for the United States.

He said the State Department found a "troubling" increase in anti-Semitism and named a new aide to monitor the problem. The report cited abuses in several countries, particularly in Venezuela, Egypt and Iran.

Kerry said there is a growing number of blasphemy and apostasy laws that often violate religious freedoms and are applied in a discriminatory manner. The report singled out Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Iran and Eritrea for its pursuit of cases against individuals accusing them of blasphemy.

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US Sees 'Climate of Intolerance' on Global Religious Freedom

Kerry says religious freedom is the right of every human being

WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the freedom to profess and practice one's faith is the birthright of every human being, not just an American invention.

In remarks coinciding with the release of the 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, Kerry said religious freedom is "ingrained in every human heart" and recognized under international law.

"Attacks on religious freedom are therefore both a moral and a strategic national security concern for the United States," he said.

The report on religious freedom in some 200 countries and territories was released by the State Department Monday. An executive summary highlighted governments that restrict their citizens' ability to practice religion.

Among those mentioned were China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Sudan and Eritrea.

"The right to religious freedom is inherent in every human being. Unfortunately, this right was challenged in myriad ways in 2012," the report said.

The report noted anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions were on the rise, particularly in Europe and Asia.

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Kerry says religious freedom is the right of every human being