International Freedom Online Conference (In Session/Closed)

by **Noordeinde** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:30 pm

Arrangements for visiting dignataries

On behalf of the Noordeindian government we first of all once more again would like to welcome all visiting delegations to the Freedom Online Conference in The Hague. It will be an honour and a privelege to be your host during the entire summit!

For those delegations who will arrive by plane, at The Hague Int. Airport: Several tarmacs have been made available for your arrival. All of the delegations will be welcomed by a Chief Protocol of respectively the Executive Office of the President, the Department of State or the Department of Defense.

Also, have all of the delegations been assigned with an appropriate number of Special-Agents of His Royal Majesty's Noordeindian Secret Service during your stay in our country. The agents will take care of the personal safety of every member of the delegation and they will try to make your stay in Noordeinde as comfortable as possible.

The Royal Noordeindian Secret Service will also provide (armored) Cadillac DeVille luxery sedans for all high ranking members of the delegations, while residing in Noordeinde. For the transportation of all other members of the delegation vans and busses have also been made available. The motorcades will be escorted by city police authorities from the Airport to the Conference.

Hotel arrangements have also been made available in some of The Hague it's finest hotels. All security in said hotels will be provided by local law enforcement authorities and the Royal Noordeindian Secret Service.

For those 'local delegations' (i.e. Ambassadors and other Members of the Corps Diplomatique): the Royal Noordeindian Secret Service and local Police will pick-up the delegation at their respective embassy or Ambassadorial Mansion and will escort their motorcade to the Conference.

by **Yuktova** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:37 pm

Application

Full Name of Nation/Int. Organisation/Companny: The Socio-Cyber Federation of Yuktova
Full Name of Region: Antarctic Alliance
Form of Government: Scientific Anarchy would be the best term I'm guessing
Full Name of Delegate(s): Chairman Jacques Frezca
Occupation of Delegate(s) (Diplomat/Ambassador/Minister/President etc.): Diplomat, "President"

by **Noordeinde** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 7:40 pm

Press Release

On behalf of the President, the Rt. Honourable Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt, we also would like to welcome the Socio-Cyber Federation of Yuktova to the Conference! We truly appreciate that your country would like to be part of this global coalition that is committed to Internet freedom, which is an important step in establishing international support and joint action for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people worldwide.

by **New Edom** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 8:06 pm

Full Name of Nation/Int. Organisation/Company: The Allied States of New Edom
Full Name of Region:Xanadou
Form of Government:Republic
Full Name of Delegate(s): Marcus Cruonis
Occupation of Delegate(s) (Diplomat/Ambassador/Minister/President etc.):Vice-President

by **Nueva Labana** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 8:21 pm

Full Name of Nation/Int. Organization/Company: United City States of Nueva Labana
Full Name of Region: European Continent
Form of Government: Democratic Federal Parliamentary
Full Name of Delegate(s): Rodolfo Davren Navarro II
Occupation of Delegate(s) (Diplomat/Ambassador/Minister/President etc.): High Federal Chairman of Foreign Affairs

by **Noordeinde** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:08 pm

Press Release

On behalf of the President, the Rt. Honourable Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt, we also would like to welcome The Allied States of New Edom & the United City States of Nueva Labana to the Conference! We truly appreciate that both of your countries would like to be part of this global coalition that is committed to Internet freedom, which is an important step in establishing international support and joint action for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people worldwide.

by **RandomGuyNation** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 12:15 pm

Full Name of Nation/Int. Organisation/Companny: Federal Republic of RandomGuyNation
Full Name of Region: The New Inquisition
Form of Government: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
Full Name of Delegate(s): Francis Beggs
Occupation of Delegate(s): Vice Minister of Communications for the Internet

by **Noordeinde** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 6:56 pm

Press Release

On behalf of the President, the Rt. Honourable Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt, we also would like to welcome the Federal Republic of RandomGuyNation to the Conference! We truly appreciate that your country would like to be part of this global coalition that is committed to Internet freedom, which is an important step in establishing international support and joint action for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people worldwide.

by **Elyomia** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:38 pm

To whom it may concern within the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde,

Due to recent events regarding the death of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Il, the President of Elyomia, Sir Elak Mohli, and the Secretary of Civil Defence and Defence Affairs, Ey’g Tekquй, must remain in Elyomia. They will be attending an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee.

The rest of the Elyomian delegation will still attend the International Conference on Online Freedom as planned.

We apologise sincerely for any inconvenience.

The Honourable Lhau'l Umaqi, R.E.M, BA GCertIntBu
Secretary of Foreign and International Affairs

by **Honadura** » Sun Dec 18, 2011 11:37 pm

Offical Letter of Corespondence from The Peoples Independent Reunified Republics of Honadura

민족 통일 독립 공화국
훌륭한 지도자는 신이 지켜주!

Recipiant:IFO Confrence
Subject:Application
Encryption:Low

Greetings Comrades,

We receantly learned of this confrence and decided that we'd like to participate and hope to encourage internet freedoms around the world. We hope you take this time to review and accept our formal application to attend this confrence to better ourselves in the international community.

by **Noordeinde** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:39 am

Press Release

On behalf of the President, the Rt. Honourable Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt, we also would like to welcome the People's Independent Reunified Republics of Honadura to the Conference! We truly appreciate that your country would like to be part of this global coalition that is committed to Internet freedom, which is an important step in establishing international support and joint action for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people worldwide.

We also would like to acknowledge that unfortunetaly His Excellency the President of Elyomia, the Rt. Honourable Sir Elak Mohli, and the Secretary of Civil Defence and Defence Affairs, Ey’g Tekquй, will remain in Elyomia to attend an emergency meeting of their National Security Commitee due to the recent events in North Korea.

by **Sebastianalandia** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:40 pm

To: His Excellency Jonathan Roosevelt, President of Noordeinde
From: Zebaschanitze V. Vladicoff, Vozhd of Sebastianalandia

Citizen Roosevelt,

It is with great joy and great regret that we have received your kind invitation to attend this Conference. The issue of freedom and privacy online is an ever-increasingly present one in the modern age, and we are delighted that such good friends and allies as yourselves (with such an illustrious diplomatic history) will be hosting said conference.

However, there is a matter of guests. I am hosting a pair of dignitaries at our capital currently, and cannot attend in person, as much as I would enjoy doing so. Nor can I spare any member of my cabinet.

In my stead, my government will be dispatching citizen Karl Tellenberska, bearer of the Order of Friendship of Peoples (among other decorations). He bearrs alo the title of Plenipoteniary of Foreign Relations, ranking abbove an Ambassador and representing the Sebastianalandia government fully, in his official functions.

I dare say, however, the he will have to stay for longer than the other guests. For reasons that are, regrettably, confidential, we need Mr. Tellenberska out of the country for several days.

Personally and on behalf of the nation, I thank you for your understanding.

Application:

Signed,
Zebaschanitze V. Vladicoff, Vozhd and General-Secretary

by **Noordeinde** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 2:28 pm

Press Release

On behalf of the President, the Rt. Honourable Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt, we also would like to welcome The United Socialist States of Sebastianalandia to the Conference! We truly appreciate that your country would like to be part of this global coalition that is committed to Internet freedom, which is an important step in establishing international support and joint action for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly, and association online for people worldwide.

by **Noordeinde** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:44 pm

Tuesday December 20th - 9.00 AM
Department of State, The Hague - Noordeinde.

Today would mark the first day of the Freedom Online Conference, hosted by the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde. The first delegation to arrive was the Secretary of State, the Rt. Honourable Sir Louis Wilson, together with the Noordeindian Ambassador to the World Assembly, the Rt. Honourable Stuart van Amstel. During the second break, when diner will be served, President Jonathan Arthur Roosevelt was also planning to attend the Conference.

Their motorcade arrived at the State Department and several Royal Noordeindian Secret Service Agents quickly opened the doors of their cars. Both gentlemen disembarked from their cars and walked into the building. Inside the major hallway they waited patiently for the visiting dignataries to arrive. Both the Secretary of State and Ambassador van Amstel would personally greet and welcome every delegation to the Conference, while the press would also have a little photo oppurtunity.

Tuesday December 20th 2011 - 9.00 AM
The Hague Int. Airport - Noordeinde

In the meanwhile at The Hague International Airport final preperations were going on to welcome all visiting dignataries who would arrive by plane in Noordeinde. The Port Authority Police, together with the Royal Noordeindian Secret Service, had shut down several tarmacs where the delegations could safely disembark to be welcomed by either the Chief Protocol of the President, The Department of State or the Department of Defense before they would get into their cars.

Over 25 Government issued (armored) Cadillac DeVille limousines had been arranged to transport all of the high ranking members of the delegations to the Conference. While special vans and busses had also been arranged to transport all of the accompannying members of the delegation to the State Department.

Especially for this Conference some of the main highways had been cleared from other heavy traffic by Highway Patrol Units and Police motorcycle escorts were also provided so the journey from the airport to the conference would be quick and smooth for the 26 delegations whom are going to attend and participate in the Freedom Online Conference.

Opening Statement of the Conference.
State Department, The Hague - Noordeinde

When all the delegations had arrived the Secretary of State also entered the Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the building. Wilson sat down on his designated chair and pushed the button of his microphone: 'Ladies & Gentlemen, may I please have your attention. On behalf of the Noordeindian Government I first of all would like to welcome you to The Hague and to the Freedom Online Conference!'

'For centuries we have been struggling to achieve freedom of speech, whether spoken, written, or broadcasted. Nowadays, it’s also an online struggle. And let it be a fact that freedom of speech online is surely as important freedom offline is. However, more and more countries are nowadays trying to regulate and control the internet. In my Government it's opinion it is unacceptable that websites are being blocked, internet use is filtered, content manipulated, and that bloggers are being attacked and sometimes imprisoned.' Wilson started with.

'It therefore needs to be said that bloggers and other voices on the internet deserve our support, not only from civil society, but also from governments, like the Noordeindian Government and like all of the Governments being represented here today. But also from the private sector and academic community.'

'During this conference we shall therefore try to establish a coalition of states which will work to ensure that the internet is open, free, innovative, and accessible to all of us. Self evidently, the coalition will engage with IT companies, NGOs, the academic community, and members of the public, and together we will promote the cause of human rights via the internet.' Wilson continued.

'The Noordeindian Government will step up its efforts to help voices online in repressive environments around the globe, and we will provide funding for mesh networks to those who cannot access the internet when communication infrastructures are down. Also, next year, we will on part of the Noordeindian Government, contribute 10 million Guilders to these and other initiatives. And from 2012 to 2015, we are allocating almost 50 million Guilders from our human rights fund to freedom online. And we will continue to raise the issue of internet freedom bilaterally and multilaterally. Thank you' The Secretary of State concluded.

by **Costa Fiero** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:26 pm

The Hague International Airport, Noordeinde:

Foreign Minister Isabel Peréz Bérmundez looked out of the window of the Boeing 737 BBJ which was provided for this trip courtesy of the Republican Air Force. Peréz had come to Noordeinde to seal the relationship of the Socialist Party with the new government as well as discuss the matters at hand. She was divided about online freedoms. On the one hand, she welcomed the idea that the internet was the last true bastion of freedom of speech but she was concerned that this freedom was being abused by what she had termed at the pre-departure briefing with President Antonia Camino as "unsavoury groups". Everyone knew she explicitly referred to the PDT, a militant communist organisation who began using the internet to spread propaganda, and the drug cartels, who created blogs and used social media to intimidate those that opposed them. As the plane stopped on the tarmac and the door opened, she exited the aircraft and was welcomed by the brisk and crisp air of the Noordeindian winter. Below, a Cadillac de Ville had arrived to take her to the conference.

The State Department, The Hague:

Peréz received a warm welcome from both the Secretary of State and Ambassador van Amstel and said that she was "very excited" to represent Costa Fiero overseas. After the welcome, she went inside and took her appointed seat next to the General Director of Riocom.

When President Roosevelt had finished, Peréz took the opportunity to deliver her first statement in English.
"Thank you Mr. President for the warm welcome," she began. "Internet freedom can bring many beneficial aspects to global society. Indeed, the ammount of information shared online has broadened our horizons and opened our world beyond imagination. However, the internet is a double edged sword: it can be used for good. But it can also be used for evil." She paused for a second to check her notes.
"In Costa Fiero, we welcome this initiative to promote internet freedom around the world. We applaud those who stand up to tyranny and those who seek to be the voice of so many who cannot speak. Yet we also see a lot of abuse of this freedom. In recent years, with the advent of social media, Costa Fiero has seen an increase not only in cyber bullying amongst our youth but also the use of these sites for intimidation of individuals who have spoken out against the drug cartels operating not only in Costa Fiero but across South America. Time and time again, people who express their disgust online at the drug cartels and their abhorrent trade often find themselves to threats against themselves, their friends and families. Sometimes, these threats are carried out." She paused again to check her notes.
"I would like to introduce to you to Mr. Manuel Zavatas Frio," she said. An image of a handsome young man with lively eyes and short curly hair appeared on the screen behind the podium. "Manuel was a 16 year old boy who excelled at school and had many friends. Like many teenagers today, he spent a lot of time online, browsing social media sites like Facebook. He was outspoken against the cartels and drug use in general. On the 15th of February 2011, Manuel was found hanging from a bridge over a motorway, with a sign around his neck. It said "Think before you speak". Ladies and gentlemen, this is the sort of issue which I want to make clear to this conference. There needs to be a fine line between total freedom and no freedom at all. I am here to make sure that cases like that of Manuel Zavatas Frio do not happen again."

by **Danatha** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:46 pm

Danathian Embassy, Noordeinde;
9:15 A.M.
Chief Ambassador to Noordeinde, Jérôme Wischard, exited his private office. He would be Danatha's chief delegate in this conference. Danatha has been interested in this matter for quite a while, and now the ambassador would get many different points of view from around the world. Internet freedom is important, and the cause cannot be ignored. But now was not the time for thinking about policy, but it was time to move. Quite literally, the ambassador was being summoned to the gates. The Noordeindian Secret Service had arrived, and was ready to transport the ambassador to the conference center.

"Your Excellency, please, follow me." instructed Captain William DuPont, a Danathian Ducal Guard.

Opening Statement of the Danathian Delegation
The Ambassador took his place in the conference hall and listened to the opening statements and was very intrigued. He prepared to speak, and pressed the microphone button on his desk.
"Honorable delegates assembled here, this is a matter of great importance. Free speech is a key element to any great civilization, and it should not be limited in any way. If we continue to intensly regulate the internet and other means of communication, it could lead to unrest in our nations. How can we justify blocking free speech on the internet? It is no different than if we silenced the physical voices of our people." Wischard opened.
"Also, while we cannot silence the voice of the internet, we in Danatha believe that it must be monitored. These means of communication must not create a means to carry out acts under the governments nose! Regulations should be gradually reduced and monitoring should be implemented. I agree with the Delegation of Costa Fiero, we must do everything in the best interests of the people. If we strike down the voices of our people, through one of the largest means of communication they use, what are we if not tyrants? I urge you to petition your governments on this matter, and make lasting changes. Thank you, thank you all." the ambassador finished.
The Ambassador sat and waited for others to make their statements.

by **Elyomia** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 2:45 am

The Hague International Airport, Noordeinde

Prime Minister Bay'hli Fahabya gathered her folio and laptop inside the government Airbus A340. The aircraft had just landed, with a fairly large screech and jolt accompanying the landing. Fahabya was looking forward to meeting many of the esteemed delegates and furthering internet freedoms around the world. A staunch libertarian, Fahabya was looking to promote full freedom to the internet, with little restrictions. She made a last call to the Ambassador of Noordeinde, telling him to start heading towards the Department of State. She then made her way to the front of the plane and stood in front of the door next to the Duke, ready to be greeted by the press and the welcoming party.

Department of State, Noordeinde

The Elyomian delegation, after meeting with the Secretary of State and Ambassador van Amstel, took their seats within the conference hall. Once the Danathian Ambassador finished his opening statement, the Prime Minister stood up and began to speak.

Herre Majistraet, herre Excellenc’i, herre da’me, herre måns’ur.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin by thanking the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde for their incredible hospitality, as well as their commitment to a free world by organising this conference.
I would also like to apologise for the absence of the President and Secretary of Civil Defence and Defence Affairs, as they were called back to Elyomia to attend an emergency session of the National Security Committee.
Let me begin by asking you, how does it feel to be watched constantly by someone you can’t even see? How does it feel knowing someone who you entrusted to lead your nation and give you freedom is prying over everything that you’re doing in a world which freedom to express yourself is everywhere?
It isn’t a very pleasant feeling. To pry over people expressing themselves on an almost endless thread of information is not just impossible, but almost autocratic. The voice of the internet is one of the most influential voices of the 21st century. The internet gives individuals the freedom to express themselves without judgement, to give those without voice an influential say in the way the world of today is run. We cannot silence the internet.
However, we must monitor some usage, as the Danathian Ambassador stated. The internet provides a safe haven for terrorists, drug cartels, child sex offenders and other ‘invisible enemies’. We must remember that whilst the internet is a place where ideas and changes are born, a danger still does exist.
I believe in monitoring only certain segments of the internet. This is what we have implemented in Elyomia. We do not block, but we monitor those who observe certain suspicious things a number of times.
I don’t want to bore you anymore, so I’ll wrap it up here. I believe that we must monitor certain individuals who are suspicious, but still give individuals the freedom to search the internet as they please. This is a basic human right, and as governments, we must pursue these human rights in order to create a more free and peaceful world. Thankyou all.

by **Honadura** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:33 am

Hauge Airport

Kim-Sang II exited the private jet along with Vladimier Jong as they left inside their designated limozine and were drivin to the confrence where they would represent Handura in this confrence for the internet so it seems it was about. Honadura had no internet access due to their leader banning it but they'd attend anyway and tell their side.

Department of State

Kim-Sang II and Vladimier arrived wearing ceremonial military uniforms that had assorts of medals and ribbions they'd gotten over the years. Vladimier sat down as Kim stood infront of everyone and began to speak his Korean accent was present. "Hello, fellow delegates and representives from different nations. I Kim-Sang II are from The Peoples Independent Reunified Republics of Honadura where internet access is banned. The reason for this is to protect our national security agaisnt cyber terrorists and others." Kim said as he continued "We don't mind not having the internet because we aren't in need of it, we don't crave the internet so much like many of you do" Kim said "Not every nation needs the internet" Kim finished and sat down next to Vladimier

by **Tletl** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:06 am

The Hague International Airport, Noordeinde:
Emperor David II and his cousin Lady Silvia exited the plane. Together they would represent the Tletl Empire on their stance on internet freedom. They both held a similar view view on the matter. The Emperor had decided to allow his cousin to make the opening statement, and she had graciously accepted. They walked down, as the press attempted to ask questions, to the Cadillac de ville that would take them to their destination.

Opening Statement of the Tletl Delegation
Silvia took her seat next to the Emperor. She listened to the other delegations say their other points of view. When it was her turn to speak she walked up to the podium and spoke her Spanish accent barely noted. "Greetings fellow delegates, it is with great honor that I stand here to represent my nation. I would first like to say that this is an issue of the greatest importance. As a diplomat I have traveled to many nations. Some where freedom of Speech is almost restricted, and others where because it is so unregulated violence breaks out because of it. I am here to say that although it is very important to allow internet liberty it is also our responsibility as government officials to prevent violence from breaking out because of it. I suggest that we must also set up boundaries that prevent us from going to far, for it is boundaries that allows us to be defined as governments. Thank you all for listening." She stepped down and took a seat next to the Emperor and listened to the other opening statements.

by **Brutland and Norden** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 11:27 am

Tuesday December 20th - 9:20 AM
outside the Department of State, The Hague - Noordeinde.

Deputy Nord-Brutlandese Foreign Minister for Global Affairs Ms. Carissa Soprignola stepped out of the Cadillac DeVille that had transported her delegation from the Hague International Airport. This is Ms. Soprignola's sixth visit to another country in an official capacity as a Foreign Ministry official, and she is never ceased to be amazed at the pop and security afforded during such events. In Brutland and Norden, such motorcades with escorts are done only for visiting foreign dignitaries. In Brutland and Norden, these preparations are fit for a king, but even then, the King of Brutland and Norden is known to drive his own car around the capital.

Closely following her was Mr. Romeo Calvarese, Deputy Communications Minister responsible for the Internet. This is Mr. Calvarese's first visit to another country, and was sent by the Ministry of Communications on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's request, as the issue to be discussed is under the ambit of the former ministry.

In another car, this time an SUV with Nord-Brutlandese diplomatic plates, the other members of the delegation emerged. Royal Nord-Brutlandese Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde Mrs. Susana Calipari-Thrailkill alighted from the vehicle, obviously familiar with the surroundings. She had asked that an embassy van to be included in the convoy from the airport, instead of another Cadillac, so that there would be a place to leave the luggage of the members of the delegation. The cramped schedule meant that they Nord-Brutlandese would be arriving only a few hours before the conference was about to start, and this certainly contributed to the disposition of Mr. Calvarese.

Lieutenant General Myron H. Blodgett also stepped out of the car. Unlike his other colleagues, he was in a Dress Uniform of the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Armed Forces. He wasn't there for the security of the delegation; he was there to represent the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Cyber Army, the branch of the military dedicated to cyberdefense and cyberwarfare. The Cyber Army is the youngest branch of the Armed Forces, created in 2009. Most of its members, like Lt. Gen. Blodgett, are not ordinary soldiers or military officers, in fact, many of them are young nerds, computer security experts, and even so-called "white hat" hackers. The Cyber Army was primarily set up for the defense of the country's internet infrastructure and prevent attacks on Brutland and Norden's Internet networks. They are also concerned with the country's cybersecurity, advising the people and companies about Internet security, and safeguarding government websites and transactions, especially now that many government services are available online.

But for crimes committed over the Internet, it is the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Police you have to call. It has a rapidly enlarging Cybercrimes Division, which is currently headed by Chief Inspector Ms. Carlotta Rannocchini, also present in the delegation. Like Lt. Gen. Blodgett, C/Insp. Rannocchini is a self-described nerd (though some doubt it, because as the joke goes, there are no girls on the internet) who started as an ordinary policewoman interested in computer things.

The Cybercrimes Division and the Cyber Army frequently collaborate and exchange information in order to provide security and better policing, and they are generally viewed positively by the Nord-Brutlandese netizens and public. Of course, there are shrill voices arguing that the Cyber Army blocking their access to child pornography constitutes infringement of their freedoms, and some hardcore libertarians saying that these institutions are the first step of a slippery slope towards limitation of online freedom for the Nord-Brutlandese. The divisions became all the more apparent when they drafted the opening statement of the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden, with C/Insp Rannocchini and Lt. Gen Blodgett on one side and Mr. Calvarese on the other. In the end, Ms. Soprignola made a draft that was acceptable to both, and perhaps accurately reflective of Brutland and Norden's stand on the matter.

The five-person delegation was ushered onto the building of the Department of State and greeted by Noordeindian Secretary of State Sir Louis Wilson and the Noordeindian Ambassador to the World Assembly Mr Stuart van Amstel. After exchanging pleasantries and a short photo shoot with the media present (with Mr. Calvarese worrying how his hair, presumably rumpled from the flight from Brutland and Norden, looked like in the pictures), the delegation went into the Conference Room and sat on their designated chairs.

Tuesday December 20th - 9:45 AM
Department of State, The Hague - Noordeinde.

"The United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden, represented by her Deputy Foreign Minister for Global Affairs, Ms. Carissa Soprignola," the presider of the conference called out.

Ms. Soprignola walked the short distance to the podium, which was being vacated by the representative of Tletl. After checking the microphone and formally greeting the delegates present, Ms. Soprignola read the United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden's opening statement:

"We are gathered here now to discuss one of humanity's last frontiers: the cyberspace. Like the wide unexplored reaches of outer space, the cyberspace contains wide unexplored reaches and persistently expanding boundaries such that its potential seems limitless. Humanity had created and built for itself a virtual space, a new environment, an exciting world in which every person should have the chance to participate in, just as every person is a part of a society.

The Internet has helped the busy stay-at-home mother buy her groceries, had fueled revolutions to bring down oppressive governments, had made it easier to communicate with friends and acquaintances from across the seas in the other side of the world, and had facilitated dissemination of knowledge and information to the people who wanted and needed it. We have only started harnessing the powers of the Internet and reaping the benefits it could bring. It has its own idiosyncrasies and properties, which makes the cyberworld unique and working.

The United Kingdom of Brutland and Norden believes that just like in any other space, like the outer space, the airspace, or public spaces, there ought to be regulations and laws to follow in the cyberspace. For too long the cyberspace has been like the anarchic remote frontiers of the fictional "Wild West" we see in movies. Individuals exercised their "freedom" with wanton disregard for other people's rights, including but not limited to the commission of crimes and to hindering the peoples of the world from enjoying the benefits of the Internet. The cloak of anonymity - one of cyberspace's idiosyncrasies - had been used, and abused, to infringe on other people's rights and freedoms.

Freedom is not absolute - one's freedom ends where another's begin. As such, we believe that there needs to be regulation, moderation, and additional security in the Internet. In Brutland and Norden, we have two institutions, the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Cyber Army, and the Cybersecurity Division of the Royal Nord-Brutlandese Police, that do such work. They would be more effective if assisted by other comparable agencies in all nations - seeing the cyberspace as something that transcends boundaries.

Some people express their fears about loss of freedom in the cyberspace and the possible intrusion of governmental tyranny into the internet. But as the story shared by the representative of Costa Fiero had proven, the absolute freedom in the cyberspace had led to another tyranny - the tyranny of anarchy, of lawlessness, of impunity - all shrouded in anonymity.

Brutland and Norden believes that lines have to be drawn in cyberspace, just as laws and regulations draw lines in the real world. That line is fine and blurry, again just like in the real world. For instance, the boundaries of freedom of speech and reasonable censorship is a debate in many nations, they do not know where to place the line separating the two.

For the Internet, where international cooperation is clearly necessary, we have to balance everyone's interests and exercise of freedoms, such that the Internet serves the greater good of everyone, not just that of a criminal few or that of an oppressive government. Brutland and Norden hopes that such issues would be discussed productively in this forum.

The Internet is also the last frontier in another regard - we had only started tackling the issue of government suppression and oppression in cyberspace. Governments and organizations had previously coalesced against a wide variety of suppression by oppressive governments - such as suppression of the media, of the opposition, of the people. But it is only now that governments of various nations have banded to decry and take steps to ease the suppression of Internet users, or even of the Internet itself, by authoritarian governments. Brutland and Norden believes that people should be free to participate in the cyberworld and express themselves there without fear of reprisal, just like they should be able to in the real world. We hope that his conference would send a strong message, and make strong efforts, to destroy governmental suppression of, and in, cyberspace.

In short, the cyberspace is a mirror of the real world, where lines have to be drawn and other people's rights and freedoms be safeguarded. The cyberspace is also a reflection of society in the real world, in such that everyone should be able participate in it and partake in its creation and building.

Thank you very much and good morning."

After finishing her long speech, Ms. Soprignola returned to her seat.

by **Herrebrugh** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 11:36 am

This is an extra NOS news broadcast reporting on the arrival of Minister De Bruijn of Foreign Affairs in The Hague (Noordeinde). De Bruijn is visiting Noordeinde for an international conference on internet freedom, representing the Herrebrughian government.

There in The Hague is Eelco Bosch van Rosenthal. Eelco?

"Yes, hello. The Minister is with me here, and has agreed to answer some questions." "What is the official government stance on internet freedom, Mister De Bruijn?"

"We have almost unanimously decided to support an as free as possible online world. We see internet as a human right, and will therefore protect it as much as we can. Even though this, we also believe internet freedom should have boundaries. Namely spam and online bullying are problems people face every day, and we should try to limit the possibility of undertaking such activities as much as possible."

"What do you think of downloading of music, games, movies and other such things on the internet?"

"Our cabinet is against the downloading of products that are supposed to be payed for."

"But doesn't this collide with your own views on the subject? The D66 party is known to be in favour of extensive internet freedoms after all."

"I'm part of a coalition."

"Well, yes. But wouldn't you much rather fight for internet freedoms more so than you're already doing?"

"Again, I'm part of a coalition. This coalition doesn't just consist of me. Oh, excuse me. I've got to leave. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

"Well, it seems to be pretty much how we expected it. Freedom with boundaries."

Ok Eelco, thank you.

We're going out for a break now. We'll be back with more news on the conference. Goodbye.

by **RandomGuyNation** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 7:32 pm

OOC: Apologies for not RPing my arrival at the airport. I'm a bit short on time, so I'll start with my delegation at the DoS Building.
IC:

The Hague

Vice Minister of Communications for the Internet Francis Beggs checked his hair in his reflection in the window of the car-a Cadillac something, the people here called it-and smoothed down a little shock that had resisted combing and gel. It did no good, predictably.
Scowling, Beggs gave up on the resistant strands and checked the rest of him-all the while hoping that no one was watching him through the other side. After a moment, he concluded that he was more or less fine, and leaned back in his seat.
As The Hague flashed past him, Beggs felt his suit pockets, searching for his speech. Finding it in the left inner pocket, he breathed a small sigh of relief. It would be...a disaster if he had lost it. Silently thanking God, he sighed again, and began to relax. Beggs had never been to Noordeinde before-hell, he'd never traveled out of the country before, which was remarkable for a intermediately high-level government official like himself. As the-Cadillac?-kept rolling, Beggs looked out the windows, and found himself impressed by the architecture of the buildings they drove by-and the skyscrapers that towered over the simple rooftops most of all.
The driver-a sharp-looking young man who Beggs had assumed was a member of the Royal Noordeindian Secret Service-eyed Beggs through the rearview mirror. Beggs caught that, and turned his gaze toward him.
"Sir, we're approaching the Department of State Building. Secretary Wilson will greet you, and then you're off. Have a pleasant stay, sir."
"Thank you," Beggs said softly, and made a final, last-minute check of himself in the window. Aside from the irritating shock of hair that still stuck out, he thought he looked...rather presentable. It'll do, he thought. It should, at any rate.
The-Cadillac? Beggs wondered-pulled up right in front of the Noordeindian DoS building. Beggs picked up his briefcase and quickly and smoothly exited the vehicle, muttering a final few words of thanks to the driver. He was on unfamiliar ground, but soon figured out where to go and walked towards the entrance, where he received a warm welcome from the Noordeindian SecState, Sir Louis Wilson. After the initial words of welcome and small talk, Beggs walked straight into the building, ignoring the reporters and journalists trying to snap pictures and ask questions. Despite working in the Ministry of Communications, he was never one for publicity.
After asking a local employee for directions, Beggs found the conference building and found his assigned seat, setting his briefcase down beside his chair. Then he pulled out his speech, unfolded the paper it had been typed on, and read it through one final time.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Delegates,
It is quite an honor to stand here before you now, to represent the Federal Republic of RandomGuyNation. We are here today to discuss what is perhaps one of the defining inventions of the modern world-the Internet. No one can deny that the Internet has done wonders for society. It has revolutionized the fields of communication and commerce. It has been a political tool, a limitless vault of information, and a place to socialize with your friends.
Naturally, however, something so grand in scale must have limits, in order to prevent it from spinning out of our control. But the question is-where do we place our limits? Being too petty and constrictive risks infringing upon the inherent rights of any person anywhere. Being too open and liberal risks allowing the rise of cyberterrorists and bringing harm upon ourselves and others.
With luck and with genius, we will find a reasonable boundary to set-a boundary that, hopefully, will allow for much freedom, while still ensuring safety and security.
Thank you all, and good day.

by **Allied States of Demokratia** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:57 pm

Minister Linton, running towards the BAE-146 that would take him and the rest of the FRASD delegation to the Internationaal Freedom Online Conference was asked about his thoughts on the conference, he had this to say:

"Well, obviously its been a rough start, we are already late! But we thought it was important to deal with the emergency domestic situation here at home (referring to the large snow storm that has crippled the Northern States, including his home constituency which recorded an absurd 77 inches of snow in the last two and a half days).
With respect to the confrence, we would like to make ourselves very clear on one issue: We have absolutley no problem with civil freedoms expressed in person or on the internet as long as it does not break any criminal laws that are in place. Peaceful assembly is one thing, riots are another. Releasing an internet video is fine, but if it advocates violence or other harm to people or private property, thats something we have to look at."

"Obviously its a slippery slope, there is no right answer. We ideally would like to preach moderation, and thats the line we will take going into the confrence. I have yet to see all opening statements and issues and so on, its waiting for me on the plane. We are coming here to see what people have to say, and to get involved in the issues. We want to see online freedoms persist, but not at the cost of allowing crimes to be comitted. One example is the recent political strife in West Farbanti. Instead of workers threatening to hack computer networks and set up tent cities in the Regional Admistrative Council Center, they met with their political representitives, had meetings with corporations, all moderated by a neutral party, and all sides are pleased to announce that a legislative bill is being drafted, with input from all concerned parties might I add, that should hopefully be voted through the regional parliment by the end of the week, with it going into law within the next 2 weeks." He added "The system works great, when it works, we realize changes need to be made to make the system work faster and better, but we ask citizens to please remember, talking to eachother is the best way to go somewhere. While protest is fine, the way we got about it is important. The last thing we want is confrontation and escalation. Words are powerful, and people shouldnt forget it. Thats why the doors to all of the Central and Regional Administrative Council Center offices were removed. We have a 100% open door policy. Make an appointment!, we have a mandatory law that has us in our offices 30 out of every 50 days of parliment, and we respond to emails and phone calls as best we can. I realize I havent really answered any questions, for that I do apologize. We are looking forward to seeing what works in all countries. We are coming into this with an open mind. We are going to talk to people ad find out what works for them, and what doesnt work. We will tell them what works for us, and what doesnt. We want to make government as approachable as we can, preserving civil riights and political freedoms within reason. "

When asked how things were back at his region, he smiled and quipped "Well, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When it snows enough to bury our regional highway service vehicles, and closes down even military bases, everybody grabs a shovel, takes a shot or two of a good congac, and gets to work. Thankfully, Defence Minister Harling has agreed to the requests, and is deploying 50,000 soldiers from the reserves to assist in this mess. He also has another 100,000 on standby, but we will take it a day at a time. The most important message I can say is to stay at home who I know can hear me on the radio and see me on TV or the internet, is make sure you dont operate gas generators in your homes, look after your neighbors, and ride it out... Dont try and be tough about this. Civil aid will assist those who need help in emergency situations, but creating more is dangerous as it will stretch our forces thinner- stay at home, read a nice book or watch a movie. Aid via the military will be dispensed within the next 4 hours, including food, blankets, medicine and outdoor, and I stress they are out door!, generators that will be able to power stoves, heaters and that sort of thing. Thanks to the corporate support we have recieved, it may not me a traditional holiday meal, but companies like Mona's Pizza, Chef Malcoms Bakery, and TropicJuice, we will be sending out a nice meal kit to each citizen. We hope they enjoy! "

With that, Minister Linton, looking frazzled and in need of a good nap, boarded the jet that will take him to the confrence. He is expected to make a full statement tomorrow.

Link: News Report on the Class 7 Killstorm that hit last week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbb34ixU5OM

(OOC, I just got home from travelling home from college town to home town. been a long few days with exams and an insane amount of time in airports. The cover story in character is the giant killer snow storm, rated at a class 7 kill storm . Ill be back on this tomorrow afternoon or so. I gotta sleep for a bit lol)

by **Durmatagno** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:10 pm

To: All Participating Nations
From: Captain Drake

Due to unforeseen circumstances, no one from Durmatagno or her territories will be able to attend, however we would like a recording of the conference to be sent to us so we may make a international press release about the event and our opinions on the subjects that are discussed. With the recording we would appreciate it if we got your nations stand on each subject.

(Basically my more loved RPs and a few pet projects of mine are stating to pickup and I won't have time to actively post, so I'll do a final post at the end of the event so the world and your nations still no our stance on certain subjects)

by **Valcluse** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 4:44 pm

The Hauge, Noordeinde:

Outside the Valclusian Embassy, Ambassador Henri Petain stood waiting as one of the ambassadorial Citroen C5 sedans was brought around. He had informed the security officials that there was no need for their support today as he counted on making a less than ostentatous appearance. Once the driver pulled up outside, he got in the back of the Citroen and awaited the depature to the State Department.

The Hague International Airport, Noordeinde:

Prime Minister Gérard Renault looked out of one of the port-side windows of the Airbus A330-200 VIP passenger aircraft as it approached the airport. As it landed, Reault took in some of the surroundings. It was snowing outside, although only lightly. Many other aircraft from the different countries attending the conference. As the jet pulled into its allotted space, Renault got up out of his seat and gathered the necessary material for the conference. The door opened and the chill of the winter air hit him, although coming from an alpine area of Valcluse, Renault was used to it.

He stepped down the passenger stairs and got inside the limousine waiting for him.

The State Department:

Renault met Petain inside the conference hall where they would sit together.
"Let's hope this goes quickly." Renault said.
"Why?" Petain asked.
"Something's happening close to home," he said. "An attack or something. I don't know."
Petain looked surprised but said nothing. Once one of the other representatives had finished speaking, Renault took the podium and addressed the conference in English. His address was short but to the point.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "It is a honour to be here. The idea of internet freedom is a concept which acts as a double edged sword, as many other delegates have pointed out already. The idea that people can freely exchange ideas and opinions online, free of opression and censorship is an idea which we should strive to achieve. However, the forces that we may unleash can not only serve society, but can also harm it. Today, extremist views and opinions can spread faster and further within one year than ever before. We must ensure that these views are eradicated before they become too detrimental to the health of society. We all want a world where the freedom to speak one's mind freely and with no fears for their safety. But in order to achieve this, we must remove all threats to it. This then, is the only way, in our opinion, to achieving true freedom online."

International Freedom Online Conference (In Session/Closed)

Arrangements

Arrivals & Opening first Plenary Session.

Arrival of the Danathian Delegation

Who is online