Internet Blocking

Governments can restrict access to certain information by means of internet blocking. In Switzerland, the use of such measures is currently discussed in the context of several ongoing revision projects of federal laws, namely in the copyright act, the telecommunications act, and the proposed federal act on gambling. This raises the question whether such access restrictions are permissible and how they can be justified.

The Center for Information Technology, Society, and Law (ITSL) at University of Zurich analyses internet blocking from a technical and legal perspective: First, Prof. Dr. Burkhard Stiller (Department of Informatics, UZH) illustrates the technological possibilities and assesses the effectiveness of such measures. On this basis, Prof. Dr. Florent Thouvenin (Institute of Law, UZH) examines if and under which circumstances such measures seem permissible from a legal perspective.

Against this backdrop, the speakers and the audience will discuss the relevant questions with both a proponent and an opponent of internet blocking.

Free admission. No registration is required.