A Code of Conduct for the Big Boys
Microsoft, Google, [Yahoo, and Vodafone] will develop a code of conduct with a coalition of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to promote freedom of expression and privacy rights.
This seems to be quite related to these companies’ policies relating to censorship and monitoring of internet activities in China and similarly restrictive areas.
It’s good to see large corporations like these seriously considering their moral responsibilities and valuing peoples’ reservations about their conduct, and, as engadget reports, working with some very well supported and respected non-profit groups such as
the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School, Business for Social Responsibility, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders.
Doubts have been expressed over how this code will be policed and enforced, but overall it looks like a step in the right direction.