How does W3C view its role in policy debates about intellectual freedom?
W3C’s mission is to “realize the full potential of the Web.” The following two points are taken from a talk by Jim Miller at the WWW6 conference: • We wish to provide tools which encourage all cultures to feel free to use the Web while maintaining an inter-operable network architecture that encourages diversity without cultural fragmentation or domination • We provide feedback to policy makers regarding what is technically possible, how effective the technology may be in satisfying policy requirements, and the possible unintended consequences of proposed policies Thus, for example, when discussing the CDA-type legislation with government officials in the U.S. or abroad, it is appropriate for W3C to point out that sender-based restrictions are not likely to be effective at keeping all materials of a particular kind away from children, and that there could be unintended consequences in terms of chilling free speech or keeping the Web from reaching its full potential as a medium for commu
