Oceans apart? When US and EU ICT policies collide

“Different conceptions of privacy and free speech often lead to different transatlantic approaches to regulating the internet. Whereas a strong first amendment in the US often means the US regulators are less likely to circumscribe speech and expression in online forums, the EU’s strong principals-based approach to privacy and individual reputation often trumps individual rights to free speech. In the EU, internet entrepreneurs – particularly those that are building platforms that enable communications – need to be cognisant of the higher likelihood of regulation and legal responsibility that could be foisted on them to control and police user communications.” – Dan O’Connor, Vice President for Public Policy, Computer & Communications Industry Association (ccia)