United Nation Human Right Council (UNHRC) has passed the first resolution of the Internet Freedom bill with support from 85 co-sponsors which includes 30 members from the council, reports AFP (via NDTV Gadgets). However, contrary to what the report suggests, India actually supported the bill as indicated by the original resolution (Hat tip – @anjakovacs). Other countries which supported the bill include Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Sweden and Turkey among others.

Here’s a look at some highlights of the resolution:

-  People should have the same rights online with regards to freedom of expression as they have in offline world, irrespective of any territorial borders and through any medium of their preference.

- The council has recognized the global and open nature of the Internet as a driving force in accelerating progress towards development in its various forms.

- All countries should promote and facilitate access to Internet and there should be international co-operation from developing media, information and communication facilities in all countries. The council encouraged governments to take special procedures to include these issues into their existing mandates.

-  The council will continue the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights which includes the right to freedom of expression on the Internet and in other technologies as well as consider how the Internet can be an important tool for development and exercising human rights.