7 Billion Voices is a new online campaign whose goal is “to give everyone a voice without censorship, interference or fear of what happens after expression.” Its members advocate that the European Union take a leading role with comprehensive and effective strategies for protecting freedom of expression online, and that its leaders incorporate them as part of their security and foreign policies.
The brain child of Marietje Schaake, 7 Billion Voices was founded as part of “Safer Internet Day” on 8 February 2011. Ms. Schaake, a member of European parliament, has recently condemned Vodaphone and other telecoms for their compliance in demands to shut down their services during the recent unrest in North Africa.
While the initiative is still in its infancy, it has begun to garner a following via its Facebook Page and Twitter account.