In Kyiv, discussion “What will the blocking of Russian websites mean for Ukraine?" will be held

On Thursday, May 18, at 12 p.m., in the information agency UKRINFORM (second floor) the discussion on the topic “What will the blocking of Russian websites mean for Ukraine? Freedom of Internet vs. information security of the country” will be held.

The discussion is organized by the NGO “Internews-Ukraine”. Representatives of the Ukrainian government, the National Security and Defense Council, representatives of the Internet community and media community, human rights advocates have been invited to participate.

The questions for discussion:

Will introduction of new sanctions against Russian companies in Ukraine tighten the country’s security?

Are users’ rights and freedom of the Internet violated with commencement of the Decree of the President of Ukraine No.133/2017?

Are Internet providers able to comply with the provisions of the Decree of the President of Ukraine No.133/2017?

What does Russia’s reaction to the potential blocking of Russian websites in Ukraine demonstrate? 

Discussion participants (the list is being updated):

Artem Bidenko, vice-Minister on Information Policy

Oleskandr Fediyenko, head of the board, the Internet Association of Ukraine

Zorian Kis, human rights advocate, projects coordinator, Freedom House in Ukraine

Oksana Romaniuk, executive director, Institute of Mass Information 

Victor Shlinchak, head, Information Agency "Glavkom"

Moderator: Vitaliy Moroz, New Media  Program Director, “Internews-Ukraine”

Accreditation for media outlets: Maria Savrun, 063 120 15 39 or e-mail: [email protected]                                                                                                                                              

The event will be held as a part of the “Internews-Ukraine” project “Internet Freedom in Ukraine: supporting foundation of freedom of press and security in the times of the conflict” supported by MATRA from the Government of the Netherlands.