The Internet is a powerful and positive forum for free expression. It is the place where "any person can become a town crier with a voice that resonates farther than it could from any soapbox," as the U.S. Supreme Court recently observed. Internet users, online publishers, library and academic groups and free speech and journalistic organizations share a common interest in opposing the adoption of techniques and standards that could limit the vibrance and openness of the Internet as a communications medium. Indeed, content "filtering" techniques already have been implemented in ways inconsistent with free speech principles, impeding the ability of Internet users to publish and receive constitutionally protected expression.

Intellectual freedom (including freedoms to think, believe, read, speak, write, publish, perform, create art, produce software, and protest, among many others) is one of the most fundamental of basic human rights, and is protected by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as national and state constitutions, amendments, and caselaw in democratic parts of the world. Unfortunately, it is also the most frequently attacked of those rights. Censorship comes in many forms, and from many sources, ranging from governments and corporations, to educational institutions and reactionary individuals. Troll Kingdom opposes imposition of censorship laws and policies, and believes that the full democratic and empowering potential of the Internet can only be realized in a true marketplace of ideas and expression.

Freedom of communication is the indispensable condition of a healthy democracy. In a pluralistic society it would be impossible for all people at all times to agree on the value of all ideas; and fatal to moral, artistic and intellectual growth if they did.

Some of the Troll Kingdom’s members reject all barriers abridging access to any material, however controversial or even abhorrent to some. Others reject barriers for adults, so long as their individual right of choice is not infringed. All of us are united in the conviction that censorship of what we see and hear and read constitutes an unacceptable dictatorship over our minds and a dangerous opening to religious, political, artistic, and intellectual repression.

Troll Kingdom stands by its position to oppose restraints on open communication and to support access to information. We encourage, support and coordinate activities of worldwide organizations in opposition to censorship. We encourage everyone to understand that restrictions on the free interchange of ideas threaten religious, moral, political, artistic and intellectual freedom.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." .............................................................................................................. —Benjamin Franklin

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