Facebook joins Global Network Initiative as an observer

Facebook has agreed to be an observer at the Global Network Initiative (GNI), an organization that aims to prevent censorship of the Internet by authoritarian governments.

The GNI, a non-governmental organization also dedicated to protecting privacy rights, is sponsored by a coalition of corporations, nonprofits and universities.

Facebook is the first company to accept the observer designation, which GNI created last December in order to allow corporations considering membership to learn about the organization and participate in policy discussions with members and staff.

Facebook can remain an observer for 12 months before it has to make a decision about full membership, GNI said.

“We created observer status after listening to companies who wanted to learn more about how GNI’s participants work together in support of free expression and privacy rights before committing to membership, and we welcome Facebook’s involvement,” GNI Executive Director Susan Morgan said in a statement.

Arvind Ganesan, a member of GNI's board, said, “[T]his is an important step for Facebook, and we welcome the opportunity to work with them towards the goal of becoming full GNI members."

Facebook Vice President for Global Public Policy Marne Levine said the social networking giant's leadership is "delighted to serve as an observer with the Global Network Initiative and work with GNI and its members to promote a free and open Internet."

“Building a better understanding of the value of the open Internet, and its direct impact on job creation, education and good governance, is critical, and precisely where the work of GNI can be useful."

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