Euro MPs to vote on anonymous blog ban

Euro MPs are preparing to vote on proposals for European Union regulation of blogs with the aim of countering a "dangerous" and unregulated blogosphere.

Marianne Mikko, an Estonian centre-left MEP, is concerned that growing numbers of blogs are being used by individuals with "malicious intentions or hidden agendas".
"The blogosphere has so far been a haven of good intentions and relatively honest dealing. However, with blogs becoming commonplace, less principled people will want to use them," she said.
Mrs Mikko has proposed that bloggers should be required to identify themselves and that some popular blogs should come with a declaration of interests.
"We do not need to know the exact identity of bloggers. We need some credentials, a quality mark, a certain disclosure of who is writing and why. We need this to be able to trust and rely on the source," she said.
Chris Heaton Harris, a British Conservative Euro MP, has rejected any moves to "regulate and restrict independent media sources".
"Mrs Mikko obviously does not understand that blogs have become the life blood of a vibrant democracy," he said.
"I hope these proposals are kicked out."

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One more nail in the coffin of free speech

Stuck at a level crossing? Turn off the engine or pay £20 fine

Motorists who leave their engines idling unnecessarily face an on-the-spot fine under plans being considered by councillors.
West Sussex County Council is seeking to reduce exhaust emissions by penalising drivers who refuse to turn off their engines while parked or waiting at railway crossings.
A pilot scheme expected to be introduced in January will allow traffic wardens to fine motorists who break the new rule.
A council spokesman said: “We want to get people out of the habit of leaving their cars ticking over out of convenience.”
Signs are already in place at level crossings ordering people to switch their engines off.
“We would stress that this is just an investigation at this stage,” the spokesman said. “If it was ever introduced the fixed penalty would probably be £20. But we would hope that the vast majority of motorists would be willing to cooperate.”
An Air Quality Management Area has already been set up in Shoreham, where the trial will take place. It will be expanded across the county if it proves successful.

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