A/HRC/21/30 that Internet service providers were requested and required to remove from the Internet. He also stressed that corporations could not be held responsible for deciding what content should be taken down. 10. The Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia, Hesti Armiwulan, observed that financial constraints limited the right to have access to the Internet, and that an effort should be made to reduce the cost of access. She pointed out that the Government of Indonesia balanced rights and obligations with regard to the freedom of expression on the Internet with the need for the criminalization of certain acts on it. She emphasized the fact that the State played an important role in promoting the right to freedom of expression, particularly through training, raising awareness and working together with national institutions of human rights, civil society and universities. III. Summary of the discussion A. Role of the Internet and challenges to the right to freedom of expression 11. In the discussion that followed, several delegations stressed the important role of the Internet in the promotion and protection of human rights. It was noted that the Internet had been instrumental in facilitating the enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the flow of information and ideas, and the mobilization of civil society movements. 12. In addition to the issue of the right to freedom of expression on the Internet, some delegates underlined its role in promoting economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights to education, health and development. In this connection, some delegates pointed out that restrictions on the use of the Internet could lead to substantial opportunities being lost. 13. A number of delegates expressed their concern that online content was being unduly filtered, blocked or subjected to censorship, and that there was an increasing trend to criminalize activities on the Internet. It was noted that restrictions on the right to freedom of expression on the Internet should be the exception and strictly in conformity with international law and standards. Concern was expressed about the existence of a wide range of surveillance software used for limiting or violating the rights of individuals who expressed their views and opinions on the Internet. 14. In their statements, several delegates and speakers stated that limitations on access to the Internet were a key barrier to exercising the right to freedom of expression on the Internet. It was also highlighted that, since access to the Internet concerned both content and infrastructure, there was a strong need for transfer of technologies to reduce the digital divide in and among countries around the world. In addition, there was a strong relationship between issues of intellectual property and access to the Internet. Some delegates highlighted the crucial role that private companies played in this regard. 15. Several delegates also expressed concern at the “abuse” of the right to freedom of expression on the Internet, which could undermine national security and social stability, incite hatred and exacerbate tensions. It was also noted that the Internet could be misused for criminal purposes, including for child pornography and human trafficking. It was suggested that further discussion was necessary in order to find effective ways to address these issues. 16. Representatives of non-governmental organizations, as well as some delegates, called for greater transparency and accountability of Internet service provider companies. Concerns were raised with regard to the issues related to online content and the availability 4