At Cisco, we strongly imagine within the energy of the Web. The Web fosters free expression and accelerates the power to teach, empower, and encourage individuals around the globe. There was no better power in making data extra accessible and alternatives extra obtainable.
Cisco is pleased with its legacy and its main function in powering the Web. With practically 40 years of networking expertise, we’ve helped clients and companions make schooling higher, infrastructure stronger, monetary providers safer, transportation safer, and first responders sooner.
We additionally acknowledge the inherent threat of this expertise being misused. Navigating this steadiness – securely connecting billions of individuals whereas respecting human rights – is core to who we’re at Cisco. Our gross sales actions are in strict compliance with U.S. export guidelines and laws, that are knowledgeable and guided by human rights ideas. We’ve got supported the United Nations World Compact (UNGC) since its inception in 2000, aligning our operations and techniques with ten universally accepted ideas within the areas of human rights, labor, surroundings and anti-corruption. And our dedication to human rights continues to evolve to fulfill new challenges posed by the fast tempo of change throughout the tech sector.
There was current protection in regards to the Ninth Circuit Courtroom’s revival of a long-dormant lawsuit, which might permit Falun Gong to sue Cisco in U.S. courts for promoting off-the-shelf networking gear in China that will have been utilized by the Chinese language authorities to mistreat of Falun Gong members in China. This ruling by the Ninth Circuit, if it stands, would open the floodgates for fits towards firms within the U.S. for human proper violations merely based mostly on authorized exports of products and providers. Cisco is deeply dedicated to human rights, and as we shared when this case was first filed in 2011, these claims are inaccurate and fully with out basis. The off-the-shelf networking gear at problem on this explicit case was delivered greater than 20 years in the past, aligned with international trade requirements, and was not modified for presidency use. Cisco has by no means custom-made our networking gear to assist the Chinese language authorities—or any authorities—censor content material, observe Web use by people, or intercept Web communications.
Whether or not a overseas authorities violated worldwide legislation by way of its therapy of its residents is a extremely delicate matter of overseas coverage, of which the Govt Department of the U.S. authorities has comparative accountability and experience. Holding U.S. suppliers accountable for the actions of overseas governments outdoors of the U.S., has the potential to not solely disrupt the overseas coverage efforts of the U.S. authorities, but additionally result in a much less related, interoperable, and equitable world.
With these necessary points at stake, Cisco has appealed the court docket’s determination. We’ll proceed to advocate for a free and open Web, largely due to its capability to advance human rights. We may also proceed to observe the rule of legislation, promoting merchandise in strict compliance with U.S. commerce and export laws. And with out compromise, we are going to proceed to remain true to our core values – respecting human rights throughout all features of our international operations.
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