Should the internet be a human right?
Human rights are legal promises that protect people’s freedom and dignity. There are 30 human rights which aim to meet every person’s basic needs.
Below are five of these rights:
- The right to think or believe whatever you want
- The right to education
- The right to be involved with your community’s arts, literature, music and sciences
- The right to employment
- The right to share opinions freely in whatever way you choose
In some parts of the world, the internet is heavily restricted. For example, in Iran, common social media platforms and information sites are blocked, which means they can’t be used by people. The government hope that this will make it harder for people to protest.
This got us thinking about how the internet is linked to human rights.
Vincent Terf
one of the pioneers of the internet said:
Tim Berners-Lee
Inventor of the the World Wide Web said:
Over to you!
- Do you think the internet should be a human right? Why or why not?
- How would limiting the internet affect people’s other human rights, like the examples above?
- How might your experience of the news be different without the internet?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to let others know what you think by replying directly to their comment.
Comments (180)
I agree because... individuals have the right to freely express themselves. Social media is a platform where people have the opportunity to let people know how they feel about a particular issue, it is a platform where people get to be heard. I feel that the government of countries such as Iran are using the ban of social media as an avenue to suppress the opinions of their citizens which is an infringement on their right to fair hearing. Without the internet, we would not know about the things happening in the world or how to stop them, the internet has become a major part of our world today and I believe that it is here to stay.
You make some great points about humans' need and right to express themselves. This is particularly important in countries such as Iran where freedom of speech is limited. But do you think that people should have complete freedom to say what they want on social media? What about cases where what they are saying is completely wrong (disinformation) or they are using social media to incite violence? Should there be any regulations about that, or is freedom more important?
In my opinion, people should still be free to share their opinions or ideas on social media. This is because it is their basic right and freedom and concerning the issue of defamation, laws have already been made in most countries concerning false statements which may damage the reputations of individuals(i.e slander and libel) which are accompanied by due punishments.
I agree because... all human beings need a freedom of speech and in which way are people using it ,right their are some people that use the internet to post pornography videos which is a source of money to them but unknowingly living young children addicated to it leading them to rape their friends or young ones and also parents shouldn't give phones to child below the age 16 because a child in that age is able to know the dangers and outcomes of watching pornography videos so parents should be careful on what to do for their children.
Thanks for sharing your insights, you have made some good points. I notice that you've mentioned a right to 'fair hearing' and it would be great if you could talk a bit more about this: How, if at all, does this differ from a right to free speech? and how is this applied in the context of a privately owned platform that the public has access to?
Wow @resourceful_tomato I really enjoyed reading your comment and agree with everything you have said. The internet is a place for knowledge sharing and allows voices to be heard, something that should be a human right.
I agree because Because we really cannot appreciate the importance of the Internet and social networking sites in our lives, but we do not forget that we are the ones who behave well on the Internet It is a double-edged sword (it has its pros and cons), so we must always make the best use of it And what Iran is doing is a negative thing, because any person has the right to express his opinion In this way, the residents of the state will feel the comparison and the difference between them and the countries of the world, so their reaction will be to hate the state for violating one of their rights.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a right but I don't think it should be restricted either, the fact that anyone restricts the internet means they have something to hide. The restriction of the internet is an infringement on the right to share opinions freely, in my country, Nigeria the was a ban on Twitter which makes the citizens not to share their opinions freely.
Thank you for sharing an example from your country, accurate_wombat! Why might a government want to restrict people sharing opinions on social media?
Because they obviously don't want people to have their own opinions also because they don't want people attacking them via anonymous message
The government may want to restrict the speech of the people on social media for both good and bad causes. Either to advance aims such as public health, morals, orders or even national security, or on the other hand, to prevent people from expressing distaste towards unfair policies or laws by protesting, which is a method of expressing ones disapproval or objection towards something. Either ways, it is an infringement on the rights of the people.
Hi @accurate_wombat !
Why do you think the internet does not have to be a human right? would you say that there are downsides to internet access?
Yes, I believe there are downsides to internet access. In particular social media as part of the internet. Social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook have exposed the teenagers to pornographic pictures and videos. You also get to see that these see that through these social media platforms teenagers carry out cyberbullying because research shows that the percentage of cyberbullying in UK is 52.8% and this is a very big percentage. And through the social media platforms is where you find these online scammers and in my research it shows that they use fake photos, fake biographies and fake social network to make false promises and later steal you. And I can testify because there is a time my mom landed on one that sent him photos and was even promising to take her to UK. But he first told her to send her address and a particular amount of money and that when my mom went to an ICT expert and they found out that the photos weren't his and he was even in Uganda not UK. So you find that most people are scammed through these social media platforms.
But their are also very many good things about the internet. The internet is a source of knowledge where most people share their ideas and opinions. Many children around the world use the internet for learning where some of them have their lessons on ZOOM and even some have them on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube like the time when COVID19 had just come and schools were closed we used to use the internet for learning. You also find that people hold their business meetings ZOOM and even social media platforms like Facebook and this helps them reduce the transport and preparation costs at the company. The people use the internet to market, advertise and even sell their goods. There are also some people who have prayers via some social media apps like Facebook and YouTube because some churches have their services live so that people who are far away can still be able to connect to them. The internet can also help people to communicate to people from other countries the likes of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook where it is very easy to talk with anyone from any other continent. The internet also help people express their feelings, opinions and ideas to the whole world.
So you've got the pros and the cons of the question down, idealistic_song -- but should the internet be a human right?
Yes, the internet should be made a human right because most of the pros I above link to most of the human rights. Like a right to education since many children have been using the internet for their studies mostly in the time where most countries were in lockdown and all schools were closed children used ZOOM and other social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to have their lessons. A right to work or employment, you find that there are most people who have online jobs where some even market, advertise and even sell their products using some of the social media platforms like Instagram and apps like JUMIA. Then there are also some businesses or companies that have their business meetings online which enables them to also connect with some of their business partners from other countries
Yes, the internet should be made a human right because most of the pros I listed above link to most of the human rights. Like a right to education since many children have been using the internet for their studies mostly in the time where most countries were in lockdown and all schools were closed, children use zoom and other social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to have their lessons. I write work or employment, you find that there are most people who have online jobs where some even Market, advertise and sell their products using some of the social media platforms like Instagram and apps like jumia. And you find that if the internet is disconnected these people won't have money to provide food for their families and pay for the children's school fees which if affecting the right to food and education. Then they are also some other businesses and companies that have their business meetings online what's your neighbors them to also connect with some of their business partners in other countries.A right to religion whereby some people have their online prayers because some churches have some of their services on social media platforms like Facebook to connect with people who are far away. A right to opinion and expression, we all know that internet at most times is a source of knowledge many different people share their ideas. So the internet helps people to express their feelings, opinions and ideas to the whole world. So making the internet a human right is actually a way of emphasizing and simplifying for the access of the human rights to the people.
Yes not allowing the use of internet affects the other rights for example. I cannot name the amount of education and information the internet has given me, a world in which the internet is restricted simply just means a restricted world. Right to employment, using Nigeria as an example, the job opportunities in Nigeria aren't as much as the government thinks and even those that have jobs still need another source of income hence internet jobs. Using myself as an example, I would not say I am employed but I do make a certain amount of money useful to teenagers my age I answer surveys online and get money for my opinions. Even though it's not as lucrative as other jobs it helps me not to be so dependent on my parents as others my age.
Thank you for sharing, accurate_wombat. Does the internet link to any other human rights? How?
Is the Internet related to any other human rights? How? Yes, such as freedom of opinion and expression through free expression in social media, and the Internet is a platform where people have the opportunity to let people know how they feel about a particular issue, it is a platform through which people are listened to.
Why do you think that without internet the world is ristricted yet in the old or colonial times they managed to speak out and people got independence without the use of internet so it means the world without internet can actually move with people speaking out for their rights
yes there was no internet but there were few educated elites and there were rallies and rebellions it was way more disorganized so i still stand on my point that the internet is better.
since we are a bit advanced we can find means of speaking out without internet and internet comes like another alternative to express your selves but as they used to make rallies you to can make rallies or move door by door spreading the information, or pin banners to spread the information. Although it is a bit tiresome but it can work without internet, and also internet is a human want not a need so it is not a human right.
I also believe that the internet could be used for greater purposes and be helpful to many people.
I like your comment and agree with you The Internet is one of the rights of people, but as we know that everything that has its positives has its negatives, the Internet is a double-edged sword One of the most important positives of the Internet for us as students is that it helped us in distance learning under the Covid 19 pandemic, and as I said, we cannot name the amount of information that we have benefited from the Internet Also, the Internet has made our world a smaller space, as if you have someone close to you and a traveler, you can message him and see him via the Internet, but there are some people who do not appreciate the value of something and take advantage of it negatively As we can see, some people are publishing bad clips on social media just to get the title of fame
I think that the Internet should be a human right because of its many benefits, including the use of the Internet in education, the use of the Internet in communication and communication, the use of the Internet to learn about world news, and the use of the Internet for entertainment as well. Restricting the Internet on human rights will affect the spread of ignorance and anxiety about relatives outside the country, that is, it is not possible to communicate with each other and the spread of boredom. We conclude that the Internet has many benefits. Without the Internet, I cannot and no one knows what the world's news is abroad 🌏
How might people have learnt about news from other countries before they had the internet, cultured_gazelle? Might this still be possible now? Why or why not?
In some countries, like Iran and China the internet is very censored, and people can only see the news that the ruling regime wants them to see. In addition, they do not allow the use of non-approved social media. Do you think that access to social media as a part of the internet should also be a human right? Why?
Yes, access to social media as part of the internet should be a human right because there are some people who at most times are not interested to watching news on the television for them they get their news from social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter. And with social media they are also able to know other people's reactions or ideas about what is going on in the country. Some people also have their lessons via social media platforms like Facebook because during the lockdown when schools were closed there are people who got some difficulties in operating the zoom app so they also put the lessons on Facebook and YouTube for those who had difficulties. These social media platforms are also used for business meetings, some people decide to hold their business meetings on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram so that they would reduce on the costs of transport and preparation of the meeting at the company. These same businesses use these social media platforms to advertise or market their goods. You also find that some people sell their products using those social media platforms like Instagram. Some people also attend or have their prayers through most social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube because some churches have their prayers live on those platforms.
But you also find that the social media is also bad because on social media platforms is where you find the online scammers and in my research it shows that they use fake photos, fake biographies and fake social network make false promises and later steal you. And I can testify because my mom also landed on one who sent her photos and was even promising to take her to UK but she told her to first send her address and a particular amount of money that's when my mom went to an ICT expert and they found out that the pictures they sent were not his and the person was even in Uganda not UK. So some people can be scammed from those social media platforms.
You also get to see that through the social media platforms teenagers carryout cyberbullying because my research shows that the percentage of cyberbullying in the UK is 52.8% which is carried out using these social media platforms. Teenagers are also exposed to pornographic pictures from these social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Great points @idealistic_song! Thank you for sharing a personal example that illustrates a big downside of the internet and for explaining the cons which impact teenagers.
This is an interesting perspective. You have said that without the internet no one knows what the word's news is abroad. However, the internet is a relatively recent invention so I'm curious as to how you think news was communicated globally and people in different countries kept in touch with each other prior to the invention and public access to the internet?
You have talked about the many benefits of the internet as a reason why it should be a right. However, others may list the many negatives as a reason why it shouldn't be. What would you say to those people?
Many forms of violence are practiced against women in the world, most of them, especially in conservative countries, as a result of customs and traditions linked to the culture of society, but unfortunately the position of governments and civil society institutions, especially advocacy for women, is weak in the face of these customs and traditions.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. When we think about this in the context of the discussion on the power of the internet, I'd like to hear more about:
How do you think expanding or limiting access to the internet may affect the wellbeing and rights of women across the world? How may widespread internet access reduce or contribute to violence against women?
Hi @sensible_impression! Your comment got me thinking. You say that advocacy for women is weak - how do you think making the internet a human right might be able to help with that issue?
I agree on this issue because the Internet is a catalyst for obtaining many rights. On the Internet, people who have been deprived of their rights sushi as education and freedom can demand them and hold protests through the Internet, and they can communicate what they suffer from the robbery of rights to the outside world 🌍 also through online programs for example, when there is a war in one of the countries, here the right to safety is robbed, the news about this country is published through the Internet, so it will sympathize with this country and the other countries will restore safety to this country.
I agree because... the internet has helped a lot of people in the society through the internet people can see that a lot of people are suffering, like when they are discriminating women through the internet other women around the world will see this issue nd protest through it and it is even safer because a lot of people that comes to protest get injured but through the internet no one will be harmed
Since the death of Mahsa Amini, there have been many protests in Iran, and the President of Iran has warned them and said that he will not allow the chaos to occur, but the authorities still continue to suppress the protests that swept the country due to the death of Mahsa Amini while she was detained by the authorities, because they believe that she violated the law that requires her to cover up Her hair was veiled, and there are many who say that she died because she was beaten by security officers. The first protests took place after Mahsa's funeral, when the women came out waving their headscarves in the air. Then the women also came out from the rest of the country and cities to defy the morality police.
Hi @giving_mood, one of the Topical Talk skills is creativity. Can you use this skill to imagine how your experience of the news would be different without the internet?
The spread of news will be difficult without the Internet, because the Internet spreads news faster, and it will be difficult for us to know the news outside the country, and we will not be able to be sure of the news we hear, and a lot of time will pass before the news reaches us.
Experience on news without internet would be difficult because you will need to move around to the different places to look what is happening in the country yet with internet you can just search and it brings you the results. Then most times on news like for example some TV channels like NTV ask for people's opinions via the internet now without the internet it will be hard to know people's opinions and for those people to share their ideas about the matters.
Limitation of the internet affect people's human right. The internet is a platform where people get to express themselves, communicate with their loved ones and also get news or information about the their country and even the world. Everyone has the right or freedom to be informed, to express themselves and to communicate but all this right and freedom is restricted or violated when the internet is limited or not allowed. The internet was made to benefit everyone and I as a person I'm benefiting from it, I can't imagine being deprived from talking to my loved ones, I really love them and I use the internet to communicate and stay in touch with them.
Yes. I feel the internet should be a human right because the internet is just like a microphone. It amplifies the voice of people. Imagine a young girl standing in front of a crowd of a thousand people. She won't be heard but when she uses the microphone her voice is amplified and everyone can hear her loud and clear. It's just like that with people who are struggling to have their opinions heard in the world the internet serves as a voice to the voiceless, aid to the helpless. It helps people to gain the support they need and to make their voices heard.
This is a great analogy amazing_computer. Do you think that some opinions shared on the internet can be harmful? Should all opinions be shared?
Yes, an individual has access to the Internet and freedom of communication for expression, opinion, knowledge of other peoples' cultures, knowledge of world news and access to informationAs bad as the pandemic has been but imagine with me a crisis like this but without the Internet and what has been achieved throughout the coronavirus through access to the web, where employees have been able to work from home and keep economies afloat; Governments and others have been able to disseminate vital health informationStudents lucky to have the net remained able to keep their education intact and their dreams alive through online learning.
I don't think social media should be a right because it's something that everybody has acces to it so it dosen't need to be a right.
Could you elaborate on this? Do you think everyone has and all countries give equal rights to the internet?
Hi @enchanted_banana !
Luckily most of us have access to the internet, but what about those in Iran where the government has restricted access to social media platforms, do you think the government should be allowed to do this?
This is an interesting perspective. Many of your peers in the comments have talked about instances where social media is banned or restricted so people don't have access to it. Likewise people may not have access to social media because of lack of internet access. I'd like to know more about why you think everybody has access to social media? You have implied that because something is accessible to all it doesn't need to be a right so I'm also curious to learn more about how you think rights work and who should have access to them?
I think what "enchanted banana" meant is that. A right is like a basic need and you feel like you can't live without it but as per the internet you can easily live without out it. Did anyone ask them selves how people in the past lived yet they didn't have access to the internet. Even when people started riots and rebellions because of the colonial rule there wasn't internet but they could still speak out and be hard. That's why he says the internet shouldn't be mad a human right because it can be accessed by most people.
But as per Iran's situation where the government doesn't allow them to use the internet because they don't want the outside world to know what they are doing to their people. I suggest that the government should just stop acting childish and accept that they made a mistake and find a way to resolve the issue so that everything can go back in order and the internet will even be back on.
I am sorry to inform you but that is just incorrect, not everyone actually has access to the internet. Several countries that are in poverty have people who cannot afford the internet, and then there's countries like North Korea that completely block the internet from it's people.
i think that you are entirely incorrect do the fact that many people are in digital poverty, which is when you dont have a digital device and cant connect/ be on the internet.
Thanks for commenting @enchanted_banana. Without it being a human right, governments are able to prohibit access to the internet. So, to make sure people can access the internet it's important for governments to recognise it as a human right considering it's an extremely valuable tool for communication and learning.
I strongly agree that the Internet is a human right wherever it is. I would like to say the reason why I agreed to the right of the Internet as we all know that we have gone through difficult times because of the Corona pandemic, which made the world feel safe, but because of the presence of the Internet during these days that people went through, the Internet was the only means Through it, people can know each other's conditions and reassure their children and children in strange countries. It was also a source of support for some of the only people in life because it was a source of support for them.
It is also expected that you will have advantages for societies, including knowing the news of the world while you are sitting on your couch watching all the news of the world with a clearer accuracy
Also, through the Internet, people have renewed beautiful relationships, including friendships and others
Just as the Internet at the time of the pandemic was the main guide to educating people about the dangers of this disease.
Should the Internet be a human right? yes ; The Internet is also linked to human rights such as the right to share opinions. This is especially important in countries like Iran where freedom of expression is limited. Individuals have the right to the Internet as the right to express themselves freely in social media. It is also a platform where people have the opportunity to let people know how they feel about themselves. A particular issue, it's a platform where people are heard. For example: The Internet has a positive effect, with about four out of five people stating that it has brought them more freedom. But it is in Nigeria, Ghana and India where there is more confidence in expression on the international network.
I feel that the governments of countries like Iran are using social media bans as a way to suppress the opinions of their citizens which is a violation of their right to a fair hearing.
The freedom of communication cannot be ignored.
Good points @cooperative_dolphin I'd like to hear more from you, what do you think are the downsides to the internet?
Yes, the Internet should be a human right because he can express his opinion through the Internet, but the Internet must be used in a safe manner, because the Internet is a double-edged sword that has benefits and harms and benefits that facilitate our daily lives and express our opinions freely and use it in education and from its harms waste time and not sit with Parents become introverted and do not want to talk a lot, so you should use the Internet, but on a regular basis
The Internet made it easy for us to do many things, such as communicating with relatives, talking with friends and listening to songs, but it has negatives, as people waste their time on the Internet and forget to sit with the family. I believe that the Internet is not a human right, as most people have the Internet
What about if countries censor or limit access to the internet?
If the countries limit access to internet it will be good because people will now have time to spend with their families. Children will find time to read their books and time to also do house chores because these teenagers spend a lot of time on the internet and forget to do their chores. Teenagers will also start sleeping early and I can testify because when my phone is connected to the internet I actually won't sleep and if am to sleep I will sleep like at 4am and this also not good for the human body because it also needs enough rest and research show that if use use your phone at night when the light are off or when it is dark you are likely to have problems with your eyes. Without the internet the rates of cyberbullying will reduce and teenagers won't get spoilt because of the pornographic pictures and videos they get to watch on the social media platforms. The cases of online scamming will also reduce because the the internet is disconnected.
But also if the countries limit the access to internet it will be bad because there are many ways that the internet is helpful in. It can help people to communicate with people around the world just like what the Iranians are trying to do so that they can let people around know what is happening in their country. I can also give an example when a musician eddy Kenzo from Uganda was stuck in some African country in the west those times of lockdown but he used the internet to communicate with the government of Uganda and they helped him. It can also help in education because there are many people who have online lessons via zoom and some other social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. It can be used by many businesses to advertise or market and even sell their products and they do this via social media platforms like Instagram. There also people who have online jobs where they get extra money to support their families for example there are also teenagers like me who take up some online jobs like attempting online surveys and marketing people's products and we earn money which help us not to always depend on our parents. Then lastly there are people who have prayers on some social platforms like YouTube and Facebook since some churches hold their services live on these platforms.
Hi @forgiving_gazelle !
I agree, sometimes we can get carried away and spend hours on the internet, would you say that we need to be more aware of the time we spend online?
yes . We need to be more aware of using the Internet. We must limit the time to use the Internet, for example, we use the Internet to take a break from work or after solving homework
Nice question, can you say that we need to be aware of the time we spend on the Internet?!
As we know that spending too much time on the internet is a very bad thing, because a person's time is wasted without making any use of it. Students will also experience a drop in schooling, and may be subject to blackmail and threats for spending too much time. Just as every negative thing has something positive, for example, whoever works on the Internet, the more time you spend, the more money you earn, even if it has negative aspects, but in this person's opinion, it is a positive thing to bring in money and living
I am unsure about whether the internet should be a human right. I think from a certain age, an age where you cam make your own choices, it should be, but for a child, I think it should be up to parents because the internet has some dangerous things that could be upsetting to children. So, I think it should be but whithin an age limit.
That's an interesting point. How do you think it should be controlled? Age limits for websites?
I sincerelly agree with you quickwitted_tamarind because children who are beneath a certain age limit do not neccessarilly need to be exposed to inappropriate language which is stated on various forms of social media and comments on google and chrome. Furthermore, age limits should be stated on websites to allow parents or careers to know whether a website is age and language appropriate for their child - before one explores the link/website.
Also, replying to 'Christine @ The Economist', age limits for websites should be situated on numerous apps to reassure/assure parents that a site is appropriate for their kid/child in many forums.
To conclude, I agree with your comment and think that it is justifyable.
As well as that, sorry for answering your question.
I sincerelly agree with you quickwitted_tamarind because children who are beneath a c ertain age limit do not neccessarilly need to be exposed to inappropriate language which is stated on various forms of social
But it will be hard to know put an age limit on the internet because some websites have already tried this but it had failed because for example when am signing into a certain website and they ask for my birth date and year instead of putting 2009 I put 2000 to make them belive that am above 18years yet am not.
But I think parents can help out in this, they can set parental guidance on the devices that they give their children so that they observe what their children do on the internet and incase it is not educative they will receive a notification on their phone asking for the permission to allow their children watch and the parents won't accept. So that's how you can control or prevent children from watching pornographic pictures and videos.
Technology isn't here in the world just because a bunch of mad scientists wanted something to destroy mankind. The internet is a gate to the human world and I strongly feel there shouldn't be a digital divide of any sort concerning the way people are meant to use it. Yes, it should be a human right. Why? Because there are people all the way across the world who aren't aware of human advancements. Isn't a wrong on the government which controls these people if they are deprived of something meant to be shared?
Your comment made me think
First I was thinking like you why don't the government provide these people (who know nothing about human progress which is internet)
But look, it's a little difficult for the government to provide these people with internet at a very high cost
As I said, the Internet is a good thing, yes, it is good, but not for all people, it must be under a certain age, and also for certain reasons, including politics, knowing the political events that are happening in the world, also for education and for work, otherwise it must be within Logic limits, for example, now that young children carry phones and the Internet. This is wrong and has major negatives in the future
The Internet is not considered a basic right like all other rights
But it is an important part of human rights in education and entertainment
The Internet is a luxury, not a necessity
Hi unique_starfish! I like your point about the internet being a luxury, not a necessity. Can you explain that more for me?
I sincerelly agree with you 'unique_starfish'. As the internet was created as a luxury because respective to the fact that if we did not have the internet, one could still survive as all the information that one desires are in books.
Even though the information may be stored in sacred or holy books like the Bhagavad Gita or the Quran, there are are other ways to retrieve the desired information which one longs to have.
Well done for replying to another user and stimulating discussion illuminated_newspaper!
Technology is the age of history. One of the elements of technology is the Internet, which has negatives and positives that affect humans. Among its negatives are waste of time, addiction, and distance from sources of science, etc. As for the positives, they are used for knowledge, information transfer, and invention of things, as well as for entertainment. The Internet is not really but part of the education process.
To me, a right Internet access feels like a right to basic aducation.
If you don't have access, you are at a huge disadvantage relative to the rest of society.
Given its ubiquity and importance in knowledge / learning / information, I, d say yes.
The Internet is important to our lives, whether professional, personal or scientific. The Internet helps communicate with the countries of the world and introduces us to the heritage of each country, but if the Internet is used incorrectly, this may lead to only major problems.
Iran has banned the Internet for all its citizens, as the Internet is considered a human right, so they used it very carefully
The Internet is important to our lives, whether professional, personal or scientific. The Internet helps communicate with the countries of the world and introduces us to the heritage of each country, but if the Internet is used incorrectly, this may lead to only major problems.
Iran has banned the Internet for all its citizens, as the Internet is considered a human right, so they used it very carefully
"Internet access is a unique and non-substitutable way for realising fundamental human rights such as free speech and assembly," he writes in a new paper.
The argument is that going online is now so essential for participating in modern life, doing without it puts people at a serious disadvantage in terms of staying informed, getting their voices heard, realising their fundamental human rights, and much more.
Hi @calm_deer
This is a good argument, do you agree with it? And, if so, do you think governments like the one in Iran should be allowed to restrict access to social media?
I believe that restricting the Internet and restricting and banning social media platforms has a great impact on violating the most important human right, which is to participate in opinions without condition or restriction. Each of us is well aware of how to use it correctly and is fully responsible for what he says or publishes..So from my point of view no There is a need to restrict the Internet, because this leads to the restriction and violation of freedoms and the restriction of engaging in discussing the various matters of society
What about if people's opinions are harmful to others? For example, social media is criticised for spread of hateful opinions of others. Some people's opinions can be hurtful to others, should they still be allowed to share them online?
Living without internet at home means that you’re able to focus on a task without your attention being diverted to your phone when you get a notification.
You are in control of your time, instead of wifi being in control of your time.
You Can Be More Organized
You benefit by restricting your use of Wi-fi because it forces you to be more organized. No longer do you have the luxury of 24/hour access to the internet, instead, you’ll have to plan your time accordingly when you do have access to an internet connection.
This is a great point unique_reality, you have responded with a lot of thought to this question. I like that you noticed some of the negative effects of the internet, and posed solutions to it.
It’s clear that we must build a better, safer, more empowering digital world.
We need governments, companies, civil society, and citizens to work together now to create this digital future. A future where internet access is understood — and realised — as a basic human right.
Do you have any suggestions for how the internet could become better, safer and more empowering?
It’s clear that we must build a better, safer, more empowering digital world.
We need governments, companies, civil society, and citizens to work together now to create this digital future. A future where internet access is understood — and realised — as a basic human right.
If it is recognised as a human right, governments may be faced with the dilemma of having to ensure access to it before they have been able to cover life’s most basic needs
This is a fantastic point brave_forest. How do you think the internet differs from other human rights?
I see access to the internet as an ancillary right that can facilitate the realisation of basic rights but should not be given the status of a ‘human right’ in itself. “It should not be considered a human right as such. From a potential point of view, it is true that basic rights and the internet are connected. Those who don’t have the internet will enjoy less protection of certain rights,” says Mark Coeckelbergh, professor of philosophy at the University of Vienna and researcher on the philosophy of media and technology.
“That is why I think it is important for it to be recognised as a right within our legal framework, so that access is ensured.
I really like that you have quoted an expert here. What do you think is the difference between a human right and an ancillary right?
No. Universal internet access is considered by most to be a laudable goal, but it's definitely not a fundamental right. Internet access is access to someone else's creation. That cannot be considered an inherent right.
Today, there are millions of people suffering and dying from basic diseases, from starvation, from severe exploitation, etc. Humanitarians should focus on granting those disadvantaged people actual fundamental rights (e.g., healthy food, clean water, basic medical care, education, choice, opportunity, freedom from coercion in marriage, employment better than subsistence farming) instead of expanding the roster of what the privileged ranks would consider it torturous to be denied and therefore must be defined as a fundamental right.
You make good points, calm_starfish. But you present the argument as if granting internet access as a fundamental right would come at the cost of addressing other fundamental rights. I understand your argument that it isn't fundamental, but also it isn't necessarily in competition with those other rights.
Yes, the Internet should be a human right because it should look to the world's news and news of what is happening in its country. For example, if loyalty spreads, how will the people be warned? Of course, through the Internet, then people can take the necessary measures, and also another example. When the Corona virus invaded the world, we could not go to school for fear of ourselves, so we used the Internet for distance learning. How can an alternative to distance learning be used instead of schools?
When they restrict the internet, then they will be robbed of our right to education. Restricting the internet means restricting our rights
How can we know the news without the Internet? Do you think you will know her through people? Will the news pass you by, and are you sure of it? Also, the news on the Internet is not all true. There are fake sites that publish false news to publish problems. These sites must beware of them. There are sites that are reliable that publish true news. These sites we follow and support and we report on fake sites that have no benefits.
From my point of view, it is a right for everyone and to be connected to all the nation, but with a specific use, meaning it is for a specific age group. The use of the Internet is divided into 1- Personal use, which is for all people to communicate with friends and family 2- Public use, which is its use as decision-making, is not a right. For example, when the subject of public opinion becomes public, all people express their opinion. This creates an imbalance and consensus between their opinions. I mean, an unqualified person comes with his opinion in a case that has taken place or a crime has taken place, and once he stands for or against and forms a force in the community and his opinion is wrong... Also, there are some platforms. I think it is preferable to restrict their use and they are not open to people twenty-four hours There are many accounts that do not serve the public interest and use things in the Internet. In the event of fire, what happened was found for it. The Internet was made for us to rise, learn and develop, but when I find platforms such as Tiktok, Facebook and other platforms that are open 24 hours, and these platforms have been silent and made the appearance of people so that they do not It deserves to be known, and the interest of the Arab world has become only to use the Internet for fame, not to rise and develop
NoInternet access should be universally availablewithout a doubtas a previous commenter notedaccess to the Internet in times of personal or national crises is vital in a world dependent on mass communications
But unfettered access to the Internet does not rise to the level of a fundamental right
Human rightsfundamental rightsinclude the right to live free of fearthe right to sufficient foodwater shelterand sanitation the right to medical carethe right to choose the form of government under which to live; the right to express opinions publically without censorship; the right to love who we choose to love, and so onThese are fundamental rights codified in many, but not all national constitutions
Access to the Internet should be available to allbut access does not equal a rightNor should it.
I am not really sure whether the internet should be a human right because there are advantages and disadvantages of the internet. I think it should be limited based on age. I think for children it should be limited because they could get exposed to all sorts of negative and harmful online activities such as cyber bullying and pornography. I've been engaged in numerous discussions with some of my mates on when they would allow their child to have access to the internet and many of them said when their children are grown and matured to a certain level that they will be able to filter out the negative aspects of the internet from the positive aspect then they would let that child have access to social media.
On the other hand, I think individuals that have attained a certain level of maturity should have access to the internet as a tool that will enable them secure their rights. There are many cases of people who have been able to fight off all forms of violations of their rights through the internet. The internet is also a tool to be used for self development.
A brilliantly well made point amazing_computer. You have presented both sides of the argument very well. Do you think the internet is as important as other human rights? Why or why not?
Yes not allowing the use of internet affects the other rights for example. I cannot name the amount of education and information the internet has given me, a world in which the internet is restricted simply just means a restricted world. Right to employment, using Nigeria as an example, the job opportunities in Nigeria aren't as much as the government thinks and even those that have jobs still need another source of income hence internet jobs. Using myself as an example, I would not say I am employed but I do make a certain amount of money useful to teenagers my age I answer surveys online and get money for my opinions. Even though it's not as lucrative as other jobs it helps me not to be so dependent on my parents as others my age.
Yes,but use for useful thing.
Because it's necessary for any body in any where
Interesting take on the topic glorious_lake. Who do you think would / should define whether something is useful?
I think who determines that it is useful or not according to the age of the person
* If the person who uses it is an adult, he is the one who determines whether it is useful or not
* If the person is young (under the age of majority or a child), then the person responsible is the one who determines whether it is useful or not, by placing control over their devices and educating them to use it for what benefits them and to stay away from what harms them.
I believe that having access to the Internet is a right for every person who is able to use it well, positively and safely.
Great comment sensible_impression, really great and simple. What are some of the ways people can use the internet well, positively and safely?
•Yes the internet should be a human right. Marshall McLuhan coined the phrase "global village" in his book The Gutenberg Galaxy. The world is indeed a global village because of the technology and internet which has made distance in existence. It is often said that we should be our brother's keeper and one way of showing that is through the internet. Human beings control the activities that happen on the internet so it is our right to be the human right to yourselves, it is our right to be our brother's keeper.
•limiting the internet can cause some unacceptable things thrive in society. An example is in Nigeria when a girl named Deborah Samuel a Christian was accused by her course mate that are Muslims for blaspheming the Quran and she was stoned and beaten to death, Nigerians frowned at the situation and even their Muslim leaders condemned what they did and the culprit were punished, these has registered in the minds of Nigerians not to do that again. If not for the internet no one would have known and the case wouldn't have been taken it serious.
I really like how you reference an expert in Marshall McLuhan, and another news story in your comment emotional_meaning. You have used the knowledge skill brilliantly by doing these things. I have awarded you two stars for your great use of our skills!
Thank you.
To be honest if internet should not be a human right then it should not be restricted either in my own opinion it decreases our dependency. People say our generation is too dependent so why do something that stops our flow of creativity. Believe it or not the internet is a way for some people to feel part of the country or a group. I mean it's a way to make our voices heard, it was created for a reason.
Great points accurate_wombat, especially when you talk about the internet giving a voice to people who don't otherwise have a voice and to feel part of something.
Yes actually it give a huge voice I mean someone with no money or social status having a say and it matters. You don't have to have money or be influencial to have you opinion taken seriously.
Great comment accurate_wombat, I agree that the internet can amplify voices that wouldn't otherwise be heard
And that is why we need the internet it is like a loud speaker that makes voices louder. The internet is crucial to development.
This is a great observation @accurate_wombat
However, it also begs the question, should voices ever be restricted? (e.g., extreme voices) And, if so, who should decide which voices get restricted?
Yes, Internet access is the view that all people should be able to access the Internet in order to exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion and other basic human rights, that the state has a responsibility to ensure that Internet access is widely available and that states do not restrict Individual access to the Internet is irrational, for example, in Palestine, the Internet is a right to defend the homeland and express opinion, and work to protect and promote digital rights in Palestine, which constitute an extension of human rights in the digital space, with regard to access to information, the right to privacy and the right to access The Internet, assembly and organization via the network and enjoy freedom of choice. The Palestinian Internet domain provides wide opportunities, scope, financial and rational use of this national resource for the benefit of the Palestinian people. Some people use the Internet to work through the Internet, which introduces them to personal expenses and helps them not to rely on parents for the expenses