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10 Reasons Internet Access is a Basic Human Right On February 8, 2012 Because its development began in our lifetimes, many of us who still recall life pre-internet find it difficult to grasp the idea of it rising to the level of a basic human right. After all, we survived just fine before we ever…

Human Rights Online Philippines

February 9, 2012

1–2 minutes

Access Providers, global voice, Human Rights, injustices, Internet access, New York Times, United Nations, United States, Vint Cerf, World

10 Reasons Internet Access is a Basic Human Right
On February 8, 2012

Because its development began in our lifetimes, many of us who still recall life pre-internet find it difficult to grasp the idea of it rising to the level of a basic human right. After all, we survived just fine before we ever got wired, right?

Well, that’s just it. Back then there wasn’t a web that interconnected every aspect of our lives, so of course we didn’t need it in order to function. But now? There are some compelling reasons why internet access does fit that description. Here are 10 reasons that internet access is a basic human right:

Communications Medium – From the standpoint that it provides each person a global voice with which to be heard, it is a basic human right.
Accessing Information – There is no other means whereby an individual may access so much information, much of it essential to existing within a society.
Connection to the World – The internet provides a bridge between nations, where freedom can be promoted, and by which those who are denied such freedoms can get their stories heard, and spread across the globe. Witness the case of the Egyptians’ revolt against Mubarak.
It’s the Modern-Day Town Hall – For its ability to inform, lobby, share, mobilize and to warn others of injustices in the world, the internet is a basic human right.
Commerce – Eventually there will be little or no reason for the ‘e’ appendage, as e-commerce will become the primary venue for many consumers. Therefore, internet access is going to be necessary to obtain goods.