Everyone wants to control the future, and the Internet is seen both as weapon and tool of greater good, depending on the perspective. “Since the Internet is essentially a global resource, it is crucial that appropriate Internet governance supports the right of everyone to have access to and use information and communication technologies in self-determined and empowering ways,” says the UN Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, Farida Shaheed, adding that a “human-rights based approach to the issue should always be adopted.” Ms. Shaheed spoke prior to a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, which will include discussions on policy issues regarding Internet governance.

 

Internet as Tool for Human Rights:

“The Internet has become a key element for the enjoyment and the promotion of human rights such as the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds regardless of frontiers; the right to share and enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications; the right to participate in cultural life and engage with others through inter-cultural dialogue; as well as the right to development.” Ms. Shaheed promoted the Internet as critical in furthering:

---democratic participations,

---accountability,

---transparency, and

---economic development.

 

“Maintain it as a Global Source for all to Enjoy”:

Ms. Shaheed offered that the Internet should not be divided into national spheres and it should be guarded against any monopolistic appropriation which could reduce the public spaces where social actors interact as equals. “The principle of net neutrality, whereby all content is treated equally over the Internet, is a foundational principle of the Internet and should be upheld. “The Internet started as a collegial enterprise of communication and sharing informed by the principles of equality, non-interference and non-hierarch. Its architecture was constructed in a manner which ensured that the flow of content was independent of the carrier infrastructure, making it very difficult for anyone to control the flows on the Internet. It is essential that these basic elements that make Internet such a unique and important tool for communication are maintained.”

 

“Everyone wants to rule the world,” think that is how the song goes, but how about the globe’s people being the one’s who control the Internet. See our Blog for Film - Connection Technologies Key to Sustainable Development.

 

 

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