5 Major Arguments In Favour Of Freedom Of The Internet
The Internet has burst into our lives. Since the late sixties, when it was just a network connecting computer systems at a select few universities to share collective information, until today, when two of every three people are internet users.
The internet has permeated virtually every facet of our life. Today, it is hard to think of our life without the internet.
Over the years, the myth of the internet being exempt from any regulation has given many fraudulent users an advantage.
Today internet has become a space that is superimposed on:
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* Cybercrime.
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* Electronic commerce.
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* Personal data.
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* Consumer protection.
And it is set in such a way that human rights are fully applicable.
It is not that the internet has only contributed positively. In fact, its negative contribution is equal to its positive contribution.
For instance, it has facilitated the identification of dissent in Iran, increasing the threat to the linguistic and cultural identity and intensified the state surveillance of the United Kingdom.
As the internet holds the potential to erode current human rights we enjoy, these possibilities have already provoked some initial reaction- one of which has been associated with Internet Freedom.
What Is Internet Freedom?
Internet freedom is an umbrella term that encapsulates digital rights, freedom of information, and the right to access the internet.
Some people believe that internet freedom cannot become a human right. Because if it becomes, it can weaken what human rights stand for.
The concept of internet freedom was brought forward by an anti-copyright advocacy group. One of the most active entities that advocated internet Freedom was The Pirate Bay.
Yes, the same Pirate Bay you are thinking of.
Finally, the government responded to this concept by accepting the freedom of the internet on several terms and conditions. One of the terms and conditions was that they would ban torrent websites.
In fact, this was the reason why The Pirate Bay was banned. If you still miss the Old Pirate bay, try visiting thenewpiratebay. You will be surprised to find the same thing you enjoyed on the parent website.
Major Arguments That Support Internet Freedom
The term internet freedom describes the principle of free, open, democratic where no one website is prioritized over the other.
Despite people wanting internet freedom, ISPs can use their pricing power to monopolize and use the internet however they feel.
However, the good news is that the concept of internet freedom is not dead yet. It will simply take some time for the laws or favorable ruling in the court to reinstate free and open internet.
Some of the arguments that support internet freedom are given below.
1. Freedom Of Speech
The Internet allows free speech. Just like we have freedom of speech as one of our human rights, we need to have freedom of speech on digital platforms as well. If not, it will only be a violation of our right to freedom.
2. Freedom Of Choice
The internet is controlled by the power ISPs. The top four ISP's control over 80% of the traffic, which means they can manipulate your choices by only showing results that add value to their business.
3. Freedom From Want
We know all too better what advantages the internet caters to. But still, there are people who are living without the influence of the internet in their life. So this argument mostly focuses on allowing people to access the internet no matter where they are on the planet.
4. Freedom To Connect
The only reason why the internet was able to reach success was its ability to connect with people. However, it seems that certain organizations simply want to restrict people from connecting with others by imposing a paid service.
5. Freedom Before Business
The free availability of any kind of information drives the personal interest of the businesses. However, people want to prioritize the free movement of traffic on the internet and not be influenced by ISPs.
Final Thoughts
The internet each day takes a larger role in social life. Seeing how influential the internet is becoming in our lives, it is important that we develop clear policies and digital human rights.
Having said that, you cannot come up with policies that are affected by the local or partial approach of certain market fundamental rights that favor the market, silences the state's role, and omits the challenges of effective global internet governance.
Like human rights, internet governance policies need a comprehensive view of civil and political rights.
Daily Bulletin
