Should the Internet Be a Basic Human Right?

in Hive Learners9 days ago

I have not been able to sit on the computer for several days due to high fever. I sat for a few hours today morning and felt much better in the evening so I sat down. After dinner, I sat in front of the computer to see if I could write something and that's when I noticed your new content. Anyway, I tried to write a little of my own.

The internet is no longer a luxury, it has become a necessity. It has become the main source of education, communication, employment and even healthcare. Students use it to learn, business people use it to expand their businesses and governments use it to provide important services. In many cases, internet access is directly related to personal and professional development. If someone is denied this opportunity, they will automatically face a competitive disadvantage.

But the question is, how important is the internet for those who do not yet know how to use the internet, such as illiterate people, farmers, workers or the general public in rural areas? First of all, they will use the internet without understanding it just for entertainment but this is not its proper use. In my opinion, to take advantage of the internet, they need proper education and training. Specially designed training and accessible technology should be brought to this category of people so that they can take advantage of the digital world. If this is not done, the development of the internet will be beneficial for one section of society but unnecessary for another.

If the world recognizes internet access as a human right, the impact will be massive. Governments and organizations should ensure that every person, regardless of their location or financial status, has the opportunity to be connected online. This could lead to global efforts to provide free or affordable internet services in developing regions. At the same time, shutting down the internet, which is often used as a means of control by authoritarian governments, could be seen as a violation of human rights and could trigger strong international backlash.


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However, implementing such a decision would face challenges. Ensuring universal internet access would require massive infrastructure investment, especially in remote areas where connectivity is weak or non-existent. In addition, concerns about privacy, misinformation and cybercrime would also need to be addressed. Protecting the security of our personal information on the internet is a major challenge. If the internet is to become a fundamental right, then keeping it safe and secure should also be a top priority. Data privacy policies must be strictly enforced to ensure that users’ personal information is protected.

The role of the internet has become even clearer to us during the global COVID-19 pandemic. When lockdowns and social distancing were in place, the internet was our main means of communication. Students have taken classes online from home, many people have continued to work from home, and even medical consultations have been taken online. If another global crisis like COVID-19 occurs in the future, without internet access, ordinary people will be deprived of education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and essential information. Therefore, the importance of the internet increases during emergencies like pandemics and it can be argued that it should be part of a basic human right.

In the long run, the benefits of universal internet access far outweigh its challenges. It can improve society by providing education to those who need it and creating opportunities for economic growth. It helps to bridge cultures, encourage innovation, and give people more control over their lives. And by recognizing internet access as a basic human right, we will move forward on the path to a more inclusive and informed world.

Perhaps it is time to acknowledge that internet access is not just a privilege, but a right that everyone deserves.

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If the internet is a right, then the government might be responsible for ensuring free or affordable access to all.

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