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Internet Access: Should It Be A Human Right?

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Since having access to the internet is increasingly essential to every aspect of daily life around the world, experts are advocating for web access to be recognized as a standalone human right.

A recent study shows that the internet has become a critical component in the exercise of socio-economic human rights such as education, healthcare, work, and housing, to the extent that it should be deemed a fundamental human right worldwide.

In underdeveloped nations especially, the availability of internet access can mean the difference between receiving an education, maintaining good health, finding a place to live, and securing a job, or being unable to do so.

Even if individuals have access to offline alternatives such as social security programs or housing options, they are still at a disadvantage compared to those who have internet connectivity.

Dr. Merten Reglitz, a Lecturer in Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham, has published his research in Politics, Philosophy & Economics, in which he proposes the creation of an independent human right to internet access. This is based on the belief that internet access is a practical necessity for the realization of various socio-economic human rights.

Dr. Reglitz advocates for public authorities to provide free internet access to those who are unable to afford it, as well as offer training in basic digital skills to all citizens. Additionally, he stresses the need to safeguard online access from arbitrary interference by both states and private companies.

“The internet has unique and fundamental value for the realisation of many of our socio-economic human rights,” explains the expert, “allowing users to submit job applications, send medical information to healthcare professionals, manage their finances and business, make social security claims, and submit educational assessments.

“The internet’s structure enables a mutual exchange of information that has the potential to contribute to the progress of humankind as a whole – potential that should be protected and deployed by declaring access to the Internet a human right.”

The research identifies several areas in developed nations where internet access is indispensable for exercising socio-economic human rights:

  • Education – students from households without internet access are at a disadvantage in acquiring a good education, as many essential learning aids and study materials are only available online.
  • Healthcare – providing in-person healthcare to remote communities can be challenging, particularly in the US and Canada. Online healthcare can help bridge this gap.
  • Housing – a significant proportion of the rental housing market in developed countries has moved online.
  • Social Security – accessing public services is often unreasonably challenging without internet access.
  • Work – job opportunities are increasingly advertised in real-time on the internet, and individuals must be able to access relevant websites to effectively exercise their right to work.

Dr. Reglitz’s research also sheds light on the difficulties faced by individuals without internet access in developing nations. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, 20% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are not in school. Many of these children must walk long distances to attend overcrowded schools in poor conditions, often with insufficient numbers of teachers.

Nonetheless, online education tools can make a considerable difference by allowing children living far from schools to access and complete their education. Digitally available teaching materials can enable more students to learn more effectively, without having to share books.

In developing nations, internet access can be the deciding factor between receiving adequate healthcare and receiving no care at all. Digital health tools, such as the Portable Eye Examination Kit (Peek), which is smartphone-based and has been utilized in Kenya, can help diagnose illnesses and identify individuals in need of treatment, particularly in remote areas with a shortage of medical professionals.

Moreover, individuals in developing countries often lack access to brick-and-mortar banks, and internet access can facilitate financial inclusion. Online crowdfunding platforms can also help small businesses to raise funds, and the World Bank projects that the amount raised in Africa via such platforms will increase from $32 million in 2015 to $2.5 billion in 2025.

Source: 10.1177/1470594X231167597

Image Credit: Getty

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