Understanding the Internet as a Human Right

Abstract

Around the world, fundamental human rights have undergone a dramatic conceptual shift as a result of the spread of the Internet. The Internet’s role in the enabling and delivery of human rights has led some to claim that access to the Internet itself should be considered a human right, an idea that has deep implications for both international law and domestic legal frameworks. This Paper discusses the Internet’s recognition as a human right and the implications that spring from this recognition in domestic and international law.

Keywords: freedom of expression, law and technology, human rights, international law, digital rights