Linking ICTs, the Right to Privacy, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information

Abstract

Countries the world over are gradually embracing the ICT revolution. Although development is desired and necessary, and ICT at the pivot of much of the development processes, the new advancements in the ICT arena have come with both benefits and problems for the enjoyment of human rights. This article is a brief primer on emerging issues relating to the adoption of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in three areas of fundamental human rights: privacy, freedom of expression and access to information, and their implications for African countries which are currently adopting these technologies.

Keywords: privacy, freedom of information, freedom of expression, right to information, access to information, censorship, internet, ICTs

JEL Classification: K33