Internet, a Basic Human Right?

Bangalore: Internet has evolved into one of the most powerful sources of information. The amount of data available on the internet is immense and with more publications being added to it every day, it is but only growing. Internet allows users to shop, bank, build business network, socialize, call, etc. with a simple click of a button. It is no surprise, then, that it has become so indispensible that people find it difficult to comprehend life without internet.

India has 110 million Internet users, the third-highest in the world. But, ironically, less than 10 percent of the total population has access to it. Considering the various benefits of Internet, is it reasonable to propose making internet a basic human right?

‘’There cannot be a better environment than in today’s India to discuss, advocate and realize key entitlements to its billion-plus people. We already have rights to information and education and the right to food security is expected to follow soon. At a time like this, a desire to step fully into a knowledge society and economy by making Internet access a basic right seems to be no less substantive,’’ says Osama Manzar, Founder-Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation.

The government has taken initiatives to uplift the citizens from deprivation and fill development divides by means of national target schemes and Five Year plans. But, poverty still haunts 40 percent of our people. One of the key reasons why India is still lingering in backwardness and underdevelopment is the lack of information. This information deficit has kept millions out of mainstream development. Following a campaign for information as a basic right, a law was passed in 2005. This allows the citizens to access public information anywhere, anytime. While the law is a positive first step forward, the real challenge is making the information easily available to all.