Is internet access a luxury or a fundamental human right?
In short: While the digital age makes connectivity feel ubiquitous, billions remain offline. As governments increasingly use shutdowns to control public opinion, the debate intensifies: should free and unimpeded internet access be enshrined in law as a standalone human right?
The digital divide is more than a matter of convenience. According to the International Telecommunication Union, as of 2024, approximately 2.6 billion people—nearly one-third of the global population—remained offline. For those who are connected, however, the quality of access is often compromised by state intervention. Freedom House estimates that over 75% of internet users live in nations where individuals face arrest for posting political, social, or religious content, and nearly two-thirds of all global users encounter online censorship.
This landscape of restriction is becoming more volatile. Data from Access Now reveals a rising trend in government-led internet shutdowns, defined by the UN Human Rights Office as intentional disruptions of communication systems. In 2022, 187 such instances were recorded across 35 countries. This pattern continued into 2023, with at least 80 shutdowns documented across 21 countries by May of that year. Such tactics are often used to manipulate public opinion, particularly during critical political moments.
The stakes are particularly high during periods of democratic transition. With 81 countries scheduled to hold elections in 2024, the ability to access information is vital for voters. While 138 nations currently have laws protecting access to information, advocates like philosopher Merten Reglitz argue that the internet's role in modern life—from work and education to maintaining relationships—demands that free access be recognized as a formal human right, much like the freedoms protected by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa: Why a free and fair internet is more vital than ever
- Also: We need to establish free internet access as a standalone human right | New Scientist
- Also: In the digital age, access to the internet has become vital to the
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