Blocking Internet Access = Human Right Violation?

Against a background of the Arab Spring, a number of talks at the recent DW Global Media Forum focused on the importance of the Internet and social media networks during protests and popular uprisings, especially in Tunisia and Egypt.

Thorbjørn Jagland, Council of Europe

But in their efforts to control information or suppress freedom of expression, some governments will try to block access to the Internet and mobile phone networks.

The United Nations has just issued a report saying that blocking Internet access may be a violation of human rights because it infringes on the freedom of expression.

This point was emphasised by Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, during his keynote speech at the GMF.

“The Internet has become a space representing an unprecedented potential for freedom. Not only for the freedom of expression. It is now the main vehicle for democracy where people organise themselves and voice their opposition to government.”

Jagland added:

“We need a global instrument for this purpose, and I support the recent UN report’s call for access to the Internet as a globally recognised human right. I agree and we should start in Europe!”

So should access to the Internet be a human right? The DW-Akademie put that question to participants at the GMF.