The internet of the future should support human rights

This week, politicians, government officials, companies and researchers from around the world meet to discuss internet governance. The meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the first UN World Summit on the Information Society held by in Tunis in 2005.

"The summit ten years ago brought into focus the internet's central role in ensuring fundamental rights for the world's population. The internet offers openness and sharing of information and can be a driving force for strengthening human rights. But at the same time, the internet represents a threat to the very same rights – especially the right to privacy," says senior researcher Rikke Frank Jørgensen. She represents Institute for Human Rights at the meeting in Brazil.

Taking stock 10 years on

Since the UN world summit in 2005, central persons in the development of the internet have come together on an annual basis in national and international meetings to discuss progress and setbacks in the development of an internet capable of strengthening the rights of individuals. The Danish Institute for Human Rights has taken part in the discussions since 2005. Monday this week, Rikke Frank Jørgensen participated in a round table with other researchers taking stock of the visions for the internet and human rights over the past decade.

"There is a growing focus on how technology can both strengthen but also violate fundamental rights. There is, however, mainly focus on freedom of expression and privacy while the web's impact on economic, social and cultural rights is underexposed," Rikke Frank Jørgensen says. She adds:

"It is crucial that the vision we set for the future internet is based on the full set of human rights. At the same time, we must also take account of how the internet can play a role in achieving the new UN sustainable development goals for 2030."

More focus on private players

The organization "Ranking Digital Rights" headed by the American journalist Rebecca MacKinnon recently ranked the practice of 16 of the world's largest internet and telecommunications companies around freedom of expression and privacy. The main message from this study is that none of the companies passed the test.

"The result of the study shows precisely why it is important that decision-makers in this area must focus more on the private sector. Companies are at the core of the development of the internet, and they are vital for protecting citizens’ rights, "says Rikke Frank Jørgensen.

Read more about the internet governance conference in Brazil.