Targeted Internet Access as a Human Right

Merten Reglitz proposes a new human right that would ensure Internet access for those who cannot afford it, protecting that right from arbitrary interference by those seeking to exploit it for harm. The first part of the book justifies this new right by demonstrating how Internet access is vital for the enjoyment of human rights worldwide. In the second part, Reglitz specifies the content of this right, assessing the current threats to Internet access. He recommends a minimum international standard of connectivity and explains how states have misused the Internet. The book documents how private companies already manipulate both internet access and content to maximize profit, and how the lack of rights enforcement allows people to harm others online. Ultimately, the book establishes that a new human right to free internet access is essential to secure its role for the benefit and progress, not detriment, of humanity.

The book's first part focuses on justifying the claim for this new right, showing how Internet access is crucial for the enjoyment of human rights around the globe. Reglitz argues that Internet access has become indispensable for individuals to exercise their fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, access to information, and political participation. He demonstrates how the lack of internet access disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting their ability to fully participate in social, economic, and political life.

In the second part, Reglitz delves into the specifics of this proposed right, assessing the current threats to Internet access. He recommends a minimum international standard of connectivity, ensuring that people have access to a reliable and affordable internet connection. Reglitz also examines how states have misused the Internet, either through censorship, surveillance, or the deliberate disruption of online services, and how these actions undermine the exercise of human rights.

Furthermore, the book documents the concerning trend of private companies manipulating both internet access and content to maximize their profits. Reglitz highlights how the lack of effective rights enforcement allows individuals to harm others online, whether through cyberbullying, hate speech, or the spread of misinformation. This erosion of the internet's potential as a tool for the betterment of humanity is a significant concern that the proposed human right seeks to address.

Ultimately, the book establishes a compelling case for a new human right to free internet access. Reglitz argues that this right is essential to secure the Internet's role as a vital platform for the enjoyment of human rights, the fostering of social and economic progress, and the overall wellbeing of humanity. By ensuring universal and equitable access to the internet, this new right would empower individuals, promote social inclusion, and safeguard the integrity of the digital realm.

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