U.N. Report Deems Internet Access a Basic Human Right

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/un_enshrines_internet_access_as_a_basic_human_right_20110605/

Months after the start of the uprisings that are roiling the Middle Eastern and Arabic world, the United Nations has recognized the essential role the Internet plays in human aspirations, deeming unhampered Internet availability a basic human right.

Unfettered Internet access has been under attack during the protests that make up the Arab Spring, as officials in a number of countries have imposed Internet blackouts to prevent dissidents from communicating with one another. Meanwhile, net neutrality—the concept that Internet use and content must be free of restriction by governments and Internet service providers—remains quietly under threat in the United States. —ARK

From the Los Angeles Times:

Internet access is a human right, according to a United Nations report released on Friday.

More at the link --

[Odin2005]

1. American Telecoms to UN: "we don't care"

[AndyTiedye]

4. "We Don't Care. We Don't Have To."

[onehandle]

2. The Internet should be fast and widely available.

Someday, America will catch up with the many, many countries ahead of it.

Or not.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. American health insurance companies to UN " Fuck human rights"!

[gratuitous]

5. The UN says a lot of things

And the United States doesn't pay very close attention to any number of them. Things like children are entitled to wholesome, nutritious food, decent clothing and housing, and an education. The wealthiest country in the world is more interested in making sure that Paris Hilton and Charlie Sheen aren't subject to the horror of paying an extra three cents in taxes on their "earnings" above $250,000 a year. So, while all those things might be nice, we just can't possibly see our way clear to paying for them.

[robcon]

6. The UN says a lot of stupid things.

And this is one of them.