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Considering how much of our existence is online these days, it seems like denying people the means to participate is almost like denying their right to exist.

I'd like to see a world where everyone has the capability to shape this digital space in a fair and accessible manner.

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[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 26 points 2 months ago

Yes it should be a basic human right.

But with that said, it shouldn't be a basic human expectation. There should always be simpler alternatives to basic daily needs, not everyone has access to the internet, nor does everyone even have the mentality to fully utilize modern technology.

Also, fuck touchscreens in cars. /rant

[-] BussyGyatt@feddit.org 10 points 2 months ago

The right to access must necessarily include the right not to access. Freedom of religion is meaningless if you're not also free to reject religion. Freedom of speech is meaningless if you've no right to remain silent. etc.

[-] TabbsTheBat@pawb.social 8 points 2 months ago

Car touch screens are the dumbest thing ever lol. "You can't use your phone behind the wheel, so we mounted this giant phone to your car!"

[-] TheRealKuni@piefed.social 2 points 2 months ago

I remember when the Tesla Model 3 was pretty new, there was a guy who got pulled over and filmed the interaction. The cop told him he needed to put away the iPad. He kinda chuckled, thinking the cop was joking. But the cop was serious. So he had to explain to the cop that the giant-ass screen was built into the car.

[-] Broadfern@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Yay lobbying! /s

[-] WhatGodIsMadeOf@feddit.org 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Fuck algorithms and society getting raped by marketing manipulation, and then blaming the same people it manipulated and abused for the problems caused.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

GOD - Government On Device...

[-] P00ptart@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

I dunno. I'm on the fence with this. I don't feel that anyone has a right to misinformation.

[-] thermal_shock@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

That's up to he user to run their brain cells together and decide.

[-] P00ptart@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Stupid people having access to other stupid people has got us; flat earthers, anti-vaxxers, "truthers", and worst of all, trumpers.

[-] fossilesque@mander.xyz 11 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Absolutely and unquestionably, even the US government has a page on it lol.

https://www.state.gov/internet-freedom-and-technology-and-human-rights/

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 8 points 2 months ago

Don't let the orange menace see that, he'll have it erased...

[-] garbagebagel@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Erase anything that mentions freedom from internet gov sites is coming up next

[-] P00ptart@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago
[-] fossilesque@mander.xyz 2 points 2 months ago

Lmao I was shocked to see it in the first place.

[-] TaterTot@piefed.social 9 points 2 months ago

Yes. But also, lets remember most countries are still in the kiddie pool of "is food a basic human right?". So you know, dream big, but keep expectations in check.

[-] weaponG@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago

No. Access to clean air, drinkable water, healthcare, and a fair living wage are more important and should come first.

Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs

[-] thermal_shock@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago

Both can be true, so you can still say yes, then prioritize.

[-] DreamAccountant@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

So, if the air is never cleaned to your standard, nobody else can ever have anything else? You didn't put food in there. Food stamps not on your list? Maslow's Heirarchy of Sandwiches?

What if you need the internet to order sandwiches? Or potable water? Or to get education? Or pay your bills? Or for easy government communication? What if you need to coordinate people to clean the air? Your phone is the internet for most people. You gonna use your rolodex instead? lol. Your paper address book that you wrote everyone's name and phone number in? lolo. Maybe the white pages? lolol. Telegram? lololol. Candygram! hahahahah.

Fuck you, we need the fucking interwebz.

[-] Hegar@fedia.io 9 points 2 months ago

Information should be a utility, like water, phone or electricity.

Ideally there should be publicly owned tier 1 ISP, but failing that there should be minimum standards of service provision like with other utilities.

[-] ininewcrow@lemmy.ca 8 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Yes

And also, the major internet services and social media platforms should be publicly controlled and owned like postal services, medical services, water services or waste services (I know most American services are private, even in Canada) but all these services should be publicly controlled without private interests because they are the basis of running and maintaining peaceful democratic norms.

[-] s@piefed.world 5 points 2 months ago

I think education and access to general information is a human right. However, there might be cases where a direct internet connection may be logistically impossible to provide or it may be the wrong choice for a particular person. For example, a person in jail for cleverly hacking computer systems could potentially cause problems if they are allowed to use a computer while imprisoned; in this case, a warden with a paper printer acting as a proxy may be the best option to bring them requested information posted online. There is also some media online that could be harmful to rehabilitation and is in the prisoners’ and the prison’s best interests to refuse access to, such as violent internet content provoking those who are recovering from a history of violence.

Having the right to post online is a separate issue and should typically be determined by whom the host site chooses to provide or deny service to; for example, John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan, was able to post his music on YouTube prior to his release. Restraining orders can also apply to online spaces to protect victims from further harm.

[-] incentive@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 months ago

100% a human right. If you don't have the internet today you kind of can't exist easily.

[-] skisnow@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 months ago

I’d like to see a world where everyone has the capability to shape this digital space in a fair and accessible manner.

From the title I was thinking about stuff like access to online banking, transport, news, remote working etc, which absolutely is essential for participating in modern society. But "shape this digital space" sounds a lot like social media, which I'd be more than happy to see completely burned to the ground. I'm here very much against my better judgement.

[-] besselj@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Considering how necessary it is to exist and thrive in the developed world, I'd say yes. Good luck getting by without email or accessing online services without reliable internet access.

[-] TabbsTheBat@pawb.social 3 points 2 months ago

I think internet is considered a human right in europe :3.. I know that were multiple cases of countries getting called out for not allowing prisoners access at least

[-] Trainguyrom@reddthat.com 3 points 2 months ago

I would argue the opposite, that the ability to participate in society without using a computer should be a right, and included with that should be a non-descrimination requirement as well. Shoving everyone into using a web form/app is not acceptable but it is a growing reality in too many private and public spaces (and also if I just want to quickly pay for parking why oh why can I not just shove cash or my card into a reader like you could for the last 30 years! No I don't want your stupid app!)

[-] Kolanaki@pawb.social 2 points 2 months ago

Access to information should definitely be a human right and the internet is currently the best method of enabling that.

[-] DreamAccountant@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Sounds like you want access to my data port.

Beep.

[-] altkey@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

I'd counter, but realistically just add to your sentiment by vouching for having non-online alternatives for most of our needs. Banking and government's services in my country are on the edge of going full web/sim-driven, and I don't like it that way. If I happen to get the delivery from my post office, they default to sms confirmation, and I'm not sure if I can get my parcel just by showing my ID card.

Internet access should be a human right, just as avoiding it should.

[-] DreamAccountant@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

True. Not all people can or want to be slaved to a portable telephone device.

You have to pay with your phone app, and they refuse to take cash? Screw that.

You only have menus if you scan a QR code? Fuck them.

Oh, your manual is now just a QR code? Awesome. /s

[-] DreamAccountant@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Absolutely. People should have access to information. Scientifically proven information.

If you can't prove it, then shut the fuck up.

Every publication is a billionaire's 'national inquirer" of random bullshit. Every fucking online platform is heavily influenced by, if not owned by rich assholes. The christian nazi propaganda never, ever stops through all forms of media.

Fuck them all. Prove it or shut up.

[-] theherk@lemmy.world 0 points 2 months ago

Science doesn’t happen just one time. Something being “proven” is generally part of rigorous math, not other sciences. It grows and changes, dissent being a big part of it, over time. I agree with you that people should have access to information, but limiting which is fraught with problems.

[-] NovaSel@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Yes, but so should water, electricity, healthcare etc, so it doesn't look like that's happening

[-] Mr_Dr_Oink@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

I want to say yes. Because it is absolutely so necessary to life these days.

But i equally want to say no! You should need to get an internet drivers licence for that shit! Some people are so susceptible to scams, fake news and propaganda that having access to a rectangle that thrusts it down your throat, pretty much unfiltered, is fucking dangerous.

[-] FreedomAdvocate@lemmy.net.au -1 points 2 months ago

No one is denying anyone access to the internet and a computer.

And no, it shouldn’t be a human right, that’s ridiculous.

this post was submitted on 27 Sep 2025
74 points (95.1% liked)

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