Right to Internet: A Fundamental Right?

Abstract:

The ‘Internet’ has been in existence since the 1960s, its current use throughout the world across different age groups and incorporation into virtually every aspect of modern human life, has been unprecedented. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the total number of Internet users worldwide is now over 2 billion. Active users of Face-book, an online social networking platform, grew from 150 million to 600 million between 2009 and 2011. It is believed that the Internet is one of the most powerful instruments of the 21^st century for increasing transparency in the conduct of the powerful, access to information, and for facilitating active citizen participation in building democratic societies. Indeed, the recent wave of demonstrations in countries across the world has shown the key role that the Internet can play in mobilizing the population to call for justice, equality, accountability and better respect for human rights. As such, facilitating access to the Internet for all individuals, with as little restriction to online content as possible, should be a priority for all States. The influence and effects of ‘Internet’ on society, system and human communities through-out the world is accepted by all the ruling governments even by the international authorities regulating the rights and duties of human being and of the state. Hence it should be adopted, regulated and effectively monitored by various machineries of countries vide domestic laws of the nation. Our Constitution 1950, cyber security laws and Information Technology Act, 2000 and Indian Judiciary do ensure, protects and regulate the right to internet in India.