Internet Access Is a Fundamental Right

[HardOCP News]

A new BBC poll found that four our of five people around the world believe internet access is a fundamental right. Time to change the universal declaration of human rights to read...."everyone has the right to life, liberty, security of person and 24/7 broadband. No one shall be held in servitude to crappy net connections or the torture of dial up".

The survey - of more than 27,000 adults across 26 countries - found strong support for net access on both sides of the digital divide. Countries such as Finland and Estonia have already ruled that access is a human right for their citizens. International bodies such as the UN are also pushing for universal net access.

 

[StoneTZ]

It's important to maintain liberty I'd say in this age.

 

[Nemesis999]

In the sense that the government should not be allowed to restrict internet access? Or in the sense that the government should be required to provide internet access?

I'd agree with the former, but not the latter.

 

[deff]

Looks like 4 out of 5 people don't know the meaning of "fundamental right".

 

[Knuit]

In my mind, I think that if internet access is declared a fundamental right, then Net Neutrality should be built right into that.

On a side note, I think the real point is free PR0N for all.

 

[bigk]

i find it ironic that the poll that shows internet is a "fundamental right" was taken on the internet

 

[NoOther]

In other news the 4/5 people that feel Internet is a fundamental right, believe that it is not fundamental that everyone should be fed... I am just waiting for that headline. People's ideas and priorities in this age seem to be completely misguided and misinformed.

Probably my own as well.

 

[brandinb]

Access to the internet is NOT a fundamental right.

 

[BillR]

In other news the 4/5 people that feel Internet is a fundamental right, believe that it is not fundamental that everyone should be fed... I am just waiting for that headline. People's ideas and priorities in this age seem to be completely misguided and misinformed.

Probably my own as well.

Odd but those who cry about lack of fundamental rights are usually the very poor yet they allow their rights to be dictated by the privileged. To many it’s even better if the US pays for and fights for and dies for those rights.

 

[Monkey God]

No, it isn't. Here comes the entitlement generation who thinks the world owes them everything.

 

[Parmenides]

We shouldn't have to pay for internet. I believe everyone should be entitled to big screen HD TV's as well. And of course the hackers, spammers, and serial killers should have free internet in their prisons. We can't discriminate against those people. It would be unfair.

 

[Sikkyu]

i find it ironic that the poll that shows internet is a "fundamental right" was taken on the internet

bias much? lol

 

[Manaknight]

No, it isn't. Here comes the entitlement generation who thinks the world owes them everything.

why does every thread i read start the entitlement thing?

is it entitlement? Or is it the older generation just bitching because they were bitter things were harder for them? It's a two way street. no one ever wants to change or accept change most of the time.

That said... fundatmental right...hmm not really... but i see what they are getting at. I think it should essentially be part of basic utilities and the gouging for internet we see in some countries...like the US is total bullshit for how integral it has become.

really it should more fall into, water, electricity, heat, internet, as i think it has hit almost the same as basic utilities since...well after all..it is a utility.

I think a basic free internet would be an excellent idea for those "good enough" people... and then have quality internet service at reasonable prices (don't try to pretend current prices are reasonable) for those who wish to a have premium service.

 

[krupted]

the internet is exactly the same as a public road. at least that is how it was designed and intended to be. in that sense, i do think it is an inalienable right to have access to it. of course it should be given away for free though, if you want that price go the the damn library while we still have them.

 

[Monkey God]

why does every thread i read start the entitlement thing?

is it entitlement? Or is it the older generation just bitching because they were bitter things were harder for them? It's a two way street. no one ever wants to change or accept change most of the time.

Its not bitterness. Its equating things like free speech, the right to not suffer human rights abuses, with bullshit like twatter and failbook. Its a matter of scale, and priorities. The internet is a wonderful thing, but its a service, not a fundamental RIGHT. The notion is absurd. People in the western world take to much for granted. And what does this have to do with change? Its about common sense, not old cranky farts wanting to steal everyone internet.

That said... fundatmental right...hmm not really... but i see what they are getting at. I think it should essentially be part of basic utilities and the gouging for internet we see in some countries...like the US is total bullshit for how integral it has become.

really it should more fall into, water, electricity, heat, internet, as i think it has hit almost the same as basic utilities since...well after all..it is a utility.

Yes. People do not have a fundamental right to electricity. They have a right to participate in a free market, and buy it if they want it.

I think a basic free internet would be an excellent idea for those "good enough" people... and then have quality internet service at reasonable prices (don't try to pretend current prices are reasonable) for those who wish to a have premium service.

We already have free internet, its called the library.

 

[Manaknight]

Its not bitterness. Its equating things like free speech, the right to not suffer human rights abuses, with bullshit like twatter and failbook. Its a matter of scale, and priorities. The internet is a wonderful thing, but its a service, not a fundamental RIGHT. The notion is absurd. People in the western world take to much for granted. And what does this have to do with change? Its about common sense, not old cranky farts wanting to steal everyone internet.

so what if it's taken for granted, things should get better, not stay the same. It really does feel like bitterness a lot of the time

Yes. People do not have a fundamental right to electricity. They have a right to participate in a free market, and buy it if they want it.

we are in agreement here, but it's considered a basic utility, in modern society how many do you know that do NOT have electricity going to their house/apt? I think internet really needs to fit into that same category. You are right again about the free market, but internet is hardly free market right now...I could even argue that electricity isn't because many areas do not have the freedom of choice to select a provider.

We already have free internet, its called the library.

poor argument. It sounds like you have done research at a library, i've had to do it before as well. Internet library every time i have worked with it is damn near useless. I can see an argument that if you want more than pay for it...sure, that works. But then why not just have a free wire that runs at a low speed, like a 256k line or something? Would I use it? shit no. But i know too many people who pay more for dial up than people on dsl pay for 768-1.5

 

[jnmunsey]

Rights are given to us by god (or our existence). Just like food, clothing, shelter and health care, Internet access is a good. There's a big difference. Among those even Internet stands apart the most as it clearly isn't even necessary for life.

 

[Salavat23]

Internet access is not a fundamental right. Its not even a right. Its a privilege.

If it was a right, you could not pay your internet bill and they would still have to keep providing you internet services.

If it was a right, you could be banned from every library, and still be obligated to use the computers.

 

[jedijeb]

why does every thread i read start the entitlement thing?

is it entitlement? Or is it the older generation just bitching because they were bitter things were harder for them? It's a two way street. no one ever wants to change or accept change most of the time.

That said... fundatmental right...hmm not really... but i see what they are getting at. I think it should essentially be part of basic utilities and the gouging for internet we see in some countries...like the US is total bullshit for how integral it has become.

really it should more fall into, water, electricity, heat, internet, as i think it has hit almost the same as basic utilities since...well after all..it is a utility.

I think a basic free internet would be an excellent idea for those "good enough" people... and then have quality internet service at reasonable prices (don't try to pretend current prices are reasonable) for those who wish to a have premium service.

Since water, electricity, and heat are not free, then even basic internet should not be free also. If the internet if free, then who pays the people who service the wires and switches and pays for the electricity used to run it?

People say is it something everyone should have because it is necessary for their daily lives, but from the other side you could say it is harmful to their daily lives because too many use it as an excuse to just sit in one place for hours upon hours, not getting the exercise they need to stay healthy.

The government is there to provide our protection, not our every need. The government should protect our right to use the internet, but not provide that service to us. I grew up being taught that if you don't work, you don't eat. Because those that believe they have the right to eat whether they work or not, get their food paid for by those who do work which doesn't seem very fair. Also if everyone decided not to work, the soon noone would be able to eat. The reason it comes down to being an entitlement thread is because the very basis of the topic is related to feelings of entitlement. And no it is not because older generations are jealous of what we have now, most are happy younger generations do not have it as hard as they did, but they also know that if the younger generations become complacent then they will lose what the older generations have worked hard to provide them with. Anything you have today, is there because someone in the past worked to make it possible now, otherwise you would have to invent it all from scratch every time.

 

[Azhar]

Meh I think the fundamental right believers fall in 2 categories: one who can't afford the internet and want to use the "rights" card to get us taxpayers to pay for it, and one who thinks it cost too much and should be reasonably priced lower.

I sort of fall in the second category. I say sort of because I do think it cost too much, but I don't believe it's a right no more than telephones and televisions. You're privileged to them as long as you pay your bills.

 

[jedijeb]

Internet access is not a fundamental right. Its not even a right. Its a privilege.

If it was a right, you could not pay your internet bill and they would still have to keep providing you internet services.

If it was a right, you could be banned from every library, and still be obligated to use the computers.

I believe this is what they mean when they believe it should be a "right".

Reminds me of the arguement I had a few weeks ago with someone saying they didn't understand why you had to pay a higher rate for faster internet because "bandwidth was unlimited in the internet, you could never use it up", when actually there is a finite amount of data you can transfer during any given amount of time across the entire internet, even though right now we may not exceed it on the backbone.

 

[magoo]

Everyone has a ""right" to USE the internet, however they do not have a right to obtain the service for free.
The provision of said internet required someone's investment of money, for which they are entitled to charge a fee.

I have a "right" to be provided electricity, but I need to pay the providers or I will suffer the consequences.

There is no entitlement argument here. You can either pay or go home.
Should television be a right, how about a car? maybe a computer (how else are you going to use your right to get the internet?) what about a cell phone?

If you work, you will be able to afford luxuries and the effort of your labors, if you can't afford them....well, that's too bad.

If by a right, you mean that access to the internet should be considered a "utility", then one places it under a public utility commission, and the rates are regulated, BUT you still have to pay the bill.

No free lunch.

 

[TH@TGUYUKNO]

I don't think it's a fundemental right, but having access to internet does determine where I spend my money, example, I found that recently upon check in to a red roof inn in Tuscon, AZ , that the internet they had was a T-Mobile hot spot, and not free, I canceled my room and walked across the street, and spent the evening at a Holiday Inn that did have free broaband wifi.

But to actually think that you have the"right" to the internet, your pretty demented, and should be sterilized immediately!

 

[Monkey God]

How is the internet expensive? Even decent broadband is cheaper than cable/sat TV.

 

[krupted]

I don't think it's a fundemental right, but having access to internet does determine where I spend my money, example, I found that recently upon check in to a red roof inn in Tuscon, AZ , that the internet they had was a T-Mobile hot spot, and not free, I canceled my room and walked across the street, and spent the evening at a Holiday Inn that did have free broaband wifi.

same here. i was in need of wifi one while in another town... and mcdonalds was the ONLY place in the whole area that offered it for free without any strings besides a time limit. used their wifi to get my cellphone internet working again, it worked magically so i was happy enough to go in and choke down some of their crap they made $5 off me that day easy in profit, just because they had wifi.

 

[Fershlugg]

In the sense that the government should not be allowed to restrict internet access? Or in the sense that the government should be required to provide internet access?

I'd agree with the former, but not the latter.

agree+1

 

[deadrody]

Hmmm... so is cable TV a fundamental right ? How about a telephone ? Heat ? Electricity ? The only one of those that costs me LESS than the internet is the phone. So, no, there is no price gouging.

Is it an entitlement mentality ? If you think the government should be providing you with internet access, then yes. You are, in fact, entitled to NOTHING. That is the very essence of America. You are free to do what you want (or at least that was the intent) and therefore you are responsible for yourself as well. As soon as someone else is responsible for things to the point that internet access is one of them, then people have ceased to be responsible for themselves and have become wholly beholden to and dependent on the state.

And please take your "entitlement is just change" parroting of an Obama talking point and stuff it.

why does every thread i read start the entitlement thing?

is it entitlement? Or is it the older generation just bitching because they were bitter things were harder for them? It's a two way street. no one ever wants to change or accept change most of the time.

That said... fundatmental right...hmm not really... but i see what they are getting at. I think it should essentially be part of basic utilities and the gouging for internet we see in some countries...like the US is total bullshit for how integral it has become.

really it should more fall into, water, electricity, heat, internet, as i think it has hit almost the same as basic utilities since...well after all..it is a utility.

I think a basic free internet would be an excellent idea for those "good enough" people... and then have quality internet service at reasonable prices (don't try to pretend current prices are reasonable) for those who wish to a have premium service.

 

[deadrody]

Right. Except the wires that carry the data, like roads, are built and owned by a private company. I can see the similarity

the internet is exactly the same as a public road. at least that is how it was designed and intended to be. in that sense, i do think it is an inalienable right to have access to it. of course it should be given away for free though, if you want that price go the the damn library while we still have them.

 

[deadrody]

so what if it's taken for granted, things should get better, not stay the same. It really does feel like bitterness a lot of the time

Wow, stop digging. Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound equating "better" to "free" ?

Yeah, there's lots of stuff I wish were free. That WOULD be better. I wonder who will pay for all these free things ?

we are in agreement here, but it's considered a basic utility, in modern society how many do you know that do NOT have electricity going to their house/apt? I think internet really needs to fit into that same category. You are right again about the free market, but internet is hardly free market right now...I could even argue that electricity isn't because many areas do not have the freedom of choice to select a provider.

Really, thinking would probably help you here. Consider the list of things you need electricity for - heat, cooking, refrigeration to prevent food from spoiling, running water. Thats just a few. There is nothing about the internet that even comes remotely close.

poor argument. It sounds like you have done research at a library, i've had to do it before as well. Internet library every time i have worked with it is damn near useless. I can see an argument that if you want more than pay for it...sure, that works. But then why not just have a free wire that runs at a low speed, like a 256k line or something? Would I use it? shit no. But i know too many people who pay more for dial up than people on dsl pay for 768-1.5

Yes, your argument is poor. What is it you need the internet for, in the way you need food and shelter that prevents the library from being acceptable ?

 

[deadrody]

No.They.Don't. Try living in the middle of Iowa. You can get satellite internet access, but there is no "requirement" that you be provided the capability to access the internet over either the phone lines or cable lines. In many cases outside of the suburbs on the coasts, cable doesn't even run to many houses to this day. If access to the internet was a RIGHT cable and phone companies would be obligated by law to wire up your house so it is internet capable. And they aren't.

I recognize that you believe people should have to pay for it, but even that isn't going as far as the law currently does.

Everyone has a ""right" to USE the internet, however they do not have a right to obtain the service for free.

 

[Menelmarar]

Internet should be a fundamental right, it's access to information, it should fall under the first admendment. The government should be nothing to restrict this.

However; they shouldn't be doing anything necessarily to help it, or to steal money (taxes) from people to provide for others either.

It's upto the market to decide if it's cost effective to deploy internet in an area, and the people ther eto decide for themselves if they want to subscribe.

Just like you have the right to walk to your local news stand and buy a newspaper, or buy a TV to watch the news. The government doesn't provide these things. But you have the right to pursue them.

Same with 2nd Amendment. We have the right to keep and bear arms. That doesn't mean the government has to supply arms to every citizen of the US.

 

[Hulahoops]

Not that the other so called basic human rights have been meet around the world so this poll is kind of pointless.

 

[wjogert]

Internet access a "fundamental right"?? Heck no.

Hmmm... so is cable TV a fundamental right ? How about a telephone ? Heat ? Electricity ?

Telephone and Electricity ARE however categorized as "public utilities", and as such any citizen requesting such services are entitled... unlike broadband, which chooses who is "cost effective" to receive service, and simply screw the rest of y'all.

In this day and age, I believe internet access SHOULD be considered a "utility" and that anyone should have access to broadband, at a reasonable rate.

 

[PTNL]

Might want to add a provision to that "life, liberty, pursuit of happiness" variant to include some net neutrality provisions.

 

[magoo]

Internet access a "fundamental right"?? Heck no.



Telephone and Electricity ARE however categorized as "public utilities", and as such any citizen requesting such services are entitled... unlike broadband, which chooses who is "cost effective" to receive service, and simply screw the rest of y'all.

In this day and age, I believe internet access SHOULD be considered a "utility" and that anyone should have access to broadband, at a reasonable rate.

Wrong.
You are "entitled" to subscribe, you still have to pay the fees,and if you can't, they are turned off.
Currently ANYONE can request braodband services, they just have to pay the bill and have a device to enable them to use it.
My electricity in New York is a "public utility" regulated by a commission, and is some of the most expensive energy anywhere.......where's my entitlement?
I have no choice, and if I don't pay the bill......lights out.

 

[Rob94hawk]

This is garbage. People live without the internet every day. If it's a right then fine but it should NOT be the taxpayers obligation to pay for it. Too many people think they are entitled and other people should pay because they live in their country. This is why socialist systems are always doomed to fail.

 

[wjogert]

Wrong.
You are "entitled" to subscribe, you still have to pay the fees,and if you can't, they are turned off.
Currently ANYONE can request braodband services, they just have to pay the bill and have a device to enable them to use it.
My electricity in New York is a "public utility" regulated by a commission, and is some of the most expensive energy anywhere.......where's my entitlement?
I have no choice, and if I don't pay the bill......lights out.

Yes, true.

My point was that as a public utility, if you request service, the provider can't just say "I'm sorry but you are 2 miles from our nearest trunk line, so you'll just have to live without phone or electricity"

And yes, there will be fees associated with getting that service installed. But they should be somewhat reasonable... unlike ComCast, who quoted me $25,000 per existing pole to run the cable from the main road, 2 miles up. So from one pole to the next pole in line, $25,000... third pole makes $50,000, fourth pole $75,000, and so on. I mean seriously?? Sure, I must have 2 or 3 million just sitting in my savings account anyway.

 

[jimmyb]

Some people here apparently think there's an agreed upon definition of "fundamental right".

 

[Monkey God]

Some people here apparently think there's an agreed upon definition of "fundamental right".

In the United States, these rights are codified in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.

 

[worstpe]

In the United States, these rights are codified in the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.

Just the Declaration of Independence states the rights.The Constitution just tells the governement how to run.

For Americans our "fundamental rights" are just three. Life, Liberty, and the Pursit of happiness.

So basicly everything is already covered. You won't die, unless a criminal kills you. You can do whatever you want. And you can try to be happy all you want. So if having the internet makes you happy. You can pursit it all you want and no one will stop you.