You’ve probably never heard of England’s Tim Berners-Lee. But if it weren’t for his genius, you’d be reading this article on ink-covered newsprint right now. Berners-Lee is the man credited with inventing the internet (much to the dismay of Al Gore, who only claims to have invented it).
Berners-Lee, according to the Associated Press, “says affordable access to the Internet should be recognized as a human right, as a report showed that billions of people still cannot go online and government surveillance and censorship are increasing.”
Berners-Lee, an engineer at the CERN laboratory in Geneva when he developed the concept of the internet back in 1989, now spends his time pondering important issues involving his digital baby.
The Englishman believes the internet can help overcome inequality if — and if is the key word — we can guarantee its users the right to privacy and freedom of speech.
He made the remarks to coincide with the latest release of The Web Index, a report to which he has now dedicated his efforts. Unfortunately, the report also noted that online surveillance is becoming an ever greater problem because laws prohibiting mass online surveillance are weak or nonexistent. Not just in nations known for abusing human rights such as North Korea and Iran, but in more than 84% of all countries.
The report also notes that nearly 40% of countries currently block content containing images or information their governments consider sensitive to a “moderate or extreme degree”. And even more depressing, 50% of all internet users live in countries that severely actively restrict their online rights.
But the most stunning statistic of all is that 4.4 billion people, predominately in second and third world nations, still have no access to the Internet. And that may be the worst human rights violation of all. This is an issue that drives Berners-Lee.
“It’s time to recognize the Internet as a basic human right,” he said. “That means guaranteeing affordable access for all, ensuring Internet packets are delivered without commercial or political discrimination, and protecting the privacy and freedom of Web users regardless of where they live.”
Bringing it all back to the United States. And you.
We have long editorialized about the need for universal, free internet access for all Americans.
Without this evolution, financially-struggling Americans have no way to find and apply for jobs that are increasingly listed online.
It would offer everyone a way to keep in touch with friends and family, a way to communicate with medical professionals.
It would allow needy parents to reach out to schools and teachers and help their children succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Federal programs such as EveryoneOn and Connect2Compete are leading the way. Major corporations such as Comcast, CenturyLink and other cable TV companies are also doing their part to bring affordable internet to all Americans.
Keep beating that drum on your side of the Atlantic, Sir Berners-Lee. CheapInternet.com will continue on this side.
Source: Fox News
Tricia Takanowa says
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Mr goffee says
I am a 70 year old widower living on a fixed income. I would like to be able to have a internet provider at a reasonable rate. Like $10.00 to $15.00 per month. Is there any program for a senior citizen. I served in the military.
Thanks RA..
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We wish there was, especially for our vets. But sadly, no.