Internet Access a Human Right?

Apparently, the Estonian government thinks it is:

"In 2000, the parliament, perhaps inspired by their new gizmos, passed a law declaring Internet access a fundamental human right of its citizenry. A massive program is under way to expand access to the countryside, where economic development is hampered by lack of decent roads and other transportation links. The Internet, the government argues, is essential for life in the 21st century."

In many ways, I almost agree with them. More and more governments are offering e-services, and I fear that those without connectivity may soon receive unequal access to those services. The time may be approaching when agencies require an email address instead of a phone number.

Posted by Jason Simms at May 6, 2004 10:32 AM | Links to this post
Categories: General | Pervasive Computing