Background report on the right to Internet access

This study provides a general perspective on the relevant legal issues regarding access to internet as a human right. As connections between internet access and human rights are relatively extensive and diverse, this report strives for an overview of the growing importance of internet for individuals and society by naming few examples of this development. First, I will substantiate that access to Internet has relevance from a human rights perspective as it has become a central channel for accessing several private and public services. This change results in the need to give legal protection to individuals’ right to access. Second, the technical aspects of Internet access are addressed briefly as they have impact on the legal consequences as well. Third, this report describes the normative basis for evaluating Internet access as a human right. Traditionally, access to Internet is considered as a tool of exercising freedom of opinion and expression. However, as the ways of using new media tools diversify, other human rights become relevant as well and thus, Internet access should be evaluated context-dependently. This report is commissioned to provide background information to a motion for a resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.The intended resolution aims for introducing the right to Internet access as a fundamental right in order to guarantee internet access to all regardless of age, place of residence and income.