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Why civil society should lobby and protect our right to
use the internet
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The internet has
become a vitally important 'commons' for the development
of civil society and our networks. It presents opportunities
for dialogue, debate, participation and action that do
not exist elsewhere. We (civil society organisations)
need to defend and promote the internet as an accessible
and secure global communications medium for civil society.
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The internet is
quickly becoming the most important medium of expression
in a new age. We must be part of the process that governs
the way that information will be disseminated in the future
- to encourage the free flow of communication between
all nations and peoples!
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Contrary to popular
belief, the internet is not naturally 'free and open'.
It was deliberately made that way by technicians who encouraged
and valued collaboration, sharing and openness. Today,
as governments and businesses become more and more interested
in 'controlling' the internet, we need to defend the internet
as a secure and accessible space for social justice, campaigning
and for promoting development. In the next few years,
crucial meetings about the 'Information Society' will
be held and will define the future of the world's next
major developmental period.
In the twenty-first
century access to information and communications technologies
(ICTs) is a basic human right, a right which should be protected
and extended.
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ICT Policy & Internet Rights
