Your Views: Is web access a basic human right?

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Some four out of five people believe web access is a basic human right, according to a new survey.

While many may agree, the majority of [i]IT PRO[i] readers responding to a question in our bi-weekly newsletter do not.

David noted: "The people who regard internet access as a human right probably also regard television in the same vein. The world can and does survive without news and entertainment, but finds it more challenging without food and water."

Peter wonders who would pay for such provisions. "What absolute tosh! Of course having access to the internet is not a basic human right. The only basic right we have is to breathe the free air provide by God - or whoever one may believe in. Even food and water are not provided freely – we have to grow it or find it."

"Like roads and waste management - quoted in your article - the internet have to be provided and that provision has to be funded."

Mike suggests only those with easy access to food and water could see anything else as a "right."

"Sometimes you ought to take a good look at the world and the exceptionally fortunate and privileged place you occupy in it. To place your desire to download pirated movies and access free porn in the same category as the desperate needs of millions of people who don’t have access to water, shelter, food or any semblance of security makes – as you may have noticed – my blood boil," he said.

Michael points out that we seem to survive just fine without internet access - or broadband, at least. "Parts of the UK are still only able to get dial up connections, they are still enjoying all else that life has to offer," he wrote.

But not all readers felt the same way. One reader wrote in: "Yes, freedom of speech [is an] important human right and must not be abrogated."

Another reader left a comment on the site, saying education, the environment and more are improved by the web, making it a right for all.

The poster added: "Not having these technologies freely available in poorer countries means that they are not only kept in the dark ages but will have to travel longer, be more tired, reduce productivity, keep costs high for traveler and companies providing office space."

"Much of the worlds conflict is caused by a lack of communication, it is time that the borders to access be brought down as much as their is a need to cut down borders enabling a free multi-cultural society."

Let us know what you think at comments@itpro.co.uk or by leaving a comment below.

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