The United Nations’ main human rights body has for the first time backed people’s right to freedom of expression on the internet in the wake of the massive role that social media networks played in the Arab Spring.
In a landmark resolution, the UN Human Rights Council’s 47 members states agreed yesterday that this right should be protected by all states and access to the internet should also be guaranteed.
Both China and Cuba have tried to limit access to the internet and voiced some reservations but joined the consensus recognising “the global and open nature of the internet as a driving force in accelerating progress towards development”.
“This outcome is momentous for the Human Rights Council,” said US ambassador Eileen Donahoe. – (Reuters)