The UN’s decision to target internet shutdowns is particularly relevant, as governments have started freely using this method as a means of controlling citizens in what appear to be even minor matters.
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The resolution is there to reaffirm that whatever human rights we have offline, we also have online.
The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday passed a resolution condemning countries that prevent or disrupt access to the internet.
“The draft resolution omits key provisions on the permissible limitations and prohibition of hate speech under worldwide human rights law”, Notutela added.
Another amendment aimed to remove references to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and language on freedom of expression from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Hughes said: “We are disappointed that democracies like South Africa, Indonesia, and India voted in favour of these hostile amendments to weaken protections for freedom of expression online”. It is no surprise that China, Saudi Arabia, and Russian Federation were against this push to expand freedom of expression to the online arena.
Digital rights group Access Now counted 15 Internet shutdowns in 2015 and says there have been at least 20 so far in 2016.
Subsequently, the United Nations website has published a video of an explanation from South Africa’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations office in Geneva, Ncumisa Notutela, on the vote.
The resolution also highlights a number of issues that need to be addressed, including that the issue of freedom of expression on the internet.
In spite of Ankara’s involvement, however, Turkey has repeatedly been condemned as of late for routinely restricting internet access within its borders.
Although the council has previously advocated for extending human rights into the digital sphere with resolutions passed in 2012 and 2014, this week’s measure marks the first time that the group has officially spoken up against online censorship.
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Five countries, most a member of the BRICS, opposed the resolution. The UK, for example, will shortly pass the Investigatory Powers Bill, which will require internet service providers to maintain records of users’ internet usage that police and other government authorities will be able to access.
