Post Tagged with: "internet access"

Canada’s Digital Divide Likely to Widen Due to Access and Adoption Failures

The state of Internet access in Canada has been the subject of considerable debate in recent years as consumers and businesses alike assess whether Canadians have universal access to fast, affordable broadband that compares favourably with other countries. A new House of Commons study currently being conducted by the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology offers the chance to gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of Canadian high-speed networks and what role the government might play in addressing any shortcomings.

The study is ongoing, yet my weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that two issues are emerging as key concerns: access and adoption.

April 10, 2013 — 5 comments — Columns

U.S. Cable Companies Seek to Bridge Digital Divide

U.S. cable companies have announced that they are working with the FCC to launch a new program to bring affordable broadband services to low-income families. The Connect to Compete program will offer cheap PCs and broadband for $9.95 per month to millions of homes that already participate in a national […]

November 10, 2011 — 1 comment — News

NY Times on Internet Access as a Human Right

The NY Times has published a supportive editorial on the recent UN report linking Internet access to basic human rights. The editorial references graduated response rules, calling the French and UK laws “draconian.”

July 6, 2011 — 9 comments — News

Is Internet Access A Human Right?: The Implications for the Rules of Access

Appeared in the Toronto Star on June 19, 2011 as Is Internet Connectivity a Human Right? Given the critical role it plays in communication, culture, and commerce, most people now recognize the importance of Internet access. A new report for the United Nations Human Rights Council takes Internet access a […]

June 21, 2011 — Comments are Disabled — Columns Archive

Is Internet Access A Human Right?: The Implications for the Rules of Access

Given the critical role it plays in communication, culture, and commerce, most people now recognize the importance of Internet access. My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes a new report for the United Nations Human Rights Council takes Internet access a step further, however, characterizing it as a human right.

The report, written by Frank La Rue, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (an internationally regarded human rights expert who was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize), took the political world by storm when it was released several weeks ago.

The report explored the need to ensure that citizens have Internet connectivity and also the rules associated with that access. As a result, it was highly critical of policies that block access to content, threaten to cut off Internet access due to allegations of copyright infringement, and fail to safeguard online privacy.

June 21, 2011 — 136 comments — Columns