Internet Access as a Human Right? The Need for a New Freedom to be Enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland Cover Image

Dostęp do Internetu jako prawo człowieka? W sprawie potrzeby nowej wolności w Konstytucji Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej
Internet Access as a Human Right? The Need for a New Freedom to be Enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland

Author(s): Marek Zieliński
Subject(s): Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Published by: Kancelaria Sejmu
Keywords: access to the Internet; human rights; proposed amendments to Poland’s constitution

Summary/Abstract: Initially, the Internet was used for academic research as a tool for communication between its users, and in business. However, in recent years, the Internet has been increasingly recognized as an essential element of a democratic society. This trend is reflected in the work of international organizations, the jurisprudence of national and international courts, and also in the views of theorists. Consequently, it is reasonable to assume that access to the Internet today is an independent human right, as is confirmed by opinion polls. For that reason, a discussion should be initiated on introducing “freedom of access to the Internet” to the Constitution of the Republic, in the form of insertion of a new article, namely Article 54a.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 9-22
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Polish