should we have 'internet rights'?

In an age where digital interactions define us as much as if not more than our physical ones, it’s troubling to note the absence of a universal code of digital rights. Instead, the responsibility to define these rights, for the most part, has been passed on to corporate entities. Their motives, often shaped by profit margins and stakeholder interests, might not always align with the broader well-being of the global internet populace and it has lead to tragic consequences. Crumbling mental health, mis and disinformation, dwindling attention spans, amongst many more. I posit that the introduction of said rights would lead to a much greater digital (and physical) society. But first I will establish a basis for not only why injecting morality systematically would be nice, but why there is a clear and logical basis for it.

Historically, societies that tethered their ethos to fundamental rights and values didn’t merely survive — they thrived, evolving into beacons of culture, knowledge, and prosperity. Granted at each time throughout history what liberty and freedom really meant were radically different from our expectations now but what was clear is that on a relative basis these societies did indeed thrive.

John Locke, the philosopher, once articulated, “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it… reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind… that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

At the time this was a novel idea, where previously it may have been a monotheism or a monarch that deferred to you the rights (which were often distinctly lacking) that you were entitled to. Kant similarly put forward that a person had rights ‘ by virtue of his humanity’.

Whether it be reason to protect their own autonomy or in Kants case to to create a ‘just political order’, a social contract enables commerce, trade and most importantly justice to succeed.

When societies internalize such truths, they foster environments where innovation flourishes, discourse is celebrated, and individual liberties are safeguarded.

Drawing inspiration from these past luminaries, and cognisant of the pressing imperatives of our digital age, there emerges a crucial proposition: Internet rights should not only be understood and defined, but they should be the very bedrock upon which our digital platforms and services are constructed. This isn’t a mere nod to historical precedents; it’s an acknowledgement of the power of foundational principles in shaping vibrant, thriving communities — both offline and online.

As for the ‘universality’ of rights, let’s be clear. This isn’t about ensuring everyone gets a slice of the pie, regardless of contribution or commitment to the ideals. Rather, it’s the audacious proclamation that just by being human, we’re all entitled to a set of well defined social contracts that will enable us to participate and thrive.

I take considerable inspiration from The universal declaration of human rights, here:

“Recognition of the inherent dignity and… inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”

The essence of these rights goes beyond mere theoretical musings. The Right to Read, The Right to Write, and The Right to Verify, as just three examples, stand as guiding principles, already incorporated in to products we produce, and are integral to shaping a digital world that promises respect, inclusivity, and collective progress.

For today’s (dare I say it — netizens?), these rights are tangible necessities, anchors in the vast, tumultuous sea of digital interactions. Grounded in reason and a deep-seated sense of universal fairness, they serve as our shared digital ethos. They don’t just remind us of our collective past but light the path to a promising, interconnected future.

Most importantly these rights can define the way the tools and online communitiesm beyond us at www.truenation.ai are built. A cultural expectation of them, fundamentally changes discourse and reshapes the question that companies and services ask from ‘how to maximally profiteer’ (which without the moral underpinnings as remarked by the founder of free markets himself is exactly what happens) but to ‘how can i maximally serve and support this person or group.’

Internet rights, then, are the foundational way to ensure that this better question gets asked.

In the next article I will start introducing specific internet rights and why I believe they are important

Written unapologetically with the help of ChatGPT andTrueAI from www.truenation.ai .

Inspired by my wonderful team, and the internet citizens we choose to serve