This weeks readings got me thinking about the connection between, internet, global governance and human right. O’Neill’s reading focuses on the subject of Media Literacy and Communication Rights: Ethical Individualism in the New Media Environment and the Siochru and Girard article has a chapter on Global Governance Institutions, it got me thinking of the possibility to govern the internet internationally, what policies, regulations and laws that could be applied.
As O’Neill points out media literacy has become very important, first and foremost in Europe and are now finding its way to the United States. In the Western world many of us do have access to the internet and as a result, I would argue that media literacy and ethical individualism has become more important. Since a lot of people are moving more and more from the other channels that the media is distributed, the internet is playing a significant role when it comes to news, information and knowledge. I would definitely be in agreement with those emphasizing media literacy, although there are other aspects that we need to consider when it comes to the internet.
For example, media literacy’s need could be seen as a Western phenomenon, not only because of the individualistic approach but also because the internet is something we take for granted. Even though everyone might not have their own computer or access to the internet there are public places where one might be able to get online. On the other hand, access to the internet might not be the only obstacle to overcome. As we all know there are many restrictions made by totalitarian governments around the world to (according to them) protect their citizens from certain information. One of the main reasons is that they are afraid that it will overthrow and weaken the power of the state.
That leads us to the question of how we will globally govern the internet when, 1) Some people especially in the developing world do not have access to the internet 2) When some people do have access to the internet but not the information 3) That the people with full-access, are responsible enough to make ethical and moral decisions.
I would definitely call for some global regulations, policies or laws when it comes to the internet. It might seem impossible since different parts of the world have different focuses and aims when it comes to internet use. That takes us to the fact that the internet should only be regulated in regards of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is divided into two “sections” the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The main reason for this divide is because of the need of both these sights that the different actors had after the Cold War. This is how I think we would be able to cope with the differences between the Western need and the developing worlds need of regulating the internet.
I'm glad you brought up the idea that in the Western world, we tend to take the Internet for granted. Promoting media literacy is a noble movement, but I think there's a lack of emphasis on the educational aspect in areas where the Internet is much newer and less accessible. Since there are so many regimes focusing on online global governance, what would be helpful - though how feasible, I'm not sure - for an increased focus on media literacy in areas that are still growing in terms of Internet access and usage.
ReplyDeleteGranted, in areas where totalitarian governments already restrict access to certain websites and news outlets, increasing media literacy and education is a more difficult task. Nonetheless it's an area that needs to still be addressed, though I can see why such governments would be extremely reluctant to do so. With technological advances it's become easier for people to skirt restrictions, and with access to additional information media literacy is even more crucial.