The Evolving Nature of Warfare and the Importance of Internet Access as a Human Right
The modern landscape of warfare is undergoing a significant transformation, with the methods and targets of conflict changing dramatically. The recent scenes of Ukrainian drones attacking Russian warplanes highlight the shift away from traditional artillery and infantry-based operations. The increasing use of clandestine, remote hacking attacks and targeted munitions that disrupt internet infrastructure poses a significant threat to civilian populations, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
The situation in Gaza serves as a stark example of the devastating impact of internet disruptions. According to a report by Access Now, Gaza experienced at least 27 complete or partial internet and telecommunications outages since Israel’s assault on the territory began in October 2023. These outages have severely hindered emergency responses, coordination, and delivery of essential services, including food and water, to besieged Gazans.
Internet Access as a Critical Component of Modern Life
The internet has become an essential part of modern life, with approximately 5.5 billion people, or 68% of the world’s population, now using the internet. This represents a significant increase from just a decade ago, with the internet playing a critical role in various aspects of society, including healthcare, education, government services, and economic activities. The internet’s importance is reflected in its use by hospitals, non-profits, and governments to deliver essential services, as well as its role in coordinating supply chains and maintaining critical infrastructure.
The deliberate disruption or termination of internet access can have severe consequences, including violations of human rights. In many cases, these disruptions can be a matter of life and death. Despite the growing number of attacks on internet infrastructure, there has been little international response to address this issue. The severing of undersea cables, such as the Baltic Sea cables linking Germany and Finland, and the Peace Submarine Cable connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, highlights the vulnerability of internet infrastructure to sabotage and disruption.
The Consequences of Internet Disruptions and the Need for Protection
The consequences of internet disruptions can be far-reaching, with significant impacts on civilian populations. The unintentional internet outage in July 2024, caused by lapses from CrowdStrike, affected 26% of U.S. adults, crippling financial services, delaying flights, and disrupting hospital operations. The intentional targeting of internet infrastructure by bad actors, including governments, poses a significant threat to global stability and security.
The testing of a “sovereign” internet network by Russia, which could allow for greater surveillance and control, raises concerns about the potential for internet censorship and suppression. The opposition to UN amendments aimed at codifying the internet as a human right by countries with autocratic leanings, such as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and India, highlights the need for international cooperation and agreement on the importance of internet access as a human right.
Defining Internet Access as a Human Right and Ensuring Protection
To earnestly make internet access a human right, it is essential to define precisely what constitutes access, with a focus on reliable and sufficiently fast internet. The recognition of internet access as a human right is closely linked to other essential human rights, such as education, free speech, and work. The denial of internet access, such as the Israeli government’s restriction of 4G service to Palestinians, can have significant consequences for these related rights.
The importance of internet access as a human right is reflected in its increasing recognition by international organizations and governments. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations formally declared access to the internet a human right in 2016. However, the enforceability and accountability of this declaration are not guaranteed, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and cooperation to ensure the protection of internet access as a fundamental human right.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on digital connectivity, the case for treating internet access as a human right has never been clearer. With the evolving nature of warfare and the growing threat of internet disruptions, it is essential to recognize the importance of internet access and work towards ensuring its protection and promotion as a fundamental human right. For more information, visit Here
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