Across the world many still argue about human rights, but how does this connect to the digital world? Digital human rights is an interesting topic as some countries allow their governments full control over their internet and what can be seen or used. In other countries like the United States, the people have more control over what they are allowed to do on the internet, however, the government has some limited control over it. In other cases like Jordan for example, they are identifying how to protect online freedoms and privacy while identifying gaps in their international agreements.
A study done by faculty and students at Amman Arab University in Jordan dives deep into digital human rights. This study finds the problem rooted in the importance of state and government recognition of digital rights in line with international treaties. Their primary research question emphasizes the social science aspect of how digital media is a huge platform for expression, which is recognized as an inalienable human right. In their research which they based on Jordanian legislation and international agreements, they found that the United Nations has several resolutions on digital rights, such as the resolution on the privacy right in the current digital age from 2014, which essentially states that spying on an individual infringes on their private rights which undermines the values in a democratic society. Jordan has been trying to do better by this, they have several data protection laws in place that aim to balance an individual’s private data versus what the government is allowed to see.
This right for an individual to have privacy has been violated in many places across the world and not just in Jordan. For example, in the United States if someone is even remotely related to someone or an activity that may pose a threat to the United States, their internet, phone, and everyday activity is monitored without them even knowing. This means that an innocent person who may be a neighbor to someone who might be suspected of being a terrorist could be monitored 24/7.
As social media has become even more popular in the past few years, it is seen as a place where people can express themselves in ways they may not be able to face-to-face with someone. In countries such as Jordan, being LGBTQ is very frowned upon as it goes against their values, someone who might be LGBTQ can’t outright express themselves and can turn to the digital world where they can connect with people who they identify with. Being a marginalized group from a country like Jordan, especially since it is illegal, the government will monitor their activity without their knowledge or consent, which goes against the UN resolution stated earlier.
Overall, their study contributes to a greater awareness that people may not have, that they should be allowed to express themselves freely on a digital platform without government interference. No matter where someone might be in the world they should have the ability to express themself on a digital platform.
Works Cited
Al-Kasassbeh, Fahad Yousef, et al. Digital Human Rights in Jordanian Legislation and International Agreement, vol. 18, no. 1, June 2024.