The United Nations’ statement was in response to laws passed in France and the UK that ban copyright law infringers from the web. 

In a report for the UN’s Human Rights Council, Frank La Rue – the United Nations special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression – says:

“While blocking and filtering measures deny users access to specific content on the internet, states have also taken measures to cut off access to the internet entirely. 

“In particular, the special rapporteur urges states to repeal or amend existing intellectual copyright laws which permit users to be disconnected from internet access, and to refrain from adopting such laws.”

The United Nations also called for all countries to refrain from cutting off the internet during political unrest. “The special rapporteur calls upon all states to ensure that internet access is maintained at all times, including during times of political unrest.”

“The special rapporteur considers cutting off users from internet access, regardless of the justification provided, including on the grounds of violating intellectual property rights law, to be disproportionate and thus a violation of article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

With the UN coming out in favour of the internet being a human right, what is the opportunity for entrepreneurs?

You can read Frank La Rue’s full report to the Human Rights Council below.

Special rapporteur's report on internet access

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