Digital rights facts for kids

Digital rights are like rules for what people can do with their computers and when they are online. They help make sure everyone can use the internet safely and fairly. This includes things like keeping your personal information private (privacy) and being able to share your thoughts freely (freedom of expression). These rights are super important, especially when we talk about the Internet.

In 2003, the United Nations held a big meeting called the World Summit on the Information Society. One main goal was to help close the digital divide. This "digital divide" is the gap between countries that have easy access to the internet and technology (often richer countries) and those that don't (often poorer countries). After many discussions, everyone at the meeting agreed on a special statement.

This statement said that human rights are for everyone, everywhere. They are connected to basic freedoms, like those mentioned in the Vienna Declaration. The statement also stressed the importance of democracy, helping the planet (sustainable development), and making sure laws are followed (rule of law).

The declaration also specifically talked about how important freedom of expression is in our "Information Society." It said:

"We reaffirm, as an essential foundation of the Information Society, and as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; that this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Communication is a fundamental social process, a basic human need and the foundation of all social organization. It is central to the Information Society. Everyone, everywhere should have the opportunity to participate and no one should be excluded from the benefits of the Information Society offers."

This means that everyone should be able to think what they want, share their ideas, and get information online without anyone stopping them. It's a basic human need to communicate and share ideas, and the internet helps us do that across the world.

One example of digital rights in action is "digital rights management." This is about controlling how digital content, like music or movies, can be used.

Images for kids

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  A picture showing different parts of digital rights.

See also

In Spanish: Derechos digitales para niños