The Internet is a fantastic way to facilitate communication among cultures and locations. Yet, as the article states, “burgeoning power the Internet to close the digital divide in these countries is only rivaled by the strength of government-led efforts to ensure this divide—and their hold power.”
This tension between the freedom to explore the World Wide Web (in its most literal sense) and the attempt of the Iranian government to control this exploration leads me to a more fundamental question: is Internet access a right?
The writer of the piece described the growing ability to use the Internet in Iran as “gaining their own voice.” He describes the regime as “moving quickly to quash” this voice. It sounds like the conflict is being described as a human rights violation to me. Other clues include the assertion that “the government has… sought to muzzle and/or intimidate dissident Iranian voices on the Internet.”
This article emphasizes the rather intimidating idea that the internet is not only a way of getting information and communicating with friends—it is a political force. It is, in fact, a symbol of freedom. The writer states: “the Internet poses significant risks to the status quo and those who enforce it in countries such as Iran.” The web is full of information. If you don’t have the Internet, you can’t get the information… and information is a closely guarded commodity in countries with controlling regimes, such as Iran. The media plays a hugely important role—it is the link between the individual and the outside world. If a government assumes control of the media, there is no communication, no evolution, and no change. Change is precisely the thing that the Iranian government wants to avoid.
Yet, doesn’t everyone have the right to hope for things to get better, to know what’s available that could improve their lives? The Internet is a very important tool for crossing borders and sneaking past red tape—and Iranian people deserve the right to have this tool.
