Overview

For many, the growth and ubiquity of the Internet is a sign of progress and innovation. They see the Internet as an enabler of human rights such as free expression, free association and social empowerment. The Internet allows people to create and join new communities and eliminates geographical barriers to making connections. Younger users and those in developing countries are particularly optimistic about the future of the Internet and the ability to use the technology to better their lives and create their futures. And yet, many in our community are worried that the future will see greater challenges to core Internet rights like privacy and free expression.

The future of the Internet is inextricably tied to people’s ability to trust it as a means to improve society, empower individuals and enable the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.

Powerful Internet-enabled data analytics and artificial intelligence will raise important questions about the future of personal autonomy and decision-making and a lack of transparency may undermine user trust. As the scope and severity of cyber threats continues to grow, governments will put stronger measures in place, often in the name of national security, that will impact personal freedom and human rights. We already see a decline in Internet freedom across the globe and we fear that, without a change of course, personal freedoms and rights online may well be nearing a point of irreversible decline.