Should data be a human right?
Competitive markets keep prices in check, so those campaigning for data to fall should embrace the principles of a free market, writes Mark Oppenheimer
The Data Must Fall movement has called for lowering the price of mobile data. Data is so essential, some argue, it ought to be a human right. This novel claim is being implemented in Finland, where every citizen has a legal right to fixed-line internet. Our Constitution lists a range of rights, most of which can be divided into the categories of positive and negative rights. Negative rights create duties on the state and other citizens to refrain from certain types of conduct. For example, the right to property entails not having your property taken away from you. The right to freedom of expression stops the state from censoring speech or banning books. The right to bodily integrity means that others cannot torture you. Positive rights make the state responsible for providing basic services. Our Bill of Rights lists housing, health care, food, water, social security and education. It is worth noting that each of these positive rights strike at the heart of our needs. Without shelter...
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