Let’s call things by their names — and stop saying “Users” when we mean “Citizens”!
First of all, it frames the discussion in a very convenient way for the other side. When we’re talking about users, we’re talking about people with contracts signed with companies, or about people consuming cultural works one way or the other. In other words, from square one we seemingly agree to play on the “business turf”, and on their terms.
Then there’s the problem that things that look beneficial for users can be unacceptable for citizens. For example lowering the fee by an ISP if the user agrees to use only certain web services (vide the whole Net Neutrality debacle). This might look like a good deal for a user, but a citizen should be able to see that it’s dangerous for free speech, among others.
And finally — and most importantly — rights and freedoms that we defend are citizen’s, not user’s. We should not be ashamed to call upon them if we’re supposed to defend them! And seemingly all other sides to this dispute (and many beside it) have to be reminded, over and over again, that people are citizens first and foremost; they can be users afterwards.
by @{Michał “rysiek” Woźniak ; rysiek@joindiaspora.com}
#freedom_of_speech #net_neutrality #user #citizen #right #freedom #internet
In 2011, UN recognized Internet access as a human right. In particular, it was mentioned that states have to
respect online anonymity, adopt privacy and data protection laws, and to decriminalize defamation…
ensure that Internet access is maintained at all times, including during times of political unrest.
Well, I would like to add that you also have a right to not access the Internet. Especially if Internet for you is limited by Facebook, where online anonymity is not respected.
Nobody will punish you, fine you, or pursue you for that. May be some people will be offended, but, most likely, no one will notice your absence.
FAA - Federal Aviaton Administration, which defines US air traffic rules, in November 2013 revised limitations of use of personal electronics in the air. Which means that in USA passengers do not have to turn off their devices any more during take off or landing.
I would like to add, that even if you aren’t in the airplane, it is safe to use “airplane mode” of your device. You won’t be a reason of any accident: airplanes won’t fall, trains won’t leave their lines, ships won’t sink, and satellites won’t be invaded by aliens because of you.
Know your rights! You have a right for airplane mode!
#freedom #rights #airplane #airplane_mode #freedom_of_speech #facebook #internet
