Human Rights or Access to Information?

In recent years, a growing debate has emerged surrounding the question of whether information should be considered a human right. This discussion has been sparked by various factors, including the increasing importance of the Internet and the government's role in providing access to valuable data.

Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, and the government of Finland have argued that access to the Internet should be internationally protected as a human right. This stance, while not directly addressing the question of information as a human right, implies that the Internet, as a means to access and disseminate information, holds significant value.

The UK Chancellor, George Osborne, announced in May 2011 that the government's ambition is to become the "world leader" in open data. This initiative has seen the publication of a wealth of information from government agencies, including agricultural ministries focusing on sustainable and healthy food systems, public health offices emphasizing infection protection and health promotion, addiction research centers providing prevention and treatment programs, and health ministries enacting laws to improve long-term care.

However, the question of what information the government holds that could improve people's lives remains unanswered. The choice of which information to release should be informed by whose interests, considering public health interests, social security, sustainability, accessibility, and support for vulnerable groups.

The distinction between the information used for work and living versus entertainment is significant. The focus on providing access to the Internet rather than access to specific information might be more practical, given the vast amount of data available.

The information revolution continues to disrupt long-established institutions of society. James Gleick's new book, The Information, has raised questions about whether information itself can be considered a human right. The question is posed: Can information be said to be a human right?

A concern is raised about the potential difficulty in protecting anonymity when handling highly sensitive healthcare information. No personally identifying information is published on open data websites such as data.gov.uk, but this may not remain the case with the opening of healthcare data.

Osborne is now talking about opening up healthcare data to scientific analysis. The government plans to release "some of the most valuable datasets still locked away in government servers" over the coming year. However, the question is posed about whether we have a mature enough understanding of how information relates to human rights to ensure their protection during this disruption.

The argument for protecting Internet access allows individuals to decide what is important. The comparison is made between access to water pipes and the Internet, suggesting that the latter might be more than just a means to an end. The same logic might apply to the Internet and information, as what matters is the water (or information) that comes out of the pipes (or the Internet).

In conclusion, the debate surrounding information as a human right is complex and multifaceted. As we continue to navigate this digital age, it is crucial that we figure out the answers to these questions before the machinery of open data is set in stone.