“The Constitution of the Internet will help give birth to a new era in which the rights of citizens are protected by digital laws in all countries of the world.” -Tim Berners-Lee
Long ago, it was reported that the US NSA (National Security Agency) was spying on private communications from the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, Petrobras and thousands of Brazilian citizens.
These actions ignited the creation of the first Constitution of the Internet which has been hailed as an example of legislation that balances the rights and obligations of users, governments and businesses while ensuring that the network remains open and decentralized.
ISPs are obliged to respect the inviolability of user communications and will not sell personal data to third parties, nor access logs (except when permitted by the consumer). Mijo! Brands presents four key points of this Constitution the Internet:
• Speed and quality: All users should have access to Internet content at the same speed and quality without the supplier interfering in such matters.
• Foreign companies: Those foreign companies that provide Internet services in Brazil, must obey Brazilian law, even if not based in the South American country.
• Copyright: Social networking may only remove photos or videos that are protected by copyright by court order. Does not apply to nudity or sexual acts.
• Education: The State has the duty to promote education for safe and responsible Internet use.
This is how Brazil has managed to impose a measure that ensures the balance between the different stakeholders. What is your opinion about this nascent Constitution? Leave me your comments further down and start the debate.
Jorge Chavez is Senior Editor at Mijo! Brands of Mexico.