CYBERSPACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING FREEDOM

Abstract

The flourishing proliferation of the internet has brought in commendable global interactions and information exchange. It is the aim of this research to provide an expansive insight into the multifaceted influence of the internet on both the infringement and protection of human rights worldwide using Nigeria as a case study. As the world digitalization progresses, pivotal areas of laws such as freedom of expression and the press, the right to privacy, right to fair hearing, right to human dignity, right to education, and right to life have all experienced paradigm shifts. A pressing issue of contemporary relevance is the misuse of the internet in facilitating human trafficking, presenting a severe infringement on human rights. The research explores the spectrum of human rights concerns viz-a-viz online platforms, discusses international treaties, domestic legislations, and the role of government agencies. Furthermore, it sheds light on the hurdles faced by legal entities and organizations in curtailing online breaches and suggests viable approaches to address these concerns. In summary, this exhaustive exploration enhances comprehension of the nuanced interplay between the internet and human rights infringements. Through discerning the layered facets of online-induced breaches, the study endeavors to guide policy shifts, legal modifications, and tech-based measures, aiming to alleviate the negative repercussions of the web on upholding individuals' inherent rights.