The internet has become a powerful tool in exercising the right to freedom of expression. It is also accessible to people with the use of smartphone, now an ordinary device the world over.
In a larger sense, the internet is an essential tool for business and for governance.
The internet has become user-friendly, which encourages ordinary people to become "digital content creators."
With the proliferation of "digital content" in the "worldwide web," issues arise that impact the personal (privacy, reputation, activities) and the societal (economic, political, cultural, social) domains.
Digital rights refer to the exercise of human rights using the internet to express one's opinion as well as access and disseminate information.
However, reports note the increasing effort of Asian governments on setting rules on digital rights in particular and the internet in general. While the use of internet has serious negative impacts that should be addressed by governments, there are also issues of violation of human rights regarding the internet.
Government surveillance, limitation of access, control of digital content/information and punishment for the use of the internet can give rise to serious human rights violations.