Digital Rights and Responsibilities in the Era of Digital Revolution
Prof. (Dr.) M.K.Bhandari- Founder Director- GALTER ,Senior Professor of Law - India
1.Introduction
In the midst of the Digital Revolution, our world is transforming at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid advancements in technology and connectivity. This era has empowered individuals with unparalleled access to information, communication, and opportunities, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. However, with these digital privileges come significant responsibilities.
Future citizens will navigate a landscape where their digital footprint is their primary persona, where access to information is both a fundamental right and a meticulously curated privilege, and where the ethical implications of AI governance, data sovereignty, and virtual personhood will demand a constantly evolving framework of universal digital charters. The true frontier of human flourishing will not just be physical space, but the responsible and equitable stewardship of our boundless digital commons.
The concept of digital rights and responsibilities has emerged as a critical framework to ensure that the benefits of this revolution are balanced with ethical considerations, privacy protections, and equitable access.
This article explores the evolving landscape of digital rights—encompassing access, privacy, and freedom of expression—and the corresponding responsibilities we must uphold to foster a safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem. As we navigate this dynamic era, understanding and embracing these principles is essential for shaping a future where technology serves as a force for good. is therefore adapting to this new era with the development of digital rights and digital citizenship, allowing and regulating access to online information in a secure and transparent manner.
2. What are Digital Rights
Digital rights are an extension of human rights for the Internet age.Digital technologies are transforming the way basic rights such as freedom of expression and access to information are exercised, protected and violated, and are also leading to the recognition of new rights. The law is therefore adapting to this new era with the development of digital rights and digital citizenship, allowing and regulating access to online information in a secure and transparent manner.
Technological advances are constant and each brings with it the need for a new regulatory framework.The hyperconnectivity that 5G facilitates, the collection of data with devices from the Internet of Things, the analysis of the same with Big Data and the use of Edge Computing for processing, among others, generate the need to regulate this traffic of information, guaranteeing the rights of individuals.
Digital Rights and Responsibilities are the privileges and the attendant responsibilities for all digital technology users. They refer to the rules and consequences accompanying use of digital technology and the behavioral expectations and etiquette for digital citizens. These include the best practices for technology use and the consequences for misuse. Our rights and responsibilities help us reconcile public access with private value. Everyone has the right to use any digital technology provided it is used in an appropriate and accountable manner. Knowing your digital rights and responsibilities in the digital age can keep you away from trouble, but there is a constantly shifting landscape of laws about them
3.Fundamental Foundations of Digital Rights and Responsibilities- (Hereinafter as DRR)
From Universal Declaration of Human Rights -UDHR - the so called Magna Carta of Human Rights ,enacted and adopted by United Nations on December 10,1948 ,we have now marched to celeberate following Days in the digital realm.
The International Digital Rights Days are observed annually on December 10th and 11th, and the International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed on September 28th.
These days aim to raise awareness about the importance of digital rights and promoting access to information in the digital age.
Digital rights and responsibilities are increasingly relevant as digital technologies become more integrated into daily life worldwide. These rights encompass access to information, freedom of expression, privacy, and security, while responsibilities include ethical online behavior, respecting copyright, and promoting digital inclusion. The global perspective highlights how these rights and responsibilities vary across different countries and cultures, with some nations prioritizing digital access while others focus on regulating online content.
3. Evolving Charters of DRR
A "Global Charter of Digital Rights and Responsibilities" doesn't exist as a single, universally adopted document. However, the concept refers to the growing recognition of digital rights as an extension of fundamental human rights, with various global and regional initiatives working towards establishing a framework for these rights. These initiatives, including those by the UN and the EU, aim to ensure that the digital transformation is inclusive, fair, and respects human rights.
Hereunder are three major initiatives in drafting and consolidation the Charter of DRR
A.The EU Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles: This declaration outlines the EU's commitment to a people-centered digital transformation, emphasizing principles like freedom of choice, participation, and safety online.
The European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles was signed on December 15, 2022. It was jointly signed by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union. The declaration aims to guide the EU's digital agenda based on EU constitutional values and fundamental rights.
Text of the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade
We aim to promote a European way for the digital transformation, putting people at the centre, built on European values and EU fundamental rights, reaffirming universal human rights, and benefiting all individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
We therefore declare:
CHAPTER I
Putting people at the centre of the digital transformation
1.People are at the centre of the digital transformation in the European Union. Technology should serve and benefit all people living in the EU and empower them to pursue their aspirations, in full security and respect for their fundamental rights.
We commit to:
a)strengthening the democratic framework for a digital transformation that benefits everyone and improves the lives of all people living in the EU;
b)taking necessary measures to ensure that the values of the EU and the rights of individuals as recognised by EU law are respected online as well as offline;
c)fostering and ensuring responsible and diligent action by all actors, public and private, in the digital environment;
d)actively promoting this vision of the digital transformation, also in our international relations.
CHAPTER II
Solidarity and inclusion
2.Technology should be used to unite, and not divide, people. The digital transformation should contribute to a fair and inclusive society and economy in the EU.
We commit to:
a)making sure that the design, development, deployment and use of technological solutions respect fundamental rights, enable their exercise and promote solidarity and inclusion;
b) a digital transformation that leaves nobody behind. It should benefit everyone, achieve gender balance, and include notably elderly people, people living in rural areas, persons with disabilities, or marginalised, vulnerable or disenfranchised people and those who act on their behalf. It should also promote cultural and linguistic diversity;
c) developing adequate frameworks so that all market actors benefiting from the digital transformation assume their social responsibilities and make a fair and proportionate contribution to the costs of public goods, services and infrastructures, for the benefit of all people living in the EU.
Connectivity
3.Everyone, everywhere in the EU, should have access to affordable and high-speed digital connectivity.
We commit to:
a) ensuring access to high-quality connectivity, with available Internet access, for everyone wherever in the EU, including for those with low income;
b) protecting and promoting a neutral and open Internet where content, services, and applications are not unjustifiably blocked or degraded.
Digital education, training and skills
4.Everyone has the right to education, training and lifelong learning and should be able to acquire all basic and advanced digital skills.
We commit to:
a)-promoting high-quality digital education and training, including with a view to bridging the digital gender divide;
b)-supporting efforts that allow all learners and teachers to acquire and share the necessary digital skills and competences, including media literacy, and critical thinking, to take an active part in the economy, society, and in democratic processes;
c) promoting and supporting efforts to equip all education and training institutions with digital connectivity, infrastructure and tools;
d)giving everyone the possibility to adjust to changes brought by the digitalisation of work through up-skilling and re-skilling.
Fair and just working conditions
5.Everyone has the right to fair, just, healthy and safe working conditions and appropriate protection in the digital environment as in the physical work place, regardless of their employment status, modality or duration.
6.Trade unions and employers’ organisations play an important role in the digital transformation, particularly in relation to the definition of fair and just working conditions, including with regard to the use of digital tools at work.
We commit to:
a)ensuring that everyone is able to disconnect and benefit from safeguards for work-life balance in a digital environment;
b)ensuring that, in the working environment, digital tools do not put workers’ physical and mental health at risk in any way;
c)ensuring respect for workers’ fundamental rights in the digital environment, including their right to privacy and the right to associate, right of collective bargaining and action, as well as protection against unlawful and unjustified surveillance;
d)ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace is transparent and follows a risk-based approach and that corresponding prevention measures are taken to maintain a safe and healthy working environment;
e)ensuring in particular that human oversight is guaranteed in important decisions affecting workers, and that workers are generally informed that they are interacting with artificial intelligence systems.
Digital public services online
7.Everyone should have online access to key public services in the EU. Nobody is to be asked to provide data more often than necessary when accessing and using digital public services.
We commit to:
a) ensuringthat people living in the EU are offered the possibility to use an accessible, voluntary, secure and trusted digital identity that gives access to a broad range of online services;
b)ensuring wide accessibility and re-use of public sector information;
c) facilitating and supporting seamless, secure and interoperable access across the EU to digital public services designed to meet people’s needs in an effective manner, including and in particular digital health and care services, notably access to electronic health records.
CHAPTER III
Freedom of choice
Interactions with algorithms and artificial intelligence systems
8.Artificial intelligence should serve as a tool for people, with the ultimate aim of increasing human well-being.
9.Everyone should be empowered to benefit from the advantages of algorithmic and artificial intelligence systems including by making their own, informed choices in the digital environment, while being protected against risks and harm to one’s health, safety and fundamental rights.
We commit to:
a)promoting human-centric, trustworthy and ethical artificial intelligence systems throughout their development, deployment and use, in line with EU values;
b)ensuring an adequate level of transparency about the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence, and that people are empowered to use them and are informed when interacting with them;
c)ensuring that algorithmic systems are based on adequate datasets to avoid discrimination and enable human supervision of all outcomes affecting people's safety and fundamental rights;
d)ensuring that technologies such as artificial intelligence are not used to pre-empt people’s choices, for example regarding health, education, employment, and their private life;
e)providing for safeguards and taking appropriate action, including by promoting trustworthy standards, to ensure that artificial intelligence and digital systems are, at all times, safe and used in full respect for fundamental rights;
f) taking measures to ensure that research in artificial intelligence respects the highest ethical standards and relevant EU law.
A fair digital environment
10.Everyone should be able to effectively and freely choose which online services to use, based on objective, transparent, easily accessible and reliable information.
11.Everyone should have the possibility to compete fairly and innovate in the digital environment. This should also benefit businesses, including SMEs.
We commit to:
a)ensuring a safe and secure digital environment based on fair competition, where fundamental rights are protected, users rights and consumer protection in the Digital Single Market are ensured, and responsibilities of platforms, especially large players and gatekeepers, are well defined;
b) promoting interoperability, transparency, open technologies and standards as a way to further strengthen trust in technology as well as consumers’ ability to make autonomous and informed choices.
CHAPTER IV
Participation in the digital public space
12.Everyone should have access to a trustworthy, diverse and multilingual digital environment. Access to diverse content contributes to a pluralistic public debate and effective participation in democracy in a non-discriminatory manner.
13.Everyone has the right to freedom of expression and information, as well as freedom of assembly and of association in the digital environment.
14.Everyone should be able to access information on who owns or controls the media services they are using.
15.Online platforms, particularly very large online platforms, should support free democratic debate online. Given the role of their services in shaping public opinion and discourse, very large online platforms should mitigate the risks stemming from the functioning and use of their services, including in relation to misinformation and disinformation campaigns, and protect freedom of expression.
We commit to:
a)continuing safeguarding all fundamental rights online, notably the freedom of expression and information, including media freedom and pluralism;
b)supporting the development and best use of digital technologies to stimulate people's engagement and democratic participation;
c)taking proportionate measures to tackle all forms of illegal content, in full respect for fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of expression and information, and without establishing any general monitoring obligations or censorship;
d)creating a digital environment where people are protected against disinformation and information manipulation and other forms of harmful content, including harassment and gender-based violence;
e)supporting effective access to digital content reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity in the EU;
f)empowering individuals to make freely given, specific choices and limiting the exploitation of vulnerabilities and biases, namely through targeted advertising.
CHAPTER V
Safety, security and empowerment
A protected, safe and secure digital environment
16.Everyone should have access to digital technologies, products and services that are by design safe, secure, and privacy-protective, resulting in a high level of confidentiality, integrity, availability and authenticity of the information processed.
We commit to:
a)taking further measures to promote the traceability of products and make sure only products which are safe and compliant with EU legislation are offered on the Digital Single Market;
b)protecting the interests of people, businesses and public institutions against cybersecurity risks and cybercrime including data breaches and identity theft or manipulation. This includes cybersecurity requirements for connected products placed on the single market;
c)countering and holding accountable those that seek to undermine, within the EU, security online and the integrity of the digital environment or that promote violence and hatred through digital means.
Privacy and individual control over data
17. Everyone has the right to privacy and to the protection of their personal data. The latter right includes the control by individuals on how their personal data are used and with whom they are shared.
18.Everyone has the right to the confidentiality of their communications and the information on their electronic devices, and not to be subjected to unlawful online surveillance, unlawful pervasive tracking or interception measures.
19.Everyone should be able to determine their digital legacy, and decide what happens with their personal accounts and information that concerns them after their death.
We commit to:
a)ensuring that everyone has effective control of their personal and non-personal data in line with EU data protection rules and relevant EU law;
b)ensuring effectively the possibility for individuals to easily move their personal and non-personal data between different digital services in line with portability rights;
c)effectively protecting communications from unauthorised third party access;
d)prohibiting unlawful identification as well as unlawful retention of activity records.
Protection and empowerment of children and young people in the digital environment
20.Children and young people should be empowered to make safe and informed choices and express their creativity in the digital environment.
21.Age-appropriate materials and services should improve experiences, well-being and participation of children and young people in the digital environment.
22.Specific attention should be paid to the right of children and young people to be protected from all crimes, committed via or facilitated through digital technologies.
We commit to:
a)providing opportunities to all children and young people to acquire the necessary skills and competences, including media literacy and critical thinking, in order to navigate and engage in the digital environment actively, safely and to make informed choices;
b)promoting positive experiences for children and young people in an age-appropriate and safe digital environment;
c)protecting all children and young people against harmful and illegal content, exploitation, manipulation and abuse online, and preventing the digital space from being used to commit or facilitate crimes;
d)protecting all children and young people against illegal tracking, profiling and targeting, in particular for commercial purposes;
e)involving children and young people in the development of digital policies that concern them.
CHAPTER VI
Sustainability
23.To avoid significant harm to the environment, and to promote a circular economy, digital products and services should be designed, produced, used, repaired, recycled and disposed of in a way that mitigates their negative impact on the environment and on society and avoids premature obsolescence.
24.Everyone should have access to accurate, easy-to-understand information on the environmental impact and energy consumption of digital products and services, their reparability and lifetime, allowing them to make responsible choices.
We commit to:
a)supporting the development and use of sustainable digital technologies that have minimal negative environmental and social impact;
b) incentivising sustainable consumer choices and business models, and fostering sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour throughout global value chains of digital products and services, including with a view to combating forced labour;
c)promoting the development, deployment and active use of innovative digital technologies with a positive impact on the environment and climate, in order to accelerate the green transition;
d) promoting sustainability standards and labels for digital products and services.
So far, the Chatrter of EU as stated above is a comprehensive document and this Charter has potential and guidelines to inspre other nations in drafting thier Charter.
B.OECD Digital Rights: The OECD is also working on a Recommendation on Rights in the Digital Age.
The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) is actively working on a "Charter on Digital Rights" to guide the digital transformation in a way that respects human rights and promotes a more inclusive, sustainable, and trustworthy digital future. This initiative builds upon existing OECD work on human rights in the digital age and aims to ensure that digital policies are human-centric and rights-oriented.
The proposed charter envisions a digital environment where individuals can exercise their rights and freedoms, including:
C. Spanish Digital Rights Charter: Spain has also developed a Digital Rights Charter, structured around rights related to freedom, equality, participation, and the digital workplace.
India's rapid digital transformation is reshaping the concept of individual rights in the online sphere. This "emerging landscape" involves balancing privacy, freedom of speech, access to information, and security in a technologically advanced and increasingly interconnected society.
Here's a closer look at the key elements defining this landscape:
A. Data protection and privacy
B. Freedom of speech and expression
C.. Right to information
D. Digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide
For detailed understanding of digital divide and its impact ,please read my Article
"Digital Divide in the Era of Digital Transformation-Bridging the Socio-Economic Disparities- " Prof . Dr. M.K.Bhandari htDgital Divide in the Era of Digital Transformation-Bridging the Socio-Economic Disparities- Prof . Dr. M.K.Bhandarihttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/professor-dr-m-k-bhandari-8139a773_ai-aibias-activity-7306304225909583873-RHHh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA-hec8BMtL7zw8qeCq0AMmgMvRSrtI4sXE
The Supreme Court on 30 April 2025—in Amar Jain v Union of India—acknowledged the right to digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Court ruled that in a world where digital platforms are required to access basic services like banking, healthcare, education, and government programmes, denying equal access to digital content amounts to exclusion and discrimination. Amar Jain—a lawyer with visual impairment and an advocate for disability rights—filed the case after pointing out that the majority of government websites, mobile applications, and digital services are inaccessible to people with disabilities. The Court concurred that the state must guarantee everyone’s access to digital content, particularly those with disabilities and that such access is a matter of right rather than charity. This decision is significant for a number of reasons. First, it protects the rights of millions of disabled Indians who struggle on a daily basis due to inaccessible digital infrastructure.9 epw.in/journal/2025/21/letters/digital-access-fundamental-right.html)
5.Challenges in Enforcement of DRR.
Implementing digital rights and responsibilities faces a multitude of challenges due to the unique characteristics of the digital environment and the ever-evolving nature of technology.
Here's a breakdown of the key challenges:
Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, civil society organizations, academics, and individuals to create a secure, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem.
Concluding Remarks
In essence, the global ecosystem of Digital Rights and Responsibilities is rapidly evolving, aiming to ensure that everyone can participate fully—safely, equitably, and ethically—in our interconnected world. Across continents, frameworks now strive to balance individual freedoms such as privacy, expression, and access with the collective need for security, inclusion, and accountability. While laws and policies, like Europe's Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, champion people-centric technology and harmonize traditional rights with digital realities, challenges persist—including bridging the digital divide, ensuring data protection, and enabling fair participation for all citizens.
Ultimately, fostering a thriving digital ecosystem hinges not just on upholding rights but also on cultivating responsibility among users, governments, and institutions to protect, respect, and advance human dignity online.
References and suggested Readings
1.What are Digital Rights and their Importance.https://www.iberdrola.com › innovation › what-are-digit...
2.Know Your Digital Rights and Responsibilities,https://learn.rumie.org/jR/bytes/what-are-my-digital-rights-and-responsibilities/
3.Digital jurisprudence in India, in an AI era,https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/digital-jurisprudence-in-india-in-an-ai-era/article68360073.ece
4.Jurisprudence shaping digital rights in South Asia,https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/jurisprudence-shaping-digital-rights-south-asia
5.New digital rights: Imagining additional fundamental rights for the digital era,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0267364921001096
6.Rights in the digital ageChallenges and ways forward,https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/rights-in-the-digital-age_deb707a8-en.html
Prof. Dr. M.K.Bhandari
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Jurist .Thinker,Mentor and law-Tech influencer.Talks about Data Protection,Blockchain,Metaverse ,Human Rights,IPR and governance challenges. Founder Director GALTER( Global Academy of Law -Tech Education and Research )
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2moThanks for sharing, Professor (Dr.) M.K.
Jurist .Thinker,Mentor and law-Tech influencer.Talks about Data Protection,Blockchain,Metaverse ,Human Rights,IPR and governance challenges. Founder Director GALTER( Global Academy of Law -Tech Education and Research )
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Jurist .Thinker,Mentor and law-Tech influencer.Talks about Data Protection,Blockchain,Metaverse ,Human Rights,IPR and governance challenges. Founder Director GALTER( Global Academy of Law -Tech Education and Research )
2moProf. Dr. Muthukumar Subramanian, PhD (Computer Engineering) Mia Zhow
Jurist .Thinker,Mentor and law-Tech influencer.Talks about Data Protection,Blockchain,Metaverse ,Human Rights,IPR and governance challenges. Founder Director GALTER( Global Academy of Law -Tech Education and Research )
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