UN report declares Internet access is a 'human right'

I guess all the world’s real problems have been solved.

A United Nations report released Friday declares Internet access a human right. Presented to the General Assembly, the report by UN Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue states that, “the Internet has become a key means by which individuals can exercise their right to freedom and expression.”

The Internet has been open to all for less than 20 years, and is just now becoming mainstream in countries still struggling with more basic infrastructural needs like clean water; now it’s a fundamental human right?

Internet access is technology, a commodity and a stream of information and commerce. But by turning it into a “right,” the UN goes too far and turns access into an eventual  government mandate. If the Internet is a “right,” why isn’t the energy used to power and access the Internet also a “right?” Why isn’t cheaper gas a “right?” Why isn’t 4g cell phone access a “right?” Cell phones are arguably better safety devices than other tech that happens to access the Internet.

The UN, if it really believes that Internet access is a human right, should try enforcing it — on veto-wielding China, North Korea, Iran, etc etc etc.