A human rights guide for Internet users was...

A human rights guide for Internet users was approved by the 47-nation Council of Europe Thursday. User rights are generally contained in Internet companies’ lengthy contract terms, which few people read or fully understand, prompting the development of the guide (http://bit.ly/QqYztJ) to help users assert their rights online, the CoE said. The document focuses on the rights on which the Internet has the most impact, it said: (1) Access and non-discrimination. Generally, users shouldn’t be disconnected against their will except when ordered by a court. (2) Freedom of expression and information. Users have the right to express themselves online and to access others’ information and opinions, including those that may be offensive or shocking, while respecting other’s reputation and privacy. Governments must ensure that any restrictions on that right are based on legitimate goals such as protecting national security and that they comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. (3) Privacy and data protection. Personal data should be processed only with users’ consent or when it’s required by law. People should be told what personal data is processed or transferred to other parties, when, by whom, and for what purpose. Users should be able to check the accuracy of the data processed or request a deletion. Internet users shouldn’t be subjected to general surveillance or interception measures except in exceptional circumstances prescribed by law. (4) Education and literacy. Users should have online access to education. (5) Protection of children and young people. If they post content that compromises their dignity, security or privacy, or could be detrimental to them in the future, they should have the right to ask to have it deleted within a short time period. (6) Right to effective remedies for violations. Users should have accessible, affordable mechanisms for obtaining redress when their human rights are restricted or violated online.