Digital Rights Now a Fundamental Right! | Supreme Court's Historic Verdict Explained | Sanskriti IAS

Summary

This video discusses the inclusion of digital rights as a fundamental right in India, emphasizing its importance in today’s digital age. It highlights the Supreme Court's recognition of digital rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring every citizen’s access to digital services. The video touches on issues like the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing digital services and the necessity for equal opportunities in a rapidly digitizing world. It stresses the government's responsibility to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to technology for all, ensuring dignity and participation in public life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Digital rights have been included as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• 😀 The Supreme Court ruled that digital access is essential for everyone to lead a dignified life and participate fully in society.
• 😀 Digital access is necessary to bridge social and economic divides and provide equal opportunities to all, especially marginalized groups.
• 😀 The issue of digital rights gained prominence due to the case of acid attack survivors struggling with KYC procedures.
• 😀 The Supreme Court emphasized that KYC rules should be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal digital rights.
• 😀 India has the second-largest number of internet users globally, with over 95 crore internet subscribers, showing significant digital growth.
• 😀 While rural India has substantial internet access, many people still lack the skills or opportunities to fully benefit from digital services.
• 😀 The digital divide creates inequalities where some sections of society are unable to access or utilize technology effectively.
• 😀 The court recognized that technology does not discriminate, but social barriers and systemic issues prevent equal access for everyone.
• 😀 The government is responsible for addressing the digital divide as a constitutional necessity, ensuring that all citizens can participate in public life equally.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech?

The main topic of the speech is the recognition of digital rights as fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

How has the Supreme Court of India contributed to the recognition of digital rights?

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that digital access is a fundamental right under Article 21, ensuring that every individual has the right to digital access, which is essential for living a dignified life.

Why is digital access important in today's world?

Digital access is important because the world is becoming increasingly digital, and without access to digital resources, individuals may be left behind socially and economically.

What example is given to explain the challenges of digital access?

The example of acid attack survivors is given, where they faced difficulties completing the KYC process due to their physical disabilities, highlighting the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing digital services.

How did the Supreme Court address the issue of KYC challenges for disabled individuals?

The Supreme Court addressed this issue by recognizing the importance of making digital services inclusive and ordered changes to the KYC process to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

What is Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, and how is it related to digital rights?

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court has now interpreted that digital rights are part of this right, making digital access a fundamental right.

What role does the government play in ensuring digital rights for all citizens?

The government is responsible for ensuring that all citizens, especially those with disabilities, have equal access to digital services and opportunities, addressing the digital divide.

What statistics are shared regarding internet users in India?

India has over 95 crore internet subscribers, with about 39 crore of them living in rural areas. 95.15% of villages now have access to the internet, showing the growth of digital access in the country.

What is the 'digital divide' mentioned in the speech?

The 'digital divide' refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not, particularly affecting marginalized groups such as people with disabilities.

What is the speaker's final message regarding digital rights?

The speaker emphasizes that digital rights are now a part of the fundamental right to live a dignified life, and it is the responsibility of the government and society to ensure equal access to digital opportunities for all.