The OISTE.ORG Foundation is spearheading the development of a Declaration of Digital Human Rights,

The OISTE.ORG Foundation is spearheading the development of a Declaration of Digital Human Rights, designed to adapt fundamental human rights principles to the challenges of the digital era. Building on Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy, family, and correspondence, the Declaration addresses critical issues in the digital landscape. These include the unchecked collection and misuse of personal data, erosion of trust in online interactions, and the need for individuals to reclaim control over their digital identities.

The Declaration recognizes that the Internet, as currently designed, fails to respect these principles. Third parties routinely track web activity, profile individuals, and exploit personal data without meaningful consent. This threatens not only individual privacy but also the very future of the Internet, undermining trust and hampering online business growth. To counter these challenges, the OISTE.ORG Foundation’s Declaration includes two cornerstone rights: The Right to Disappear and The Right to Own and Control Your Digital Identity Under Your Own Consent.

Key Elements of the Declaration of Digital Human Rights

1. Right to Privacy in the Digital Age

• Extends Article 12’s guarantee of freedom from arbitrary interference to the digital realm.
• Protects individuals’ online interactions, data, and communications from unauthorized surveillance and data mining.

2. Right to Disappear

• Proclaims that the Internet must incorporate a “right to disappear” into its design.
• Empowers individuals to delete personal data, ensuring it does not linger in cyberspace if they no longer wish to share it.
• Promotes technologies and policies that allow individuals to manage and remove their digital footprint.

3. Right to Own and Control Your Digital Identity

• Recognizes every individual’s inalienable right to own and control their digital identity as an extension of their personhood.
• Ensures that consent is the foundation for any use, storage, or sharing of digital identities, allowing individuals to revoke consent at any time.
• Advocates for self-sovereign identity frameworks, enabling individuals to hold and manage their identity data without dependence on centralized entities.

4. Transparent and Ethical Data Usage

• Demands clear and enforceable regulations requiring organizations to disclose how personal data is collected, processed, and shared.
• Prohibits unauthorized profiling, surveillance, and manipulation of personal information.

5. Trust and Security

• Emphasizes rebuilding trust in digital ecosystems through strong cybersecurity measures and transparent data practices.
• Recognizes that trust is essential for sustaining online interactions and fostering economic growth.

6. Global Standards for Digital Rights

• Calls for unified, global regulations to reduce disparities between strict privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) and permissive frameworks in other regions.
• Opposes fragmented, geopolitically-driven approaches that undermine trust and consistency in digital environments.

7. Protection Against Exploitation

• Introduces strict penalties for unauthorized access, exploitation, or misuse of personal data and digital identities.
• Demands robust legal protections to safeguard digital identities from theft or abuse.

8. Empowerment Through Technology

• Encourages the development of user-friendly tools for managing, updating, and revoking access to personal data and digital identities.
• Supports education initiatives to empower individuals with the knowledge to protect and control their digital presence.

Call to Action

The OISTE.ORG Foundation invites individuals, institutions, and governments to join this initiative by endorsing the Declaration and supporting the “right to disappear” and the “right to own and control your digital identity.” These measures aim to balance technological innovation with the preservation of fundamental human rights, ensuring the Internet remains a secure, trustworthy, and human-centered space.

By championing these rights, the OISTE.ORG Foundation seeks to redefine the relationship between individuals and the digital world, fostering a future where technology serves humanity rather than exploiting it. This Declaration is a vital step toward a fair, equitable, and dignified digital ecosystem.