In Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala, the Kerala High Court declared the right to Internet access as a fundamental right forming a part of the right to privacy and the right to education under Article 21 of the Constitution

This judgment acknowledges the role of the right to access Internet in accessing other fundamental rights

Digital literacy-

• Digital literacy refers to the wide range of skills, which are necessary to emerge successful and adapt to the digital world.
• Skill set which is essential for access and gaining information.

Factors leading to digital inequality-

1. In recent times, several government and private sector services have become digital. Some of them are only available online
2. Social and economic backwardness is exacerbated due to information poverty, lack of infrastructure, and lack of digital literacy
3. In mid-2016, digital literacy in India was less than 10%
4. In the absence of Internet access and digital literacy enabling that access, there will be further exclusion of large parts of the population

Importance of digital literacy-

• We are moving to a global economy where knowledge of digital processes will transform the way in which people work, collaborate, consume information, and entertain themselves.
• Offering services online has cost and efficiency benefits for the government and also allows citizens to bypass lower-level government bureaucracy.
• Digital literacy allows people to access information and services, collaborate, and navigate socio-cultural networks.
• Recognizing the right to internet access and digital literacy will also make it easier to demand accountability from the state, as well as encourage the legislature and the executive to take a more proactive role in furthering this right.

Measures taken by Government

• The Bharat Net programme, aiming to have an optical fibre network in all gram panchayats, is to act as the infrastructural backbone for having Internet access all across the country.
• The Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Scheme has been formulated to impart IT training.

Criticism

• Moving governance and service delivery online without the requisite progress in Internet access and digital literacy also does not make economic sense
• Ex: Common Service Centres, which operate in rural and remote locations, are physical facilities which help in delivering digital government services and informing communities about government initiatives. a large chunk of citizens cannot access these services since lack of resources.
• The Bharat Net project has consistently missed all its deadlines while the costs involved have doubled. the National Digital Literacy Mission has barely touched 1.67% of the population and has been struggling for funds.

Way forward

• Internet access and digital literacy are dependent on each other, and creation of digital infrastructure must go hand in hand with the creation of digital skills.
• It is important to recognise the right to Internet access and digital literacy to alleviate this situation, and allow citizens increased access to information, services, and the creation of better livelihood opportunities.