IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024: building a people-centered Internet.
The IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024, recently launched by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), reflects the evolving role of libraries and the Internet in the digital landscape over the past decade.
Theme of IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024: Building Better Digital Access with Libraries
IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024 is the third edition of a Internet Manifesto by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), outlining key principles for building a people-centered Internet.
The manifesto emphasizes the importance of connectivity in transforming information into knowledge and highlights the critical role of libraries in providing access to reliable information, especially for marginalized communities.
It aims to ensure that libraries’ voices remain influential in international Internet governance discussions and outlines recommendations for various stakeholders to support a more inclusive, rights-based information society.
For libraries, this manifesto is particularly relevant as it addresses contemporary issues such as the digital divide, regulation of artificial intelligence, and the importance of cultural institutions in achieving broader policy goals.
By advocating these points, the manifesto aims to enhance the role of libraries in promoting informed and engaged communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more literate and critically thinking society.
IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024 key points:
- People-Centered Internet:
- Advocates for universal connectivity that protects rights and realizes potential.
- Libraries are vital for digital inclusion, enhancing access to information, and acting as democratic spaces.
- Meaningful Connectivity:
- Internet access should enable freedom, empowerment, and development.
- Importance of adequate speeds, devices, affordability, and reliability.
- Essential Skills:
- Effective Internet use requires a range of skills from basic literacy to advanced technical and critical skills.
- Continuous skill development is necessary.
- Access to Information:
- Everyone must be able to find, access, engage with, and apply online information.
- Emphasizes the spread of open access as a key pillar of the Knowledge Commons.
- Safety and Security:
- Right to safety and security online.
- Protection of personal data and prevention of cyber threats and misleading content.
- Inclusion and Respect:
- Digital environment participation regardless of location, beliefs, or socio-economic status.
- Special care for vulnerable groups and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems.
- Engagement:
- The Internet as a tool for communication and exchange.
- Need for engagement in Internet governance.
- Challenges:
- Fragmentation due to uncoordinated national laws and policies.
- Inequitable access leading to digital exclusion.
- Protection of human rights and prevention of purely commercial interests dominating the Internet.
- Regulation Principles:
- Coordinated, comprehensive, people-centered, reasonable, democratic, and supportive of community initiatives and digital public goods.
- Investment Principles:
- Equitable, locally relevant, comprehensive, supportive of digital public infrastructures, and evaluated for effectiveness.
- Digital Cooperation:
- Collaboration between governments and libraries for digital strategies.
- Libraries as connectivity points and hubs for digital literacy and e-government access.
- AI and Digital Economy:
- Addressing AI’s potential and risks.
- Libraries as centers for digital economy development and integration of lower-income economies.
- Partnerships:
- Libraries working with other stakeholders to achieve a people-centered Internet.
The manifesto underscores the importance of libraries in the digital age and their role in promoting a fair, inclusive, and rights-respecting Internet.
Source: IFLA Internet Manifesto 2024.
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