Celebrating International Human Rights Day (10 Dec 2024): Digital Rights for a More Inclusive Future

On December 10, SourceLess Labs Foundation joins a global effort to highlight the importance of human rights in every aspect of life, including the digital space. Technology continues to shape our interactions, privacy, and access, and the boundaries of what constitutes fundamental rights have, naturally, expanded as well.

In partnership with the International Organization of Human Rights (IOHR), we stand behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Digital Environment, working to ensure these principles guide the evolving digital landscape.

Given today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the need for protection of human rights online cannot be ignored anymore.

Freedom and Equality in the Digital World

Technology has revolutionized how we connect, learn, and work but it has also introduced complex challenges. From mass surveillance to the misuse of personal data, the digital world poses new threats to privacy, freedom of expression, and equitable access. As Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, cautioned: “The web we want is a web that serves humanity. Not everyone has that today.”

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Digital Environment is a set of fundamental rights that extend to the online world, ensuring individuals enjoy the same protections they would in the physical world. It aims to establish a clear framework for protecting human dignity and freedoms within the digital space. The Declaration emphasizes that rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, the right to privacy, and the protection of personal data must be upheld by all entities operating in the digital world.

Whether it’s through blockchain, AI, or other innovative solutions, we are dedicated to ensuring that individuals’ privacy, security, and freedom are safeguarded in the digital ecosystem.

SourceLess’s Partnership with IOHR

The IOHR, a global non-governmental organization, works tirelessly to promote and defend human rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By joining forces, SourceLess and IOHR aim to build awareness, advocate for policies that protect digital rights, and develop tools that empower individuals to control their digital lives.

Our partnership focuses on bridging technology and human rights, with SourceLess actively creating tools that uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Digital Environment.

The technologies we create — such as STR Domains, STR Talk (our decentralized communication platform), and ARES Ai (our intelligent assistant) — are built with privacy and user control at their core, ensuring that these fundamental rights are fully respected.

Key Aspects of Digital Human Rights

• Privacy and Data Protection

One of the central elements of digital human rights is the protection of personal data. With increasing digital surveillance and data exploitation, individuals must have control over their personal information. The right to privacy in the digital world must be respected, and individuals should be able to decide who can access their data, how it is used, and for what purposes.

• Freedom of Expression and Access to Information

In a democratic society, freedom of expression is a fundamental right that extends to the digital world. Everyone should have the right to freely share ideas, opinions, and content without fear of censorship or undue restrictions. Access to information is equally important, enabling individuals to stay informed and make educated decisions.

• Access to Technology and Digital Inclusion

Technology has the potential to level the playing field, but without proper access, it can also perpetuate inequalities. Digital human rights include the right to access technology and the internet without barriers, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

• Decentralized Communication and Ownership

Digital rights also encompass the ability to communicate securely and privately, free from centralized control. With tools like STR Talk and STR Domains, SourceLess is providing platforms that empower individuals to take ownership of their digital identity and engage in secure, decentralized communication.

Why This Matters

The need for clear digital rights is a practical and urgent matter. The internet continues to expand, and more critical aspects of life shift into the digital realm — we must ensure that it remains an open, equitable, and secure space for all individuals. People should be able to express themselves, interact with others, and control their digital presence, just as they do in the offline world.

At SourceLess, we understand that the future of technology is closely tied to the future of human rights. We build new products and expand our ecosystem in alignment with the values of privacy, freedom, and fairness.

Building a Better, More Inclusive Digital Future

As we continue to grow and innovate, SourceLess Labs Foundation will remain dedicated to advancing digital human rights, in partnership with organizations like IOHR, and through the responsible development of technologies that prioritize user control, security, and access. We encourage our community to stay informed about digital rights and participate in the ongoing conversation about building a digital future that is inclusive, secure, and equitable for all.

We extend our gratitude to the IOHR for their continued efforts in advocating for human rights globally, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that digital human rights are a reality for all.