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International Internet Day - Date, History and Importance

 
Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. March 21, 2023
International Internet Day - Date, History and Importance

International Internet Day, also known as World Internet Day, is a celebration of the power and influence of the Internet on our daily lives. From its humble beginnings as a way for scientists and researchers to share information, the Internet has evolved into a vast, interconnected network that touches nearly every aspect of modern society. On this special day, people around the world come together to reflect on the Internet's many achievements, as well as its current challenges and opportunities.

In this article from oneHOWTO, we take a closer look at the history of International Internet Day, when it is celebrated, and its significance. Whether you are a casual user or a tech expert, there's something for everyone on International Internet Day.

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Contents

  1. When is International Internet Day?
  2. History of International Internet Day
  3. Why is International Internet Day celebrated?
  4. The Right of Internet access

When is International Internet Day?

World Internet Day is celebrated every year on October 29. This day is also known as International Internet Day.

It is important to note that there is a common misconception that World Internet Day is celebrated on May 17th. However, May 17 is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. This day aims to raise awareness of the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in accelerating socioeconomic development and bridging the digital divide.

Although May 17 is associated with the same general theme of ICT and digital technologies, it is a different event from World Internet Day. World Internet Day is specifically designed to celebrate the transformative power of the Internet and raise awareness of its many benefits and challenges.

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International Internet Day - Date, History and Importance - When is International Internet Day?

History of International Internet Day

International Internet Day has its roots in the early days of the Internet. The first message ever sent over the Internet was sent on October 29, 1969, between two computers at the College of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). This message marked the beginning of what would eventually become the modern Internet.

In 2005, the United Nations recognized the importance of the Internet as a tool for economic and social development and declared October 29 International Internet Day. Since then, this day has been celebrated annually to raise awareness of the many benefits of the Internet and to promote universal access to this transformative technology.

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Why is International Internet Day celebrated?

International Internet Day is celebrated to recognize and promote the transformative power of the Internet in our daily lives. The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, learn, work, and interact with the world around us. It has brought people together across geographic and cultural boundaries, enabled the sharing of information and knowledge, and created new opportunities for economic growth and social development.

International Internet Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the current challenges and opportunities of the Internet. While the Internet has brought many benefits, it has also created new forms of inequality and raised concerns about privacy, security, and the spread of misinformation.

International Internet Day allows people around the world to come together to raise awareness of these issues and work for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future. Each year, International Internet Day is marked by events and initiatives around the world, including workshops, seminars, and online campaigns.

This day also serves as a reminder of the need to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the Internet and its many benefits.

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The Right of Internet access

The right to Internet access is a concept that recognizes that access to the Internet is a fundamental human right. It refers to the principle that every individual should have the right to use the Internet without any restrictions or limitations.

The right to access the Internet has become increasingly important in today's digital age, as the Internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, education, work, and access to information. The right to Internet access is closely related to the broader concept of digital rights, which encompasses a range of human rights related to the digital sphere, such as the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.

While the right to Internet access is not currently recognized as a universal human right, it is considered a legal right in some countries, including Estonia, Finland, and France. The United Nations has also recognized the importance of Internet access to achieving sustainable development, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 9, which aims to "build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation." 1

Overall, the right to Internet access is an influential concept that recognizes the importance of access to the Internet as a fundamental human right and the need for universal access to this transformative technology.

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References
  1. United Nations Statistics Division. (2016). Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure. Sustainable Development Goals Report 2016. https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2016/goal-09/.

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International Internet Day - Date, History and Importance