Although internet access is seen more and more a human rights issue, the current initiatives that promote connectivity such as the Global Connect Initiative do not sufficiently take into account rights, according to the article.

Access Now gives recommendations on how connectivity initiatives could promote human rights more strongly: First, the projects should include a “Human Rights Impact Assessment” that estimates and reassesses their impacts on rights; Second, programs that do not support Net Neutrality, including “zero rating” initiatives, should be discouraged; Third, it’s important to maintain connection, and that connectivity initiatives commit to pushing back against internet shutdowns, which have become regrettably common.

WAN-IFRA’s Global Media Policy Forum will discuss Free Basics and zero rating initiatives, and their impact on news media, in 13 June in Cartagena, Colombia – read more here