History teaches us that power fills the vacuum left by absent rules. And with the Pax Americana apparently receding to the background, it is time to enshrine a digital bill of rights and protections compatible with modern human dignity; itself an outcrop of Europe’s enduring Christian heritage.

By no means is this draft document aiming to be conclusive, but it is rather an invitation to start the conversation from the perspective of an ordinary internet user. This invitation is purposely far-removed from any bureaucratic body which might not share the interests of its physical constituents online.

Digital Bill of Rights

Preamble

We hold these principles to be self-evident: that digital interaction is fundamental to modern existence; that human freedom, dignity, and cognitive liberty must prevail in the digital realm; that security and privacy are inherent rights; and that technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. In order to secure these rights and guarantee a space for human flourishing online, we do establish this Digital Bill of Rights.

Article I: Free Speech and Digital Expression

Parliament shall ensure no law, regulation or requirement by a Government entity abridges the freedom of expression, including digital expression, online. The right to communicate, share information, and engage in association via digital means shall be protected. Platforms and digital services shall establish clear, transparent, and consistently applied standards prohibiting illegal acts and unjust censorship of expression.

Article II: Digital Security and Privacy

The right of the people to digital security and privacy shall not be violated. No person, corporation, government or digital system shall seize, sell, search, or compel disclosure of personal data without the individual’s informed consent or a lawful warrant. Individuals shall have the right to data minimization, purpose limitation, and data portability where feasible.

Article III: Data Control and Non-Surveillance

Personal data, including biometric data, shall be protected from unauthorised access and surveillance. No entity shall require the collection, holding, or use of biometric data (or any other sensitive personal data) as a condition of access to a service, application, or website. No database containing identifying personal data shall be created or retained without express authorisation. No device or digital system shall conduct secret surveillance upon any person. Individuals have the right to inspect software source code to verify security and privacy.

Article IV: Net Neutrality and Open Access

The internet shall be an open and neutral platform for communication and innovation. No entity shall discriminate against or throttle specific content, applications, or communications. Access must be affordable and not contingent on surrendering fundamental rights, arbitrary identification or biometric data. (The Right to Use Digital Financial Systems – e.g., crypto wallets for peer-to-peer transactions – is hereby affirmed).

Article V: Algorithmic Accountability and Fairness

No artificial intelligence or automated system shall render judgement upon any individual in critical domains (e.g., creditworthiness, employment, housing) without providing an explanation for the decision and a meaningful human override or review process. Algorithms shall not engage in discrimination based on identity, belief, or lawful expression. Individuals shall have the right to opt-out of algorithm-driven decisions. Algorithms used for essential services shall be transparent and auditable, with a preference for open source where possible.

Article VI: Protection from Data Exploitation and Manipulation

Individuals shall have the right to opt-out of data brokerages and the sale of their personal data to third parties for non-essential purposes. No person or entity shall employ artificial intelligence or other digital mechanisms to manipulate attention, induce addiction, or engage in deceptive practices without accountability. Individuals shall have the right to fair compensation or deletion if their likeness or expression is used commercially without consent.

Article VII: Right to be Forgotten

Individuals shall have the right to request the deletion of their personal data or links to their identity from online platforms and search results under specific circumstances, such as when the information is inaccurate, illegal, or no longer relevant. Platforms shall have clear procedures for handling such requests. Every person has the right to seek legal redress for digital rights violations.

Article VIII: Right to Digital Literacy

Governments and digital service providers shall promote digital literacy and education, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world critically, understand algorithms, protect their privacy, and assert their digital rights.

Article IX: Right to Cognitive Liberty and Attention

The liberty of attention and mental focus being essential to human autonomy, every person shall retain the right to govern their own digital engagement. Platforms shall minimize manipulative design patterns like dark patterns, autoplay, and infinite scroll. Individuals shall have the right to disable such features.

Article X: General Right of Action

The people shall have the right to seek redress, through civil or legal means, against any corporation, platform, or government that infringes upon these digital rights. Mechanisms for enforcement and accountability shall be established.

Summary of Rights

1. Free Expression: Protecting the right to communicate and share information digitally without unjust censorship or government abridgment.
2. Digital Security & Privacy: Ensuring digital privacy and security, prohibiting unauthorized access, data collection without consent, and the sale of personal data. It explicitly forbids databases of identifying data without authorization and prohibits secret surveillance.
3. Data Control & Minimization: Giving individuals control over their personal data (including biometric data), prohibiting it from being a condition for access, and promoting data minimization and portability.
4. Net Neutrality & Open Access: Guaranteeing an open, neutral internet free from throttling or discrimination, and affirming the right to use decentralized financial systems.
5. Algorithmic Accountability: Requiring transparency and human oversight for automated decision-making, prohibiting algorithmic discrimination, and ensuring individuals can opt-out.
6. Protection from Exploitation: Empowering individuals to opt-out of data brokerages and commercial use of their likeness or expression without consent, and prohibiting manipulative design practices.
7. Right to be Forgotten: Allowing individuals to request deletion of personal data or inoperative links under specific circumstances.
8. Digital Literacy: Mandating education and empowerment through digital literacy to help individuals understand and protect their rights.
9. Cognitive Liberty & Attention: Protecting the right to govern one’s own digital experience, minimizing manipulative design features, and ensuring mental autonomy.
10. Right of Action: Guaranteeing the legal right to seek redress and enforce accountability for violations of these digital rights.