Internet between public utility, inequalities and opportunities.

Prof. Avv. Alessandro del Ninno has been invited by Fondazione Feltrinelli to discuss the Internet access right in the perspective of human rights. In recent years, the right to internet has been increasingly recognized as a fundamental one, both in national legislation and at the European Level. Parallely, for Italy the increasing demand for digitalisation from civil society, companies and institutions, has found a partial response in the Italian NPRR, inserting therefore in the activities prevised in the Next Generation EU.

As the internet represents a public good, then the possibility to have internet access can constitute a form of divide. This “digital divide” could then affect the cultural and social opportunities available for people and territories. Consequently, it is necessary to look at the management of the internet, at its governance and at its availability. Other than a boost in productive capacity, the digital transition should increase people's welfare and foster the development opportunities of territories. Then, how to manage this transition in an inclusive and participatory manner? How could the internet be a driver of democratic development?

“In and out. Internet between public utility, inequalities and opportunities” is a research and stakeholder engagement path that aims at studying the role that the internet assumes in the development of territories and in ensuring opportunities for citizens. Its scope is to look at the concrete experiences and practices in which the internet works as a driver for enhancement. Also, the internet is framed as an asset that responds to the individual and collective needs. The four meetings aim to involve representatives from institutions, local governments, academia, associations and the private sector to highlight the impacts of the digital transition process but, also, to help the conceptual setting of the minimum conditions for making the internet and the network an asset for citizens and businesses. How could the net be designed to serve citizens? What does it mean to be off the net? What is the role of the public actor in ensuring network accessibility? How should the private actor integrate the needs and welfare of citizens and territories into its business strategies? Workshop Schedule Link: Official web site - Fondazione Feltrinelli