Inclusion

Inclusion icon

Cultural and linguistic diversity on the internet must be promoted, and technical and policy innovation should be encouraged to facilitate plurality of expression. 

 

What does this look like in a democracy? 

The internet is designed and maintained in a way that promotes inclusion of  all peoples, such as women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. The content of the internet is created with a view towards promoting diversity and democratic participation. This includes linguistic diversity and adheres to accessibility standards, so that all individuals may communicate, share information, or create content online in the language of their choice. 

warning signs of an undemocratic internet: 

  • Official websites do not adhere to best practices or legal requirements for accessibility standards, preventing persons with  disabilities from interacting with or using a site. 
  • Governments publishing information online routinely exclude translations for non-primary language-speaking members of the population. 
  • Online space becomes closed to the participation of women and marginalized peoples. 

 

selected sources from international frameworks: