Keynote speaker 1: Intellectual freedom, the internet and democracy

The concept of intellectual freedom is frequently treated as if it were universally accepted and not open to question. This is not the case and challenges to intellectual freedom emerge from many cultures, and worldwide it may be disregarded more than it is respected. However, international declarations and conventions, the constitutions and laws of many countries, and the missions of various non-governmental organisations are based on respect for the principle of intellectual freedom. This dichotomy obliges us to look for ways of delivering the conditions for intellectual freedom in the face of challenges and indifference. The Internet is arguably the biggest single mechanism for delivering intellectual freedom through its provision of information in ever-increasing volumes. This is despite fears about the accuracy and honesty of Web content and concerns about negative aspects of social media. It will be argued that creating conditions for intellectual freedom and ensuring the maximisation of access to the Internet go hand in hand. Some significant examples of projects to expand Internet access in developing countries will be discussed as illustrations of the global struggle to bring information, and with it empowerment to think freely and independently, to all wherever and however they live.