Introduction

This introductory chapter sets the scene regarding the current debates on the prospects of a fundamental/human rights approach to safeguard non-use of the Internet. These debates have recently soared due to the increasing reliance on the Internet in different spheres of life, both by public and private actors. Individuals are often nudged or coerced to use the Internet, which stands in stark contrast to conscious choices not to use it or the inability of some to use the technology. The chapter presents the structure of the edited volume, which consists of two parts. A first part probes the conceptualisation of the prospective fundamental/human right not to use the Internet, its rationale, role and functioning; a second part examines the (legal) consequences of such a right, from various national perspectives, in different contexts and for different vulnerable groups.