Digital rights: protection and evolution in the digital world

More than 65% of the global population is connected to the internet. That means billions of people browse, share, learn, work, and interact online every day. What many might not realise, however, is that we also have rights in this digital environment.

Talking about digital rights means addressing very specific issues: the right to prevent others from using your information without permission, to express your opinion freely on social media without facing censorship, or to access the internet without barriers—regardless of your age, gender, or financial situation. It also means advocating for those most at risk: minors, people who don’t fully understand how technology works, or individuals who lack equal access to digital tools.

Because the digital world can be a great opportunity… or a major risk if it isn’t properly regulated and protected. If you’re interested in exploring these topics further, we recommend taking a look at the content and programmes offered by Planeta Formación y Universidades, where educational innovation and digital transformation go hand in hand.

What are digital rights?

Digital rights are the set of rules that protect individuals when they use the internet. They ensure that everything we do online—searching for information, sharing ideas, signing up for a service, or posting a photo—is backed by standards that safeguard key principles such as privacy, freedom of expression, and access to the internet.

These rights didn’t appear overnight. As the internet became part of daily life, it became clear that traditional laws weren’t sufficient. They needed to be adapted to this new reality. Many digital rights are therefore updated versions of existing rights, now applied specifically to the use of technology.

Main digital rights

Right to privacy and protection of personal data

This right ensures that personal information is safeguarded. In other words, the data someone shares when using an app, registering on a website, or making an online purchase can’t be used without consent. Laws require companies and public institutions to inform users about the data they collect, how it is used, and how long it is stored. People also have the right to request that this data be deleted, corrected, or no longer processed.

Right to freedom of expression and online communication

The internet is one of the largest platforms for sharing ideas. This right protects everyone’s ability to express opinions, engage in debate, and share information online without being unfairly censored. This doesn’t mean that anything goes—there are limits when it comes to offensive or harmful content—but it does mean no one should be silenced simply for thinking differently. It also defends journalists, activists, and creators who use the internet to report on events in their communities or countries.

Right to universal access to the internet

Today, having access to the internet is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. This right upholds the idea that everyone should be able to connect, no matter where they live, how much they earn, or how old they are. But access isn’t just about having signal; it must be stable, affordable, and meaningful. It’s essential for studying, working, researching, or simply taking part in social life. Guaranteeing this access is a direct way to reduce inequality.

Right to anonymity and right to be forgotten

Anonymity allows people to navigate the internet without revealing their real identity, which can be crucial in many situations—for whistleblowers, vulnerable groups, or anyone who simply wants to protect their privacy. It’s not about hiding, but about staying safe.

The right to be forgotten allows individuals to request the removal of certain search engine results linked to their name if the content is outdated, irrelevant, or damaging. Both rights help people maintain control over their digital identity and how they appear online.

Protection against digital discrimination

Discrimination can also occur in the digital sphere. For example, when an algorithm favours certain profiles over others, or when people are unable to access online services due to lack of knowledge or resources. This right ensures no one is excluded based on age, gender, disability, background, or economic status. It also applies to the design of digital platforms, which must be accessible and user-friendly for all.

Protection of vulnerable groups in the digital environment

Protection of minors

Digital environments offer many opportunities for learning and creativity, but they also come with specific risks for minors. Early exposure to social media, online gaming with open chat functions, or age-inappropriate content can have serious consequences.

In Spain, the Law on the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments proposes raising the minimum age for creating accounts on social media platforms, enforcing mandatory parental controls, and strengthening oversight of how artificial intelligence is used to generate manipulated sexual content involving minors.

The law also introduces the possibility of digital restraining orders—which means someone who harasses a minor online may not only be required to stay away physically, but also digitally: they cannot send messages, follow them on social media, or contact them through any online channel.

Cybersecurity and actions against violations

Importance of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is like the immune system of the digital world. It protects us from attacks that can steal data, disrupt services, spy on communications, or impersonate individuals. These aren’t just large-scale international threats. Everyday users also face risks like phishing emails, unauthorised access to accounts, password theft, or malware hidden in suspicious links.

These incidents can affect individuals, companies, or public institutions alike. A security breach can lead to serious consequences: the loss of sensitive information, the shutdown of hospital services, leaked medical records, or significant financial damage.

Measures and actions against violations of digital rights

When a digital breach occurs, clear protocols help contain the damage. The first step is to identify the scope of the incident: what data was exposed, how many people are affected, and what caused the issue. It’s then crucial to notify the relevant authorities—such as the Spanish Data Protection Agency—and inform those impacted.

Beyond reactive measures, there are also preventive tools: data encryption, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular backups, and routine audits. In more severe cases, legal action can be taken to hold those responsible accountable for negligence or malicious intent.

Emerging technologies and their impact on digital rights

Artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies

Artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies are opening up new possibilities in the digital world—but they also raise major questions about how to protect human rights. There are already devices that can read brain signals, interpret emotions, or alter mental processes to treat neurological disorders. These applications prompt a crucial debate: how do we protect the human mind when it can also be turned into data?

Some countries and international bodies have begun to define what are being called neuro-rights. These proposals aim to protect personal identity, mental privacy, and freedom of thought in a world where technology can access and influence our neural activity. One of the most widely accepted principles is that brain data should be treated as sensitively as DNA or fingerprints.

The impact of new technologies on digital rights

Technological advancement is directly reshaping how we understand and exercise digital rights. Platforms that recommend content, algorithms that moderate what’s published, tools that generate artificial texts, voices, or faces…

But AI tools can also make decisions that reinforce existing inequalities—such as filtering job applications in a biased way or prioritising content based on stereotypes. To counter this, legal frameworks are being developed to ensure algorithmic transparency, mandate human oversight, and apply ethical standards from the design stage.

Additionally, technologies like deepfakes have introduced new forms of digital abuse, particularly in identity theft or the creation of manipulated content. Many of these uses directly impact people’s dignity, image, and reputation.

Conclusion

Digital rights are part of our daily lives—even if we don’t always notice them. They’re there when you protect a photo, block an offensive comment, or delete an account. They are concrete tools for living freely, respectfully, and safely online. But for them to work, we need to understand them, demand them, and adapt them to the ever-changing tech landscape. That’s where education and training become essential. Institutions like Planeta Formación y Universidades can help you understand how all this works, why it matters, and how to respond to the digital challenges we face today. Because the more you learn, the easier it is to participate, make informed choices, and defend your rights—even online.