"Advances in information technology benefit human rights movements by enabling rapid transmission of information to monitor and respond to human rights violations." (Jamie F. Metzl, Human Rights Quarterly, vol 18, n4, p705)

The internet is gaining a significant role in aiding in the understanding of human rights and other important global issues. Throughout time, people have sought out newer, faster, and more modern ways of transmitting information across nations. The internet is now the best way to do so. Using the internet, human rights organizations are able to have the world view their cause with just the click of a mouse.

"The fact is that popular organizations can use the [internet] and are using it as a powerful instrument for democratization of information and exchange of common plans, policies and strategies."(Barbara Belejack, NACLA Report on the Americas, vol 30, n3, p14)

As people all over the world log on to the internet, they are informed about everything from new movie releases to virtual flowers. And while they are surfing the net, they can also receive information on human rights issues, causes, and movements. With such an open forum on human rights, some countries are worried. The internet could be used to communicate human rights violations that would reflect badly on that country. In Asia, for instance, the internet is just barely spreading its wings, but already, those in power are anxious because "technology has dramatically increased the flow of information in a region where many governments try to control what their citizens say and read" (President and Fellows of Harvard University). The internet provides a new avenue of communication that was not previously available to many. As more people access the internet, more information gets out, and it is passed to millions each day. For human rights causes, this is a wonderful wave of the future.

"Persecuted and imprisoned scholars are being aided by human-rights groups' innovative use of the Internet. Information technologies are an excellent means of organizing people globally and distributing petitions on behalf of scientists and scholars."(Kim A. McDonald, The Chronicle of Higher Education, vol 42, n30, pA21)

The faster information is transmitted, and faster people become aware of human rights violations and causes all across the world. The faster they learn, the faster they will react, and then, they will act.

In some countries, the internet poses a dangerous threat to existing authorities who do not wish for people to know about certain atrocities that have and are taking place. Before use of the internet became commonplace, human rights activists were already spreading news through less advanced means of communication. For instance, during the riots at Tianneman Square , "student protesters in 1989 were helped by fax messages from abroad". Those fighting for their human rights were able to communicate with others outside of their borders before the internet became one of the most widely used forms of communication ever. Surely, had those protesters had access to the internet, they would have been able to let the world know of their struggle even sooner. With increasing use of the internet, the Singapore government is afraid that this combination of

"technology and planning in its knowledge that the technology will empower individuals, bring in unwanted ideas and values, and, in the eyes of government officials, thereby threaten long-term stability. " (Gerald Segal)

The government fears that its people will gain more power than they have ever known through the internet, thereby changing their old ways of thinking. This is a frightening trend to governments who find that they are losing control as their people find freedom on the web. They are also afraid that

"as Asians catch up to the Altantic world's levels of application of new technology, they will be affected by many of the same social, economic, and political forces that have been at work in Europe and North America." (Gerald Segal)

If people decide that they like the way a different government works, it could cause a drastic change in the way their own society functions. This is not a pleasant thought to entertain. Imagine, a revolution started on the internet. It is understandable how some people can be threatened by the thought of rapid information technology.

"As technology rapidly improves, it is not likely governments will be able to maintain or acquire much control over such a powerful and far reaching source of information." (Mark Ward, New Scientist, vol 151, n2047, p12)

The internet has become the world's library. It is accessible to almost everyone all over the world, and its use is increasing day by day. For human rights organizations, the internet provides a bridge to parts of the world that cannot be reached by telephone or fax. It works to close the gap between peoples of every country so that we all may be closer. Even though technology can be frightening, it can also be a blessing.