Constitutional Rights, Human Rights and Information and Communication Technologies in Ecuador

Abstract

The study analyses constitutional rights, human rights and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Ecuador. The challenges of equitable access to technologies and the protection of human rights in the digital environment are key to economic and social growth in the country. The study addresses the Ecuadorian legal framework - Constitution of 2008 - recognising internet access as a human right and establishes principles and norms to guarantee this right. It considers international treaties and conventions, such as the United Nations (UN) human rights declarations, which have an impact on the promotion and protection of rights in the digital sphere. The research was of the documentary type with a qualitative approach. The results showed that legislation is lagging behind in comparison to technological progress, deficient access, coverage and technological illiteracy that violates constitutional rights in Ecuador. It is concluded that there is a disparity between human rights legislation on digital vulnerability and the asymmetric advance of ICTs, and suggests the need for public policies that promote the democratisation of technological access, protection of online rights and digital technologies.