The Use of the Internet and Social Networks as a Vulnerability of a Democratic System (I)

Prof. Elżbieta KUŻELEWSKA University of Bialystok - Poland

Visiting Professor within the project “Dipartimento di Eccellenza”

25 March 2025 - Tuesday h.15-18 | Aula 11 | Department of Law

The right to use and not to use the Internet: Terminology conceptualization (3 hours) Seminario permanente - Diritto, innovazione tecnologica e vulnerabilità -

In recent years, as internet usage has rapidly expanded, it has gradually shifted from being merely an option to becoming a de facto necessity for those seeking to exercise their rights or fulfill their responsibilities. These changes raise the question of whether, and to what extent, individuals can be compelled to use the internet and whether such a requirement aligns with democratic principles and other fundamental standards.

26 March 2025 - Wednesday h.15-18 | Aula Viola 2 | Polo Pantaleoni

Non-use of the Internet as human rights activator? Legal acts and case-law studies (3 hours) Seminario tematico

This section is dedicated to outlining the background and presenting the reasons for not using the internet, as well as the arguments against its non-use. A discussion is necessary on the possibility of protecting individuals from the obligation to use the internet based on human rights law—whether as a new, separate right or through the interpretation of existing rights.

27 March 2025 – Thursday h.15-18 | Aula 9 | Department of Law

How to protect unaware from the digital web: vulnerable and children’s right not to use the internet (3 hours) Seminario tematico

The information revolution, along with the rapid development of technology, has led to significant social changes. Today, nearly every aspect of our lives is, to some extent, dependent on access to the key element of this revolution—the Internet. Many countries have begun integrating it into their legal frameworks. This raises the question of whether the right to Internet access should be explicitly incorporated into a country's constitutional order and what measures are being adopted for groups with special needs to ensure the right to remain offline.

Faculty Advisor Prof.ssa Angela Cossiri

This initiative is conducted in synergy with the project "The New Challenges to Democracy in the Digital Ecosystem" funded under the University of Macerata's call “Costellazioni Collaborative di Ricerca