An international survey of Internet users has found that more than 80 per cent believe affordable access to the Internet should be a basic human right.

Some 23,326 Internet users from 24 different countries were surveyed on a range of issues including online security, surveillance and censorship.

The CIGI-Ipsos Global Survey on Internet Security and Trust found that 83 per cent of users believe affordable access to the Internet should be a basic human right. As well, 81 per cent of users said the Internet is important for their own economic future and livelihood.

Fen Hampson, director of CIGI's Global Security and Politics Program, said the results show that the public understands that the Internet has become a vital tool.

"Overwhelming global public support for the idea that access to the Internet should be a human right also shows just how important the Internet has come to freedom of expression, freedom of association, social communication, the generation of new knowledge, and economic opportunity and growth," Hampson said in a statement.

He added that the concept of the Internet as a human right is especially important, as two-thirds of the world's citizens do not yet have online access.

"Unless they are brought online, a world of Internet ‘have and have-nots’ will not only contribute to income inequality, but also stifle the world's full potential for prosperity and innovation," he said.

The survey also found the following:

  • 36 per cent believe private information on the Internet is very secure;
  • 61 per cent are concerned about their own government monitoring their online activity;
  • 62 per cent are concerned about foreign governments monitoring their online activity;
  • 74 per cent are concerned about companies monitoring their online activities and selling that information without their consent;
  • 57 per cent would trust a combined body including technology firms, engineers, non-governmental organizations and institutions, to play a vital role in running the Internet;
  • 47 per cent would trust their own government to play a vital role in running the Internet;
  • 64 per cent are concerned about governments censoring the Internet;
  • 77 per cent are concerned about hackers accessing their online accounts, and stealing personal information;
  • 72 per cent are concerned about important institutions in their country being cyber-attacked by a terrorist organization or foreign government.

Hampson said the survey also shows that fears about personal security have progressively moved into the digital realm.

"There is a gaping trust deficit in the Internet as people around the globe increasingly worry that their online identities and communications will be compromised or stolen by those who operate in the dark recesses of the Internet," he said.

He added that unless the public trust is restored in the Internet, it can never reach its full potential in promoting "human development and global prosperity."

Cyberattacks on key Canadian websites

The report comes on the heels of a series of cyberattacks on several key Canadian websites, including the Supreme Court, the Parliament of Canada, the Ottawa police and the Toronto Police Service.

A group of hackers claiming responsibility for the attacks said they were launched as payback for the arrest of an Ottawa teen at the centre of a "swatting investigation."

The hackers said the teen, who was arrested in May, has been falsely accused of "swatting," the practice of luring SWAT teams to fake emergencies.

The group claims to have documents that will help clear the teen's name. It also vowed to launch more cyberattacks.