This research shows that there is a lack of access to Internet and infrastructure by Indigenous Peoples of Alaska, New Mexico and Hawai’i and proves that the Internet is a digital Terra Nullius where colonizers have systemically obstructed access and denied equitable representation to Sovereign nations of: Alaska, New Mexico and the Indigenous Peoples of Hawaii.
In 2016, colonizers ignored the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) non-binding resolution, that condemned intentional disruption of internet access by governments. The UNHRC also reaffirmed that peoples’ rights should be protected both offline and online which were subsequently ignored by colonizers. These penalties have resulted in a modern-day colonial repression that deprives Indigenous Peoples of Alaska, New Mexico, and Hawaii of social, cultural and economic advancements in the digital terra nullius.
For example, despite the possible cultural, social and economic benefits to all three Indigenous groups, they are statistically more likely to not have access to the Internet compared to non-indigenous peoples.
Lack of access to the Internet is described as a digital divide. Some academics do not believe in the digital divide and suggest that it will no longer be an issue when incomes are raised. This research will disprove that theory and show the issues lay with infrastructure and access to rural predominately Indigenous communities.
While poorer communities wait for incomes to rise, the gap between have and have-nots will widen, as will the digital divide.
It is useful to note that the United States of America is the second largest online market worldwide with over 290 million internet users in 2016 totaling 74.5 percent of the U.S. population with Internet access. The average American consumer paid between $34.99 and $69.99 per month for internet access, while consumers living in rural areas and reservations, will likely be paying a higher rate.
The complete report is available here
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