National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice Arun Mishra on Sunday, while calling internet a useful tool, which helped people in their day-to-day lives, said that if maliciously used, Internet could fuel divisions between different communities and undermine human rights.
Speaking during an event organised by NHRC at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi to mark the Human Rights Day, Justice Mishra said India has always been rich and diverse in culture.
Calling Dharma as the source of law and justice, Justice Mishra said non-violence has been the virtue of its citizens for centuries.
Noting that new digital technologies have transformed the way people live and helped drive the progress of all sustainable goals, he said, technology, however, had a flip side.
It could infringe upon the privacy of an individual through the spread of hate speech and misinformation, thus undermining the democratic process, he said.
The NHRC chairperson expressed his grave concern on the ethical ramifications of advancing technologies, stating that the challenges of modern technologies weave through the fabric of contemporary society.
He further pointed towards violence against women and children in the online space, stating that one needs to exercise extreme caution while dealing with technology.
Speaking about terrorism, Justice Mishra said that it caused grave violation of human rights of citizens across the world. He said condoning or sympathising with terror acts and terrorists was a great ‘disservice’ to the cause of human rights.
The rights body Chairperson sought steps to control the spread of spurious drugs and adulterated medicines in the market, while stressing on the need to make workplace safe for women.
He further sought steps to ensure that transgender persons and people with mental illnesses lead a dignified life.
The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, among others.
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