Digital rights are like human rights, but in the world of the internet and digital technology. Due to the acceleration in the adoption of current technologies, it is harder and harder to guarantee protection of individual's rights, such as privacy.

It is not unusual to hear that thousands of e-mail access passwords have been stolen, that social media companies are selling personal details to other companies or that our communications are monitored and controlled.

In 2018, Barcelona created - alongside New York and Amsterdam - the alliance to protect the digital rights of individuals on a global scale: the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, born with the intention of proposing laws, tools and resources to protect both residents and visitors.

These cities have also signed a statement, which prioritises five principles:

1.     Equal and universal access to Internet and computer literacy

2.     Privacy, data protection and security

3.     Transparency, accountability and non-discrimination in data, content and algorithms

4.     Participatory democracy, diversity, and inclusion

5.     Open and ethical digital service standards

Each city involved in the coalition has put into practice measures to protect and promote the digital rights of their citizens and visitors. Barcelona has Decidim Barcelona, the Open Data Portal, the first Data Director and takes part in the European DECODE project, which allows city residents to control their personal details.

The City Council is also committed to working towards technology sovereignty and has launched a Manifesto for the defense of digital rights.