Skip to Content

AOL Tech

rights posts

Web

Finland Moves to Guarantee Universal Internet Access



Just about every modern democratic state has certain pillars of individual rights upon which its social and political philosophy is founded: the right of free speech; the right to a fair trial; the right to... broadband access? In one Nordic country, that may soon be the case.

In another searing reminder that Finland is, in fact, cooler than the rest of us, the Finnish government has passed a law making broadband access an inalienable right for every citizen. The Huffington Post reported Wednesday that by July 2010, when the law is slated to take effect, all of Finland's 5.3 million inhabitants will be guaranteed the right to a 1 Mbps broadband connection, reportedly making it the first country to implement a law of this kind. The government had previously passed a law aiming to provide nationwide access to a 100 Mbps connection by 2015, so the latest legislation could be viewed as an intermediary step towards the long-term goal of faster, more efficient universal connectivity.

There is still some work to be done, though, if these lofty goals are to be met. According to the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, roughly 287 out of every 1,000 citizens have broadband access, and, as of yet, there has been no indication as to how exactly the government plans to cover the remaining 70-percent or so. If universal coverage is achieved, it would represent not only a huge technological and political milestone, but a gold standard to which the rest of the world should aspire. Even if it falls a little short, though, the mere fact that the Finnish government is debating such policies, while our own Congress still hasn't been able to figure out how to guarantee more basic human rights, is, in a word, humbling. [From: Huffington Post]

Computers

Facebook Outlines New Governing Principles, Asks for Feedback

Facebook Outlines New Principles, Asks for Feedback
After inciting an uproar with some rather draconian revisions to its terms of service (TOS), Facebook accepted defeat and retracted the new policies. (The controversial policies, which lasted all of a day or two, gave it ownership of all content posted on the site, including photos and personal information.)

Facebook or MySpace?



Now Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, has pledged via blog post to take users' suggestions and feedback for all future revisions to the site's TOS. The company has also published two documents: one outlines the rights and responsibilities of users and the site, while the other outlines the governing principles Facebook will use as a framework for future policy development.

Read more →

Switched Video

Follow Switched on Twitter

Deals of the Day

Latest Reviews from CNET.com

CNET provides the latest tech news, unbiased reviews, videos, podcasts, software, and downloads, making tech products easy to find, understand and use.

Top Product Reviews

  • Home Audio Reviews

    9.0 out of 10

    Definitive Technology BPX
    Works great with Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital. Full Review

    9.0 out of 10

    Denon AVR-4306 (black)
    Incredibly well-featured 7.1-channel receiver; excellent sound quality; three HDMI inputs; converts analog video to HDMI output; upconverts analog video to 720p/1080i HD resolution; iPod and USB MP3 player connectivity; Internet radio and MP3/WMA streaming audio via built-in Ethernet port; XM Satellite Radio compatible; touch-screen remote; multizone, multisource operation; browser-based control via home network; accurate autocalibration routine. Full Review

    8.8 out of 10

    KEF KHT3005 (black)
    The KEF KHT-3005 is one compact, beautifully designed speaker package with solid aluminum satellites that feature unique driver technology to produce incredible clarity. Meanwhile, the equally astounding dual 10-inch, 250-watt powered subwoofer delivers ultradeep bass. Full Review

  • Cell Phone Reviews

    8.7 out of 10

    SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier Kit
    The Mobile Professional Amplifier delivers a powerful signal boost to your cell phone. Also, it offers a compact design and easy setup. Full Review

    8.6 out of 10

    Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL cell phone signal extender
    The Wi-Ex zBoost YX510-PCS-CEL significantly boosts your cell phone reception and is easy to operate. Also, it uses a wireless connection to your phone. Full Review

    8.6 out of 10

    Turbo Charge Tc2 portable cell phone charger
    The Turbo Charge Tc2 portable cell phone charger successfully delivers emergency power to your cell phone. It's easy to use and comes with a couple of surprising features. Full Review

  • Digital Camera Reviews

    9.3 out of 10

    Canon EOS 1D Mark III
    Extremely fast, 10-megapixel continuous shooting; very low noise; highly customizable; well-designed body with weather sealing; 3-inch LCD; abundant optional accessories. Full Review

    9.3 out of 10

    Nikon D3 (body only)
    Full-frame sensor; well designed, pro-level weather-sealed body; very low noise, even at extremely high ISOs; fast. Full Review

    9.0 out of 10

    Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
    Very low noise, high quality images; 21.1 megapixels; live view shooting; pro-level build-quality and performance. Full Review

  • Desktop Reviews

    8.5 out of 10

    Apple iMac (24-inch, 2.8GHz)
    A minor specification update results in some significant performance gains; graphics upgrade an option on this 24-inch model; sleek, polished design didn't receive an update, but we won't start clamoring for a new design until the current one is at least 12 months old. Full Review

    8.4 out of 10

    Apple iMac (27-inch, 3.06Hz Intel Core 2 Duo, ATI Radeon HD 4670, Fall 2009)
    Largest display among all-in-ones; fast dual-core CPU makes up for lack of quad-core (mostly); finally has an SD card slot; wireless mouse and keyboard; Mini DisplayPort input ripe with possibility. Full Review

Featured Galleries

Nissan Land Glider
Vintage Keyboards
Retro Computer Logos
Vintage Computer Festival
Motorola CLIQ
iPod touch
iTunes 9
Video iPod Nano
The Beatles: Rock Band

 

Switched Desktop

Get the New Switched Desktop

Latest tech news, Switched mail, and more.

AOL Tech Network

Resources

Autoblog

Daily Finance

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Urlesque

Fanhouse Main

WalletPop

Gadling