Abstract
LL.D.
Freedom of information is regarded as an extension of freedom of speech, a fundamental human right recognized in international law, which is today understood more generally as freedom of expression in any medium, be it orally, in writing, print, through the internet or through art forms. Society is witnessing a period of unprecedented growth in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) where advances in ICTs are beginning to have an impact on international human rights. It is held that ICTs are epoch-defining technologies just like the steam engine, electricity and automobiles. At the heart of the present developments are the innovations made possible by ICTs, particularly, the emergence of the information society. ICTs and the relevance of the information society to development prompt the extreme importance of access to ICTs.Based on this, it can been submitted that those who lack access to ICTs are marginalised as regards the full realisation of certain human rights, particularly the right to freedom of information and the right to development. This has further prompted the argument that implicit in the right to freedom of information is the right of access to ICTs.