At the beginning of March, the Peruvian Congress approved in first instance a constitutional reform that recognizes the right of access to the Internet as ‘fundamental’. The new text establishes free Internet access in entities, institutions and public spaces, and emphasizes its importance for the development of the educational sector and rural areas.

 During the parliamentary discussion, congress members argued the right to accessing internet was an “essential condition” that must be promoted by the State in order to guarantee freedom of expression and promote access to communication technologies for the entire population. In this context, the head of the Constitution Committee, Luis Valdez Farías (Alianza para el Progreso), added that the norm will also allow promoting the scientific and technological development of the country.

 For his part, Congressman Alberto de Belaunde (Partido Morado) pointed out the importance of achieving “free and open” access to the Internet; however, these two principles were withdrawn from the text finally approved. Since it is a constitutional reform, the text must be ratified in a second vote, scheduled for after the general elections in April.