https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_Internet_access#2011:_UN_Special_Rapporteur_report
still not considered a ‘right’, but some interesting arguments made:
from 2011 un special rapporteur report, by frank la rue:
Unlike any other medium, the Internet enables individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds instantaneously and inexpensively across national borders. By vastly expanding the capacity of individuals to enjoy their right to freedom of opinion and expression, which is an “enabler” of other human rights, the Internet boosts economic, social, and political development, and contributes to the progress of humankind as a whole.
- Given that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality, and accelerating development and human progress, ensuring universal access to the Internet should be a priority for all States. Each State should thus develop a concrete and effective policy, in consultation with individuals from all sections of society, including the private sector and relevant Government ministries, to make the Internet widely available, accessible, and affordable to all segments of the population.
La Rue had declared Internet access itself a human right by emphasizing that “the Internet has become a key means by which individuals can exercise their right to freedom and expression”.[7][8] In his report, La Rue stressed that “There should be as little restriction as possible to the flow of information via the Internet, except in a few, very exceptional, and limited circumstances prescribed by international human rights law.” La Rue also emphasized that “any restriction must be provided by law and proven to be necessary and the least intrusive means available for protecting the rights of others”.[9]
2016:
In the Summer of 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council released a non-binding resolution condemning intentional disruption of internet access by governments.[11] The resolution reaffirmed that “the same rights people have offline must also be protected online.”[11]