It was the first globally interconnected NGO network of groups working for peace, human rights, development and protection of the environment. By 2005 it is estimated that more than 1 billion people may be online. Large numbers of individuals and organisations that could greatly benefit from using the Internet for social campaigning are still unaware of the enormous possibilities there are for them in using this medium. In recognition of the enactment of the European Human Rights Convention into UK Law, GreenNet pledges to continue its work of building civil society use of the Internet and defending and extending the rights of those who use the Internet for social campaigning purposes. However, while the full democratic potential of the Internet still remains largely untapped it is also being increasingly threatened by commercialisation and government regulation.
Interests seeking to develop the Internet for commercial purposes view users merely as consumers.
They largely ignore the potential that the interactive nature of the Internet has for allowing people to communicate their ideas and opinions on important issues to others. At the same time, politicians often fear the power the Internet can bring to ordinary citizens. Genuine concerns about such problems as child pornography and racism on the Internet are used as justification to try to introduce blanket legislation threatening free debate. Unless they are opposed, these developments could ultimately bring about dominance by the same interests that already exercise control over other media. APC 'Civil Society Internet Rights' Initiative has been launched to defend and extend the rights of those who use the Internet for social campaigning purposes.