There is no Constitution for the Internet and the laws about its use and rights of people online are still being debated and defined, country by country. In these activities, you create a 21st century Constitution and Bill of Rights for the Internet.
In addition to the federal constitution, every U.S. state and territory has its own constitution that serves as its governing document. Massachusetts has the oldest state constitution (1780); Rhode Island is the newest (revised in 1986). Adopted by the people, a constitution is the supreme law that defines the rights of individuals and the powers of the government. You can read the constitutions of every state and territory here.
Include articles regarding respect for privacy, personal data protection, freedom of speech, freedom of usage, and protection from harassment and false information.
Share your Internet Bill of Rights on social media and/or with family members to get feedback. Consider whether to make revisions based on the feedback you receive.
Designing for Learning: Student-Created Activity Example
Does the Internet need a Constitution? Why or why not?
Who should be responsible for ensuring that all Internet users abide by the Articles in the Constitution of the Internet - Local governments? State governments? Countries? Businesses? Internet users?
Should the Constitution be a living document (subject to change and interpretation) or is it rooted in its time/place (fixed rules rarely if ever changed)?
Create a TikTok or Snapchat video to inform others about your thoughts regarding a Constitution for the Internet.
Designing for Learning: Student-Created Activity Example
Describe the provisions of the United States Constitution and the Massachusetts Constitution that define and distribute powers and authority of the federal and state government. (Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Studies) [8.T6.2]
2d: Students manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to track their navigation online.
Knowledge Constructor
3a: Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.
3d: Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.
Creative Communicator
6b: Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
6d: Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for the intended audiences.
