IRHR - News
APC member Bytes for All condemns Pakistan's new censorship policy
The Pakistan Telecommunications authority has issued a directive to all cellular providers to begin filtering SMS keywords, the latest in a series of restrictions to freedom of expression in the country.
APC to push for internet rights in UN human rights reviews
The human rights records of forty-eight countries are under review this year as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. APC’s Joy Liddicoat and Henrik Almstrom explain the significance of the UPR and how APC is working for it to protect rights online.
Sneak preview of GISWatch 2011
The new edition of Global Information Society Watch 2011 focuses on internet rights and democracy. It features stories from almost 60 countries including on internet in prisons in Argentina and the role of social media during the Arab uprisings. GISW 2011 is out in December but you can read some chapters now online. 
New APC brief on the new threats to human rights online
APC’s human rights expert Joy Liddicoat outlines the state of human rights online and the major challenges facing activists and human rights defenders. As levels of censorship and surveillance are increasing worldwide including in democratic countries threaten the lives of democracy activists, APC calls for the theme of the 2012 IGF to focus exclusively on human rights.
APC welcomes the passing of the Swedish resolution to investigate human rights on the internet
The Swedish proposal to establish an expert panel on human rights and the internet passes by consensus at the Human Rights Council. APC welcomes this as a crucial step to having internet rights be the theme of the 2012 IGF.
Can we have internet governance without internet rights?
APC’s pre-event on access as a right helps bring human rights issues to the forefront at the Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi
Op-Ed: Colombian Law Sets Dangerous Precedent says APC
Colombian lawmakers are studying the “Lleras law”, the latest effort by that country to secure a free trade agreement with the United States by submitting to U.S. demands to comply with U.S. intellectual property laws. The bill is currently being fast-tracked with little input or consultation from Colombian citizens.
Women human rights defenders and the internet
GenderIT examines the risks many activists face online. “Security emerged not only as one of the main topics in our interviews but also forced us to change our ways of working so that we didn’t jeopardise the safety of our interviewees,” say the editors. A must read.
Should the private sector protect our online privacy?
Increasingly governments are delegating responsibility for content restriction, surveillance, and even internet blackouts to private companies. APCNews spoke with Milka Pietikainen, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Nokia Siemens about the role of the private sector in protecting our rights.
APC: Support Swedish proposal for UN panel on freedom of expression & the internet
APC has put out a statement strongly endorsing the proposal of the Swedish Government for an expert panel on freedom of expression at the United Nations. We invite you to endorse the statement.
Sweden's proposed expert panel explained
APC’s Joy Liddicoat explains the significance of Sweden’s proposal to the Human Rights Council to establish an expert panel on the internet and human rights.
APC member Colnodo condemns anti-piracy law
“APC member Colnodo has issued a report about Colombia’s controversial “two strikes” bill. Under this law, file-sharers caught with copyrighted content can lose their internet connections or even face jail time.” See full article in Spanish.
Dot.Africa? First Southern African IGF starts Sept 1
On September 1-3 the first ever Southern African Internet Governance Forum kicks off in Johannesburg in preparation for the global UN internet forum to be held in Kenya.
Turkey abandons unpopular filtering software
Turkey abandons plans to install mandatory filtering software after months of widespread protest. The reversal of this controversial policy shows the power of determined advocacy.
London Riots: Social media does not cause social problems say APC and GreenNet
Following last week’s riots, British PM David Cameron said that his government is considering a crackdown on online communications. However he forgets that the same websites and phone networks were also used to locate friends and plan safe exits from trouble-spots. APC and GreenNet issue a statement.
Internet Governance Forum 2011: Pre-event on access as a right
APC and partners are hosting a pre-event on access to the internet from a human rights perspective on Monday September 26 at the sixth Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.
APC at the Sixth Internet Governance Forum
APC members and staff will be participating at this year’s Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya from 27-30 September 2011. The proposed theme is ‘Internet as a catalyst for change: access, development, freedoms and innovation’ and so APC will be hosting a number of workshops as well as a pre-event based on the themes of access, human rights, and development.
Most influential Twitterati in Pakistan include 5 working to end violence against women
The Express Tribune has named 5 Take Back the Tech! campaigners as among the most influential “Twitterati” in Pakistan. Thanks to the MDG3 funding, these women are using ICTs to raise the visibility of violence against women on and offline.
Show your support for internet rights!
In the wake of APC’s event at the Human Rights Council, over 40 countries have signed on to a joint statement in defense of freedom of expression. Check if your government is on the list and show your support.
Pakistan blocks sex, drugs AND rock and roll
Pakistani authorities have blocked Rolling Stone magazine’s website for criticising the country’s level of military spending. But other banned sites are back online, APC has been informed.
