IRHR - News
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.
Pro-democracy protesters in Malaysia warn of internet clampdown
As the Bersih 2.0 protesters campaign for free and open elections, signs of a stuttering internet from various providers are becoming apparent, and are pointing to a possible internet and telco blackout warns the group . APC supports the Bersih protesters in their fight for democracy.
APC questions new Pakistan petition to filter the internet
A recent petition which calls on Pakistani internet service providers to filter the internet has sparked concern among internet rights advocates. APC criticises the proposal as inappropriate in a democratic society which values freedom of expression and the right to information.
APC expresses concern over OECD Communique on principles for internet policy-making
“Anyone involved in the development of the internet over the last twenty years knows that transgression has probably been a far greater driver of innovation than IP protection,” says APC in a statement which points to “positive signs” coming out of the recent OECD meeting but questions the take on intellectual property as well as internet intermediaries’ responsibility for policing the net.
Civil society declines to support OECD communique on principles of internet policies
The Civil Society Information Society Advisory Council to the OECD, of which APC is part, has declined to support the official communique on principles for internet policy-making, saying that it could undermine “online freedom of expression, freedom of information, the right to privacy, access to knowledge, and innovation across the world.”
APC sparks debate at UN over internet rights
In the wake of APC’s side event on freedom of expression at the Human Rights Council’s 17th session, the UN has, for the first time, taken a major step towards defining the relationship between the internet and human rights.
"Gay Girl in Damascus" needs to Man Up, says APC
Tom MacMaster’s masquerading as blogger activist “Gay Girl in Damascus” was harmful, say APC in a statement, and endangers the right to use the internet anonymously.
Connect your rights! Internet rights are human rights
With our coverage of APC’s event on human rights and the internet at the Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this month, we’ve launched a new web space. Find all our content related to these issues in one place.
Equal access to the internet can counter discrimination against women, says UN report
Efforts to mitigate violence against women online can backfire explains a report presented at the UN Human Rights Council. APC covered women’s issues and the internet at the HRC in a special edition of the policy and gender bulletin GenderIT.org.
Egypt: Court fines Mubarak and Vodafone for communications blackouts
APC welcomes the recent ruling of an Egyptian court that fined former president Mubarak and two of his aides $90 million for cutting internet and cell phones communications during the Egyptian revolution earlier this year.
