News
Must read: The internet, human rights and the UPR
Must read Q&A on how the internet and human rights are related. This short catch-all article summarises the “why” behind APC’s efforts to recognise the internet as a very powerful enabler of human rights. It’s the one article you should read to dig into what’s happening at the UN in Geneva this week.
Federal Minister for IT Slaps Nationwide Twitter Ban on Pakistani Citizens
On Sunday, 20 May 2012, APC member Bytes for All (B4A) reported that “once again, Government of Pakistan has managed to block yet another social networking website Twitter.” Service to the website was restored the same day, yet civil society must “reject this oppressive slap on citizens basic human right to democracy, freedom of expression and access to information.”
Feminist talks on internet, economic justice and women's rights at AWID Forum
This GenderIT.org edition reflects on the feminist politics and practices of technology within the broader debates around economic justice and women’s rights at the 12th AWID Forum. These talks make a strong contribution to internet governance: if women do not sit at the discussion table, they will be on the menu.
Bargain basement shopping in the information society
An APC session at the AWID Forum 2012 titled “Feminist Economics Toolbox sessions,” brought together speakers to spark debate and reflection on the feminist economic issues and the audience vibrated with insights and was eager to deepen discussion on the commodification of knowledge.
Taking street harassment off the streets and off the map!
APC reflects on a session at AWID Forum 2012 titled, “Bringing Gender to the Streets: Young Women Amidst the Arab Uprisings.” The use of internet technology like mapping to fight violence against women is an integral part of APC’s Take Back the Tech! campaign.
Enhancing cooperation among stakeholders in internet governance
APC calls for the establishment of an Internet Governance Forum working group to develop a multi-stakeholder declaration on enhanced cooperation.
New guide for policy makers on ICTs and climate change
The University of Manchester has released a new guide on ICTs and climate change in developing countries that aims to help policy makers and climate change officers in their decision-making process. It outlines issues, priorities, benefits, risks, and more.
Connect Your Rights! - The video
“Connect Your Rights!” is the take-home message from this short video. Developed for the APC-campaign Connect Your Rights! Internet Rights are Human Rights, the video provides you with a quick and clear understanding of why human rights on the internet matter. Watch now.
GISWatch has won the ITU-awarded WSIS project prize 2012
The Association for Progressive Communications, in close cooperation with APC members, networks and civil society groups, is pleased to accept the WSIS Project Prize from the International Telecommunications Union for the achievements of the GISWatch project in “the role of public governance authorities and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICT for development.”
Digital Security: Drop-in centre of Ugandan sex worker organisation raided
“Sex work may be illegal in Uganda, but providing services for sex workers is clearly not,” reads a statement put out on May 9 by WONETHA, a health and human rights organisation, in reaction to a serious crack-down on its activities by Ugandan municipal police.
Women human rights defenders & the digital security concerns
Take this brief survey to help three NGOs understand women human rights defenders’ experiences and views on online security. All responses are anonymised and will help inform the work of activists. Survey closes May 18!
New release: The OpenNet Initiative's 2011 Year in Review
The OpenNet Initiative released its 2011 Year in Review, a collection of the year’s top instances of filtering, surveillance, and information warfare around the globe. The spotlight was on the SOPA and PIPA bills in the US and on Asian and Middle Eastern countries and regimes as well as European and American companies for their role in internet censorship.
Water-related stress and ICTs: New publication includes developing country experiences
This new report by APC and IDRC is a collection of reports that looks at how ICTs can be used to help communities in developing countries facing water stress adapt to climate change. It draws on current experiences in the field of water management and sustainability, and brings a perspective from the ICT for development (ICT4D) sector.
Freedom of expression and the internet: how to reconcile practice and principles?
How do we reconcile theory and practice when it comes to freedom of expression and the internet? From May 14 to 18, Geneva will be hosting the WSIS Forum 2012, where the Association for Progressive Communications has organised two thematic workshops, one of them about freedom of expression and the internet.
WSIS Forum 2012: TV White Spaces on the agenda
From 14-18 May Geneva will be hosting the WSIS Forum 2012, where the Association for Progressive Communications has organised two thematic workshops on May 17th, one of them under the subject Television White Spaces.
APC goes back to its roots: ICTs and the environment at the heart of APC's work
As a progressive network, the environment has been at the heart of the work of many APC members, and began its work on the GreeningIT project in 2008. APC talks to Alan Finlay, project coordinator for GreeningIT, about APC’s work in the area of ICTs and the environment.
Job posting: Privacy International seeks Head of International Advocacy
Privacy International is seeking a Head of International Advocacy to represent the organization in the media and at conferences and events around the world, and administer our ‘Privacy in Developing Countries’ project. Click for the full job description and person specification.
2012 Internet Governance Forum Multistakeholder Advisory Group members announced
Announced this week, APC’s executive director Anriette Esterhuysen and Lillian Nalwoga from APC member organisation Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) were appointed to the 2012 Internet Governance Forum Multistakeholder Advisory Group (IGF MAG).
Poland: Acting Together Against ACTA
Recent human rights battles have shown the world that Poland’s civil society is alive and kicking. APCNews contacted Michał “rysiek” Woźniak, chairman of the Free and Open Source Foundation, to discuss human rights, the internet and ACTA.
Nancy Hafkin inducted into Internet Hall of Fame
On Tuesday April 25, Dr. Nancy J. Hafkin and 32 others were inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. Dr. Hafkin was awarded the title of Global Connector for helping to spread internet use in Africa over the course of a twenty-three year career as “a pioneer and innovator in the area of networking, development information, and electronic communications.”
