News: Access to information
No copyrights without human rights - APC joins the SOPA blackout
On January 18th, APC joined dozens of sites and organisations in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect-IP Act (PIPA) by blacking out. These two bills, if passed, represent an unprecedented threat to the open internet as we know it, with impacts felt far beyond the borders of the United States.
Spectrum use in Latin America: relevant aspects, conclusions and recommendations
APC’s “open spectrum” initiative aims to provide an understanding of spectrum regulation by examining the situation in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this synthesis, the project’s consultant Carlos Afonso brings together the most important aspects of the studies in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
Spectrum in Colombia: Towards a participative model
In Colombia, several government initiatives aim at broadening telecommunications access for the whole population through spectrum. Colombian civil society should make the most of recent opportunities to lobby for the design of a management model that is more efficient and that emphasises the social value of the spectrum say Lilian Chamorro and Ariel Barbosa, authors of a new study for APC.
Spectrum regulation in Argentina: The need to move from broadcasting to access
Argentina is one of only three countries in the world that privatised spectrum. However the recent renationalisation of its control, together with the participative drafting of a new radio broadcasting law and a national plan for internet access, make this an auspicious time
A key moment for getting spectrum in the public agenda in Peru
Opportunities are emerging in the Peruvian political scenario to liberalise spectrum frequencies for open and community use. However academic institutions and civil society must participate get more involved in the policy and project debates say Maicu Alvarado y Gabriela Perona in a new report for APC.
APC's submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Ecuador
APC’s submission for Ecuador to the Universal Period Review process, with support from CIESPAL and Radialistas Apasionadas y Apasionados, highlights the critical importance of the Internet for human rights, as well as social and economic development.
Panel identifies crucial link between online safety and social activism
A recent panel on “Social movements and data security” held at the University of Costa Rica highlights the crucial importance of information security to today’s activists.
The need to build alliances in Ecuador for better spectrum use and regulation
Ecuador’s new constitution has created opportunities for democratising the spectrum based on a renewed vision of rights, and clearer definitions of the competencies required by the bodies that formulate policy and regulations. The priority now are civil society discussions on the legal reforms the new constitution demands says Marco Navas Alvear.
Finding a balance in spectrum regulation in Venezuela
Venezuela’s socialist development model has brought about significant changes favouring the democratisation of spectrum say Sandra Benítez and Ermanno Pietrosemoli in a new study for APC. But doubts remain about who will loosen the private sector’s grip on the sector. Civil society plays a key watchdog role to ensure that the steps taken benefit the state, rather than the government of the day.
Mexico: ICT and environmental policies must be linked
There is a lack of awareness in Mexico of the environmental harm caused by the present models of production, consumption and disposal of electronic waste. However, there is also a lack of awareness of the positive role that ICT can play in mitigating climate change.
ICT and environment in Costa Rica: Closing the gap between words and deeds
Laws on climate change and waste management in Costa Rica have existed since 2009. However, despite appearing on paper, there has been little progress in putting them into practice. If the situation does not change, the country will not become carbon neutral by 2021.
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.
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.
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 in Latin America and the Caribbean: Remote participation
From August 9-11 APC is at this regional meeting in Trinidad and Tobago. You can also participate from wherever you are.
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.
Sexual minorities marginalised in internet policy debates in Brazil
The EroTICs research team in Brazil studied the complex relationship between sexual minorities and internet policy. Their findings show that these groups were routinely ignored in debates surrounding internet regulation.
First Latin American and Caribbean convention of Internet Governance
The Fourth Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place from August 8th to 11th, 2011 in the city of Port Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
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.
