News
ICTs, climate change and water: Need for local adaptation strategies
Climate change is increasingly affecting the availabily and quality of water world wide, and the poorest are, as usual, the hardest hit. In April APC and the IDRC will release a series of research reports that explore how ICTs can help individuals and communities adapt to water issues related to climate change.
Feminist tech exchange teaches Afghani women more than skills
While some women were being showered with flowers to celebrate international women’s day, Afghani women activists were diligently learning new tech skills at a four-day Feminist Tech Exchange held in Kabul by the APC women’s programme. The experience has left them with much more than just technology skills.
Mapping internet rights and freedom of expression
The intersection between the internet and human rights is increasingly important as the internet starts to affect more aspects of society, economy, politics and culture. This report maps this intersection and raises a number of questions to be considered by those concerned with internet, rights and wider public policy.
Debate over spectrum in Argentina: “A defining push is needed to get past the debate stage”
Although in Argentina a debate does exist on the spectrum, it prioritises aspects related to broadcasting and obscures those related to telecommunications. Florencia Roveri and Flavia Fascendini of Nodo Tau clarify this issue in this interview conducted as part of the “Open spectrum for development” project.
Open spectrum in Peru: Capitalising on an opportunity to democratise access to the internet
In an interview with APC, Maicu Alvarado and Gabriela Perona of CEPES share experiences of using the spectrum with a positive social impact and offer guidelines for thinking collectively about policies for managing the spectrum that aim for more than simply economic growth.
Spectrum management in Venezuela lacks clear policy objectives
In Venezuela, community uses of the spectrum are privileged at the cost of generating uncertainty in the private sector. This discourages major investments in telecommunications and a wider discussion of the subject, according to Sandra Benítez and Ermanno Pietrosemoli of EsLaRed in this interview with APC.
Open spectrum in Ecuador: The debate must extend beyond the circle of experts
Lack of knowledge about the ways that policies relating to the spectrum affect people’s lives is one of the primary obstacles for the participation of civil society in the regulatory debate. Marco Navas Alvear promotes solutions for this problem in this interview by APC as part of the “Open spectrum for development” project.
Colombia redefines its spectrum management plan
Management of the spectrum in Colombia is migrating towards a more flexible and participatory model. Nevertheless there is still a need for greater involvement of community media and social organisations as a counterweight to the voice of the commercial operators in discussions on the management of the spectrum, according to Lilian Chamorro of Colnodo, in this interview with APC.
APC featured in Digital Rights Watch's inaugural "In focus" edition
From access-centred work to rights-based work, APC’s mission has been continually evolving in the past 21 years. In this premier edition of Digital Rights Watch’s “In Focus” series, Mark Boudreau interviews APC to find out more about the intersection of human rights, censorship and surveillance and APC’s ever-changing work.
APC submission to the special rapporteur on freedom of association and peaceful assembly
APC welcomes the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and association and makes recommendations for how these rights can be promoted and protected online.
The 5 activist functions of technology and #Riots
Mary C Joyce of the Meta-Activism project summarizes in a recent blog post the key functions of technology for activist purposes: to shape public opinion, plan an action, protect activists, share a call to action and take action digitally.
Iran's new "clean" national internet will push many to exile, says Iranian activist
Surprising as it may be, the internet in Iran started out as comparatively open in the region. However, censorship and internet clampdowns noticeably increased when conservative president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power in 2005. The internet had until then given activists, journalists and political dissidents a way to get around Iran’s restrictive media laws and communicate with the outside world.
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HRC expert panel on freedom of expression is only the beginning
APC welcomes the success of the Human Rights Council expert panel on freedom of expression that took place in Geneva on 29 February as an important step towards promoting and protecting human rights online. Anriette Esterhuysen, APC’s executive director and panellist said, “It was extremely encouraging that states agree that the same rights that apply in the offline world also apply online.”
The HRC expert panel on freedom of expression - How you can help
With the success of the recent expert panel on freedom of expression and the internet, now is the time to push for governments and international human rights organisations to commit to take concrete actions to promote and protect freedom of expression online.
Computer Aid launches new e-waste partnership in Kenya
As part of its ongoing work in reducing the environmental impacts of end-of-life ICTs, Computer Aid International has partnered with the WEEE Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, which provides e-waste management in the country and region. Together, they will provide training and help develop computer recycling facilities throughout Africa.
Papuan love letter video wins Best Documentary in South to South Film Festival
Maria Goreti, a papuan woman, was left pregnant and abandoned by an indonesian soldier. She and her 3-year-old daughter are still waiting for him to return. South to South Film Festival award-winning short film “Love letter to the Soldier” by EngageMedia tells her story.
The Human Rights Council panel on freedom of expression and the internet
On Wednesday February 29th 12:00-15:00 CET (11:00-14:00 UTC), the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) will convene an expert panel in Geneva to discuss the issue of freedom of expression on the internet. This will be the first time human rights on the internet has been specifically addressed by the HRC.
Locking up cyberspace could lead to undemocratic elections in Pakistan
The government of Pakistan currently has plans to filter the internet, which will affect freedom of expression, speech and opinion in the country. Bytes for All fears the internet will be further restricted as the 2013 general elections approach. Read the public statement by Bytes for All.
GISWatch publication a "slice into the ICT policy pie"
Since 2007, APC and Hivos have been publishing Global Information Society Watch, a yearly watch dog report wthat focuses on a new topic and rising issue each year. APC asks contributors and readers about the value of this unique publication.
