Access to information

in 2021, we highlighted 27 stories of impact and change by our members, supported by APC subgranting. These stories demonstrate that listening to multiple voices and learning from positive impacts made locally are important ways to keep seeding and harvesting change.

In August 2021, Zambia became the latest country to restrict citizens’ access to social media platforms as the country went to the polls. The disruption of digital communications has become a recurring theme in numerous countries during elections and in times of public protest.

APC joins other organisations and individuals to express concern over Digital Platforms Regulation Bill Nº 14.561-19, which is being discussed in the Chilean congress. The bill establishes rules that end up being dangerous for the exercise of fundamental rights on the internet.

Our use of technology can often separate us from the reality of environmental degradation. This session identified threats and opportunities for digital technologies to work for local communities and environmental justice.

Concerned about how digital technologies bring new challenges to fighting censorship, APC member EsLaRed has been defending access to information and freedom of expression in restrictive environments, with a recent study focusing on communication blockades in Venezuela.

We want the collective power of communities within and beyond the APC network to be harnessed through existing and new relationships built around transformative actions and our shared visions. Check out our achievements in this area in 2020.

Who “owns” data? Who should have access to them or rights to exploit them?

Frederick Noronha, co-founder of APC member Bytes for All Bangladesh, participated in the 2021 Creative Commons Global Summit and has shared a few links to a selection of diverse and exciting initiatives that were introduced at the event.