Freedom of expression
On 17 July, the Tanzania government issued new Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations. These new regulations repress online speech, privacy and access to information.
This position paper published by 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media details the increase in Israeli digital rights violations with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Media Matters for Democracy expresses solidarity with the women journalists who have called out online violence they face on social media platforms. A statement released by a group of women journalists on 12 August highlights a culture of hateful speech, incitement, harassment and doxxing.
Temporary internet disruptions and shutdowns pose serious challenges to the exercise of a wide range of rights and cannot be justified under any pretext. We therefore call on the Lebanese authorities to lift all restrictions on internet access and restore telecommunications to full capacity.
The repeated instances of internet shutdowns and degradation of network services are causing immense harm to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We urge the government of the Union Territory and associate government authorities to restore high speed internet access in the region.
Family members and lawyers have a right to communicate with their loved ones and clients at all times, but particularly during a pandemic. The public also has a right to information on measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 inside prisons. These are the reasons behind the #IWantALetter campaign.
The case of photographer Alexandro Wagner Oliveira da Silveira, hit by a rubber bullet in his left eye during a protest in May 2000, is on the agenda at the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court, to be tried on 14 August. It is seen as an emblematic episode of violence against journalists in Brazil.
On 28-30 September 2020, the seventh edition of the annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa will be co-hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa and Paradigm Initiative, with a hybrid approach that blends online and physical interactions.
APC joined with other civil society organisations to congratulate and welcome Irene Khan to her new role as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to highlight some broad priority themes that require particular attention.
The 2020 RightsCon will take place online from 27 to 31 July. Throughout the program we plan to promote a global South perspective for human rights online, including by supporting and promoting the important work of APC members.
Association for Progressive Communications (APC) 2020
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