Human rights and ICTs

Organisations call for release of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah
Organisations call for release of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah 26 May 2022 Various

As a visionary, Alaa was among the first to recognise the power of technology in uniting and mobilising people against unjust and oppressive states. The life and fate of Alaa is at stake, the United Kingdom Foreign Office must act now to save his life.

Inside the Digital Society: Tweet tweet
Inside the Digital Society: Tweet tweet 17 May 2022 David Souter

Our columnist reflects on five issues for the wider internet environment raised by Elon Musk’s planned acquisition of Twitter, including for human rights, freedom of expression and corporate accountability.

Civil society sounds alarm: Twitter acquisition would be a "potential privacy nightmare"
Civil society sounds alarm: Twitter acquisition would be a "potential privacy nightmare" 17 May 2022 APCNews

The APC network and staff reflect on some under-explored concerns about Elon Musk's buyout of Twitter that are not being highlighted and debated enough, indicating serious implications for freedom of expression and human rights online.

Cambodia should scrap rights-abusing National Internet Gateway
Cambodia should scrap rights-abusing National Internet Gateway 16 May 2022 Various

APC and other civil society organisations are concerned that the gateway will supercharge the government’s censorship capabilities, allowing it to scale up its website blocking, and could generate self-censorship online among critical voices and independent media outlets.

Seeding change: Bytesforall Bangladesh advocates for online education as a fundamental right
Seeding change: Bytesforall Bangladesh advocates for online education as a fundamental right 29 April 2022 APCNews

Recognising the need for a rapid and effective response to the pressing issue of access to online education, Bytesforall Bangladesh saw an opportunity to advocate for equitable access to the internet as a public good, affirming access to education as a fundamental human right.

Joint stakeholder contribution to the 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review: Brazil
Joint stakeholder contribution to the 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review: Brazil 27 April 2022 APC, ARTIGO 19 Brasil e América do Sul, Derechos Digitales and Intervozes

This joint submission to the 41st session of the UN Universal Period Review focuses on Brazil's fulfilment of human rights obligations in the digital context.

Digital Services Act Human Rights Alliance: Don’t compromise on the protection of fundamental rights in the ongoing negotiations
Digital Services Act Human Rights Alliance: Don’t compromise on the protection of fundamental rights in the ongoing negotiations 22 April 2022 DSA Alliance

As the final stage of the trialogue negotiations on the Digital Services Act (DSA) is approaching, ECNL, as part of the DSA Human Rights Alliance, is calling for the Act to truly comply with international human rights standards.

Technology, the environment and a sustainable world: Revisiting GISWatch on Earth Day 2022
Technology, the environment and a sustainable world: Revisiting GISWatch on Earth Day 2022 21 April 2022 Michelle Thorne

What is the weight of a byte? Who breathes in fumes so that I can stream a film? Who mines for tin while we zoom in? For too long, internet policy makers and tech companies punted their responsibilities towards people and the planet.

Feminist by Design: Ways of knowing and epistemic approaches about feminist internet research
Feminist by Design: Ways of knowing and epistemic approaches about feminist internet research 08 April 2022 Various (Editors: Namita Aavriti Malhotra, Tigist Shewarega Hussen and Mariana Fossatti)

Feminist By Design is ambitious in its title and aims. The journal showcases research journeys, findings and feminist intentions, bringing together a diverse group of researchers from around the world who were part of the Feminist Internet Research Network (FIRN).

Human rights online at the Human Rights Council 49th session
Human rights online at the Human Rights Council 49th session 06 April 2022 Paula Martins and Veronica Ferrari

The Human Rights Council (HRC) held its 49th session in Geneva from 28 February to 1 April. During a long session that covered five weeks, the Council discussed important country situations and thematic issues on the intersections between human rights and technology. 

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