freedom of expression

This publication is a follow-up to the 2011 issue of Global Information Society Watch (GISWatch), an annual report that offers a civil society perspective on critical emerging issues in information societies worldwide. The theme for GISWatch 2011 was internet rights and democratisation, with a focus on freedom of expression and association online. In line with this, the reports gathered here of...

The 2012 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) took place in Cairo on October 3 – 4, 2012. Five hundred participants from all over the continent attended to effectively discuss Africa’s participation in the global internet governance agenda, which will take centre stage in Baku, Azerbaijan in early November. APCNews crossed paths with three participants from Kenya, South Africa a...

In the first UPR of Pakistan in 2008, there was no mention of promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the internet or right to information. However, it categorically demanded removal of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, women rights and minorities’ rights. It was also stressed upon the Government of Pakistan to “restore as soon as possible all funda...

APC has developed this submission in response to the request for input by the UN Special Rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, in his research into “the appropriate balance between the protection of freedom of opinion and expression and the control of racist and xenophobic content and incitement to violence through the internet.” Drawing on Artic...

It’s short, but it matters. In no more words than a Twitter message, Brazil made many internet rights activists happy in September. It’s worth revisiting this message and putting in context. “Consider freedom of expression concerns when drafting cybercrime legislation.” Yes, and? This phrase was pronounced in May 2012 at the UN. Delegates from a small European country have agreed to dra...

In July 2012, Canada, along with 84 co-sponsors at the UN Human Rights Council, confirmed the importance of the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet, and in particular, freedom of expression online. This joint submission follows up on recommendations made in the first Canadian UPR and covers the following topics: - Public oversight and transparency in the context...