South Asia

Jurisprudence developed by courts are central to the understanding, application and implementation of laws. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have irreversibly impacted every walk of personal and public life, including how courts function and deliberate on rights.  

The third day of the Internet Rules: Unboxing Digital Laws in South Asia workshop discussed freedom of expression laws in South Asia and trends and challenges related to content moderation and intermediary liability. 

With the first day centred around an introduction to basic legal concepts and the ICT law ecosystem, Day 2 of the Internet Rules: Unboxing Digital Laws in South Asia workshop took on more complex issues of meaningful access to the internet and the many facets of privacy.

The Internet Rules: Unboxing Digital Laws in South Asia workshop kicked off on 23 November online, with 26 young digital rights defenders from all over South Asia coming together to learn about internet governance, jurisprudence related to the internet, digital laws, and related concepts.

Over the course of the week from 23 to 27 November 2020, the workshop will cover a variety of topics including ICT laws and jurisprudence, access, infrastructure and internet shutdowns, freedom of expression, gender and vulnerable groups, and legal methodology and process, among others.

This online workshop creates an opportunity  for participants to engage with experts and practitioners currently working to improve digital laws and to network with fellow digital rights defenders while building their capacity to impact change.

We are looking for an organisation to nominate and host the Asia regional coordinator for the “Connecting the unconnected: Supporting community networks and other community-based connectivity initiatives” project.

EngageMedia, the Association for Progressive Communications and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance, along with key regional allies, will be hosting COCONET, a Southeast Asia Digital Rights Camp, in Indonesia.