Digital rights

The Internet is the most disruptive communication technology of our time, revolutionising the free flow of information between individuals by offering anyone with an Internet connection the ability to gather and share information and ideas. Yet the technologies that make this possible can also be used to limit access to information through content blocking and full-scale Internet shutdowns, or stifle expression through surveillance on a scale previously unimaginable.

In recent years, States have adopted myriad laws to regulate content online, increasingly putting pressure on private actors to censor content which they deem illegal or simply “harmful.” Much of the world’s online content is now regulated by the community standards and algorithms of a handful of Internet companies, whose operations and processes lack transparency. Internet users’ right to free expression is easily subject to abuse in this regulatory environment, the complexity of which is compounded by the fact that the Internet is a public space built on decentralized private infrastructure. Though often described as neutral or apolitical, standard-setting bodies and infrastructure providers wield great influence by determining what is or is not possible on the Internet.

The open flow of information has been key to the Internet’s transformative effect in modern society. In order to safeguard its benefits, the right to free expression must be defended when addressing issues of content and defining the technical management of the Internet’s architecture.

Malaysia: International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)
07.12.2023 1 min read

Malaysia: International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)

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UN: Free expression at the 78th General Assembly Third Committee
24.11.2023 8 min read

UN: Free expression at the 78th General Assembly Third Committee

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UN: Thematic and country-specific outcomes of the General Assembly
21.11.2023 24 min read

UN: Thematic and country-specific outcomes of the General Assembly

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World Radiocommunication Conference and the quest for the 6GHz spectrum
15.11.2023 7 min read

World Radiocommunication Conference and the quest for the 6GHz spectrum

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Techtonic: The artist suing AI giants
13.11.2023 1 min read

Techtonic: The artist suing AI giants

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Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories: Stop the assault on free speech and protect civilians
13.11.2023 25 min read

Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories: Stop the assault on free speech and protect civilians

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Turkey: Criminal prosecution for ‘insult’ violates human rights
08.11.2023 4 min read

Turkey: Criminal prosecution for ‘insult’ violates human rights

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Turkey: Repeal the ‘disinformation offence’ and related legal amendments
08.11.2023 4 min read

Turkey: Repeal the ‘disinformation offence’ and related legal amendments

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Palestine: UN Special Procedures must speak out on targeting of journalists
03.11.2023 19 min read

Palestine: UN Special Procedures must speak out on targeting of journalists

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