European Digital Rights’ Post

As Members of the European Parliament are settling in groups and committee, and as Commissioners designate will get briefed, civil society is gearing up for another tough EU mandate. The continuous progression of far-right policies will make difficult any effort to achieve justice, consolidate democracy and civic space. Our way forward must lie in our ability to work beyond silos, to collectively build a world in which our digital lives are driven by care, justice and empowerment, not by the agenda of profit-seeking, surveillance, and endless consumption. This starts with civil society organisations and movements. On 1st October, we host a Tech & Society Summit to discuss our vision with EU decision-makers. More on European Digital Rights channels. Read our latest piece on Euronews: https://lnkd.in/ePbPdcjg

Article One’s latest Briefing Paper explores how emerging human rights and technology regulations are impacting how companies approach human rights due diligence. Through interviews with industry leaders in the ICT field, we explore the challenges and opportunities these new regulations bring for the human rights and business field.  https://lnkd.in/g3FC4PrQ

Two months before its launch, the ambitious UN "Global Digital Compact" is 100% controlled by states. Now, civil society speaks in chorus: -That's not how the internet works -That's not good governance Our human rights demand a better GDC. Our brief:

If we want to realize a “digital democracy,” we must reimagine how technology is used and invest in building new tools to meet the challenges of public trust and participation. In E. Glen Weyl and Audrey Tang's new book, they argue “technology and democracy can be each other’s greatest allies.”

I have written an article highlighting the need for critical discussions on the impact of tech intermediaries in the Sri Lankan digital rights space, especially in the context of newer threats to digital rights exerted through proposed laws such as the Online Safety Bill. You can take a look at it here: https://lnkd.in/gaQZQHUd My insights are an extension of the discussions on tech businesses, human rights due diligence and digital rights at the "Defending Human Rights Online and in Business” organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation International Academy for Freedom in October 2023, especially sessions with speakers Hussam Al Erhayel, Eniko Gal, Frederic Kupsch and Glacier Kwong. More spaces should discusses the newer human rights challenges in digital spaces, especially those in the age of big tech.

Freedom of speech is key to a thriving society. It allows us to share diverse opinions and foster open dialogue. In Australia, we balance this freedom with laws that ensure discussions are conducted respectfully, across all platforms. Just like in any large community, crime finds its way onto social platforms, regardless of the safeguards in place. It's a universal challenge that the technology industry continues to grapple with across all types of digital spaces. As a someone that works in technology - restricting dialogue goes against the grain of what we stand for - openness and progress. Having platforms where every voice can be heard, technology can best drive innovation and community building.

The Importance of Human Rights Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to, regardless of who they are or where they live. These rights include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. They are universal, indivisible, and inalienable. The modern concept of human rights was established after World War II with the creation of the United Nations and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This declaration set out fundamental rights that should be protected for all people. Despite progress, many challenges to human rights persist, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and conflicts. The rise of digital technology also brings new issues like privacy concerns. Protecting human rights is a collective responsibility. Individuals, NGOs, and governments must work together to ensure these rights are respected and upheld. Human rights are essential for a fair, just, and peaceful world. #HumanRights

Envisioning data, platforms, and intelligent systems that align with pluralism and solidarity requires looking at tech through a human rights lens. Read the latest from our fellows Sebastián Lehuedé, Sharath Srinivasan, and Ella McPherson: https://buff.ly/3QrV9XI

Envisioning data, platforms, and intelligent systems that align with pluralism and solidarity requires looking at tech through a human rights lens. Read the latest from our fellows Sebastián Lehuedé, Sharath Srinivasan, and Ella McPherson: https://buff.ly/3QrV9XI