Community networks newsletter: Why we need to rethink financing for connectivity to bridge the digital divide
This issue brings together instances that show the success of community networks, but also some indicating that currently there is a gap, and help from a range of stakeholders is needed in order to successfully support communities to bridge the digital divide.
Language EnglishThe value of WSIS and the future of information societies: GISWatch 2024 Special Edition reports
The following two reports, which are included in the GISWatch 2024 Special Edition, are thoughtful analyses on the vision and agenda set up at the WSIS summit twenty years ago, and reflections on its value and need in civil society advocacy as we move forward.
Interview with Open Net on their 10th anniversary: “We still believe in the power of the internet. The internet is the great equaliser and liberator”
APC member Open Net in South Korea recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. We interviewed them on this landmark occasion and how the organisation is reflecting on its decade of achievements to forge new paths ahead.
Language EnglishFree, prior and informed consent: Accountability, environmental justice and the rights of Indigenous peoples in the information society
In honour of Earth Day 2024, we are launching the first report from the GISWatch 2024 Special Edition: "Free, prior and informed consent: Accountability, environmental justice and the rights of Indigenous peoples in the information society".
Civil society organisations reject the criminalisation of the defence of digital rights and the misuse of the judicial system in the case of Ola Bini in Ecuador and demand respect for due process and human rights
The undersigned organisations express our concern and firm rejection of the multiple irregularities, illegalities and violations of due process observed in the case of Ola Bini, a programmer and human rights defender recently sentenced to a year in prison in Ecuador.
Zimbabwe’s digital leap falls short in bridging access to justice gaps
The digitisation of Zimbabwe’s judiciary marks a significant stride forward in the nation’s digital transformation. However, there’s an immediate need for cross-sector collaboration to ensure that this advancement doesn’t restrict access to justice.
Language EnglishJoint statement: Finding the good in the first UN General Assembly resolution on artificial intelligence
Stakeholders far from UN grounds benefit when states clarify their position on new and emerging technologies and how international law, including international human rights law, and sustainable development commitments apply to fields like artificial intelligence.
Bridging the digital divide: Insights from the Africa Community Networks Exchange
Community networks in Africa stand as beacons of innovation and resilience. Through a series of four webinars, Tanda Community Network along with APC and and Rhizomatica's LocNet initiative helped with capacity building and explored such networks' challenges, triumphs and how to support them in bridging the digital divide.
Civil society and governments agree on the urgent need for a feminist Global Digital Compact (GDC)
At the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), APC co-organised an event for advocacy around women’s rights in the digital sphere and the impact of the UN's Global Digital Compact (GDC) on the lives of women.
Language EnglishSafety for Voices: Call for applications for subgrants
These subgrants are designed to support the development and implementation of holistic safety strategies, including research, advocacy and capacity building, through initiatives that explore the intersections between technology and land and environmental issues.
Language English“This is a Zionist model”: Atrocities propaganda is another weapon in Israel’s genocide kit against Palestine
APC and Noor co-organised a discussion with six Palestinian feminist activists, researchers, academics and content creators to discuss how Israel weaponises gendered disinformation and atrocities propaganda to continue its genocide in Palestine.
Third launch of FIRN project: Global South feminist perspective into technology-facilitated gender-based violence
We are excited to announce the third iteration of the Feminist Internet Research Network (FIRN). Partnering with 10 new researchers from the global South, the network will engage with 18-month research projects that focus on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
Language EnglishInternet Freedom Foundation joins the APC network: "Digital rights are indispensable and not an addendum to our fundamental rights"
Meet the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a New Delhi-based organisation committed to democratising the potential of technology and individual liberty, and one of the recent additions to the APC member network.
Language EnglishWhy we need to rethink financing for connectivity to bridge the digital divide
Community-centred connectivity alternatives are offering reliable services at affordable costs in areas left behind by large telecommunications companies. But their journey shows why rethinking financing for connectivity is an important step towards bridging the digital divides.
Language EnglishAI to advance gender equality: Challenges and opportunities
This statement was delivered by Karla Velasco Ramos, the APC Women’s Rights Programme policy advocacy coordinator, at the interactive dialogue on artificial intelligence to advance gender equality” during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).
Sursiendo joins the APC network: “We like being part of a global network with its feet planted in local communities”
Meet Sursiendo, an independent organisation based in Chiapas, Mexico, committed to activism, communications, design, free/libre software, popular education, art and culture, and an APC member since February 2024.
Language EnglishUnregulated CCTV in Zambia sparks data privacy concerns
The use of CCTV for face recognition or tracking of motor vehicles based on their number plate registration has raised the important question about a person’s right to privacy and as such a suitable legislation is required to ensure Zambia falls within the universally accepted parameters.
Language EnglishOxford reflections: Charting a course through digital surveillance, AI's double-edged sword and global cyber politics
The writer presents some key takeaways from the 2023 Comparative Media Law and Policy (PCMLP) programme at University of Oxford, which he attended with the help of an APC grant.
“Hybrid events can offer the best of both worlds”: APC’s guide to planning meaningful and inclusive gatherings
The hybrid events guide contains a wealth of information to help organisers think strategically about what is required to effectively plan and run a hybrid event, and create a space that is inclusive and welcoming for all who engage regardless of modality.
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