UNGA 75 and more: upcoming digital events

This High-Level event will focus on concrete actions to safeguard the tech era for future generations through panel discussions, focusing on the key themes — Connect, Respect, Protect — of the UN Secretary-General’s landmark Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and its impact on future generations. Joseph Steele, Acting Executive Director at Access Now, will (virtually) join the UN’s 75th anniversary celebration, and discuss what it will take to defend human rights in the digital age. Register here. Watch via UN Web TV.

• Felicia Anthonio, Campaigner and #KeepItOn Lead at Access Now
• Abdelkerim Koundougoumi, Africa Desk Director at Internet Sans Frontieres
• Nighat Dad, Founder of Digital Rights Foundation (Pakistan)
• Aisha Dabo, Program Manager at Africtivistes
• Alexey Kozliuk, Co-founder of Human Constanta (Belarus)

Governments from Togo to Burundi, Myanmar to Belarus, are using internet shutdowns to stifle expression during COVID-19, elections, protests, and beyond. Bringing together stakeholders from media, education, health, technology, civil society, and the measurement community, this webinar will dive into the impacts of internet shutdowns. Speakers will also highlight the innovative strategies used by members of the #KeepItOn coalition and other groups fighting against internet shutdowns. Watch and take part in the live Q&A via the Access Now YouTube Channel.

The Oslo Freedom Forum is a global gathering of activists united in standing up to tyranny. This year, it’s coming online. Join for two days of keynotes from presenters who will share their insights and innovative approaches to defending freedom. Register here. Access Now will take part in the interactive expo come find us if you are attending! Watch and share our video. 

The Global Network Initiative (GNI) conducted a survey of more than a dozen governmental initiatives aimed at regulating digital content, and is publishing its findings in a Content Regulation & Human Rights Policy Brief.  This session will feature a presentation on the policy brief, and the approaches proposed and/or implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. Berhan Taye, Africa Policy Manager and Global Internet Shutdowns Lead at Access Now, will join the discussion to help identify noteworthy trends and differences.

Looking at internet shutdowns in Sudan, Liberia, Bangladesh, India, Togo, Cameroon, Indonesia and Pakistan, Felicia Anthonio, Campaigner and #KeepItOn Lead at Access Now, will join members of the #KeepItOn coalition in exploring various strategies used in the fight to keep the internet on across the globe.