Firm calls for collective action to safeguard digital rights, internet freedom

A group of youth being trained on digital rights and inclusion. [Courtesy, PIN]

A digital rights firm has called on stakeholders to take a collective action in safeguarding digital rights, promoting responsible practices, and preserving internet freedom.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) in a monitoring report highlighting the state of digital rights and inclusion in 24 African countries, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between fields to tackle complex digital rights and Internet freedom issues.

According to the report, academia should play an active role in developing digital literacy training curricula, promoting best practices through research and fostering awareness.

In the report known as Londa, (Zulu word which is a call to action to protect or defend the digital rights and inclusion environment in Africa) the firm emphasises the need for the private sector to ensure that content moderation and surveillance practices do not stifle diverse political views and perspectives.

It urges the private sector, media, academia, civil society, and government to ensure the protection of digital rights for all while resisting unethical governmental pressures that seek illegal access to personal data and engage in digital abuse, more so blockage of internet networks and services.

PIN through the Londa report indicates that in order to build effective domestic human rights monitoring mechanisms, civil society should streamline the flow of information between grassroots community organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Digital rights firm calls for accountability in data protection

It calls upon the media to uphold professional ethics in reporting, saying this is essential in combating misinformation and disinformation.

At the same time, it emphasises the importance of protecting media practitioners by building strong coalitions and resisting repressive laws.

In addition, providing digital security training to members will enable them to work safely in the digital space, the report stresses the need to remove barriers to the internet and mobile service access, prioritising digital literacy and keeping citizens informed about their digital rights.

“Addressing the challenges faced in the digital space, as proffered by Londa is a positive step towards the full realisation of human rights and government compliance with treaty obligations,” said Ms Thobekile Matimbe, the firm’s Senior Manager Partnerships and Engagements.

Matimbe said every African government should aim to improve their digital rights record each year while every other stakeholder plays their critical part.

According to her, governments must refrain from digital authoritarianism and instead uphold constitutional and international obligations.

“Establishing robust multi-stakeholder consultative processes for policies, laws, and regulations is important. Regular policy and legislative updates should be provided to the public, and governments must exercise caution when applying disinformation laws to ensure they don’t unjustifiably limit freedom of expression,” she said.