Digital rights violations are on the rise in various parts of the world. In Asia, more and more governments are enacting authoritarian policies aimed at regulating the internet, which has led to increased risks online and threats against basic internet freedoms. These threats disproportionately affect defenders of human and digital rights, including journalists, activists, marginalised groups, and civil society actors.
EngageMedia is the South and Southeast Asia regional partner of the global Internet Freedom Consortium, a three-year initiative being implemented by Internews through the support of the US Agency for International Development. Also known as the Greater Internet Freedom program, the initiative aims to “enhance digital security for civil society and media organisations, engage citizens in internet governance debates, and advance human rights online”.
EngageMedia will be working with local partners in South and Southeast Asia to implement capacity-building activities, media campaigns, research studies, and other needed support to address digital rights and safety issues in seven countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. EngageMedia will also organise regional-level activities in line with the project’s goals.
Other regional partners for the Greater Internet Freedom program include Co-Creation Hub, Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa, Derechos Digitales, Digital Security Lab Ukraine, and Paradigm Initiative. International non-government organisations like Article 19, Global Network Initiative, International Center for Not-for-profit Law, Ranking Digital Rights, and the University of Notre Dame will also provide technical support for all partners.
Read more about the Greater Internet Freedom program on the Internews website.
