Session
Human Rights & Freedoms
Internet Shutdowns
Rights to Access and Information
Organizer 1: Laura Schwartz-Henderson, 🔒Internews
Organizer 2: Felicia Anthonio, 🔒Access Now
Organizer 3: Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury , Digitally Right Limited
Organizer 4: DIAGNE El Hadji Daouda, 🔒Computech Institute
Speaker 1: Laura Schwartz-Henderson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury , Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: DIAGNE El Hadji Daouda, Technical Community, African Group
Laura Schwartz-Henderson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury , Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Laura Schwartz-Henderson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Round Table - 60 Min
1. How can collaborative efforts enhance technical data collection to monitor and combat internet shutdowns during elections?
2. What strategies effectively engage election-oriented organizations and promote understanding of the election monitoring ecosystem, particularly regarding internet disruptions?
3. How do multistakeholder coalitions strengthen transparency and accountability in internet governance during elections?
What will participants gain from attending this session? This workshop offers participants invaluable insights and effective strategies for engaging with election monitors and organizations focused on election integrity and transparency. They will gain a deeper understanding of internet shutdown challenges during elections and learn practical approaches to integrate technical data collection into election monitoring practices. Participants will acquire the knowledge and tools to raise awareness about internet censorship, prepare their teams, and mobilize support for a free and open internet. Through engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, they will uncover the secrets to successful multistakeholder coordination and coalition-building, drawing from real-life experiences and replicable methodologies. By attending the workshop, participants will leave equipped to make a tangible impact in combating internet shutdowns, armed with practical tools, valuable connections, and the ability to navigate the complex landscape of elections and internet disruptions.
Description:
Elections often trigger internet shutdowns in many countries, with governments employing this as a tool to influence the democratic process and restrict access to vital information. As several countries with a history of internet censorship approach national elections between October and December, it is crucial to examine this intersection of electoral events and internet disruptions.
Join us for an informative roundtable discussion on the intersection of elections and internet disruptions. We will delve into the prevalent use of internet shutdowns by governments during national elections, with a specific focus on Asia, Africa, and other regions. Esteemed speakers from Internews, Access Now, Computech, and Digitally Right will provide valuable insights based on their experiences and collaborative efforts, and share knowledge on training volunteers to collect technical data prior to elections, building multi stakeholder coalitions, and implementing successful advocacy campaigns.
Throughout the session, speakers will highlight effective outreach strategies to election-oriented organizations and provide an objective understanding of the election monitoring ecosystem. Interactive conversations will facilitate a collaborative environment, fostering engagement among participants committed to upholding election integrity and transparency. The roundtable aims to harness the collective wisdom of attendees to enhance technical data collection, diversify coalitions against pre-election shutdowns, and strengthen the monitoring capabilities of key actors.
Session Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased understanding of internet shutdown challenges during elections and their impact on election integrity and transparency.
2. Enhanced knowledge of practical approaches to integrate technical data collection into election monitoring practices.
3. Raised awareness about internet censorship and the importance of a free and open internet during electoral events.
Specific Outputs/Contributions:
1. Compilation of best practices and strategies for engaging election monitors and organizations, feeding into a guide on effective collaboration for monitoring shutdowns in elections.
2. A blogpost/report Identifying the key challenges and opportunities in integrating technical data collection into election monitoring, informing the development of practical tools and resources.
Hybrid Format: To facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants, our hybrid session will prioritize engagement and inclusivity. An online moderator will actively monitor chat platforms, relay questions from online participants to the speakers, and foster dialogue between onsite and online attendees.
The session will be designed to provide an optimal experience for all participants. Onsite attendees will have access to audiovisual equipment for seamless communication with remote speakers and attendees. Online participants will engage through dedicated chat platforms, enabling real-time questions, insights, and contributions.
Complementary online tools and platforms, such as interactive polling and collaborative document sharing, will be utilized to enhance participation and interaction. These tools will empower both onsite and online attendees to actively contribute.