Our work on digital rights
Index on Censorship works to protect access to digital platforms, ensure digital privacy and promote freedom of expression online
The world has changed dramatically since the publication of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The publication of this landmark document came just as the world’s first computers were being built and it is no surprise that those who crafted that document did not think to include the concept of digital rights within its articles.
Since then, information technologies have disrupted all our communications and protecting digital rights as well as more fundamental human rights has become paramount.
Technology is a double-edged sword, particularly when it comes to Index on Censorship’s core focus – freedom of expression. On one hand, technology has helped silenced minorities make their voices heard to ever larger audiences. Social media has enabled the voices of protesters in Iran, Myanmar and other authoritarian countries to echo around the world. On the other, authoritarian governments have used firewalls to block access to websites while some social media platforms have even acted wilfully to promote hate speech. Online trolls have used these platforms to target oppressed groups and individuals and dox critics.
The pace of technological change means that digital rights need regular scrutiny and Index on Censorship has put itself at the heart of this, ensuring that people are free to access, create and consume digital resources and media in ways that support their privacy and their ability to express themselves freely.
Index on Censorship works closely with human rights advocates, alongside governments, technology companies and other industry bodies to do this, aiming to ensure that technology does not become a tool of the authoritarian.
Some of our major digital rights campaigns include:
- Raising awareness of the importance of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for dissidents and protesters;
- Lobbying the UK government in the drafting of the Online Safety Act;
- Working with European legislators to help shape the Digital Security Act;
- Covering digital rights regularly through our magazine and website.
To help us in our work on digital rights, please consider supporting us.
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Support Index's work on digital rights
Authoritarians around the world are silencing dissidents online. Your donation could help us amplify the voices of Afghan women who are banned by the Taliban from being heard.
Technology has helped bring down barriers to hearing and sharing different points of view. Kneejerk reactions from politicians threaten to restrict free speech. Help Index to influence policymakers and stop them from brining in draconian laws that do little to fix genuine concerns.
Index on Censorship relies on your donations to ensure dissidents in ruthless regimes can protest peacefully. Your donation, no matter how small, can help us keep these dissident voices heard.
Index on Censorship relies on your donations to ensure dissidents in ruthless regimes can protest peacefully. We appreciate any donation and yours can help us support our work on end-to-end encryption.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear and incraesingly this is being done online. Help us defend digital rights around the world.