IGF 2024 Open Forum #58 Safety of journalists online

2024 is a global “super-election year”, with around 49% of the people in the world being called to vote in around 64 countries. In any democratic society, a free press serves as a crucial check on power, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the dissemination of accurate information. They provide the public with reporting, investigative journalism, and fact-checking, offering voters the information they need to make informed decisions. Their presence helps to deter electoral fraud and ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. At the same time, online harassment, threats, surveillance, censorship, internet shutdowns and cyberattacks against journalists and media organizations have become disturbingly common occurrence. In the context of this super-election year Switzerland would like to organize an Open Forum to shed light on the safety of journalists online. During this Open Forum, we aim to underline the different issues surrounding the safety of journalists online and look at potential solutions to address them. We will also look at how we can collectively promote and improve the safety of journalists online. By examining the intersections of technology, policy, and human rights, we aspire to identify concrete actions and collaborative initiatives that can empower journalists and media organizations to navigate the digital landscape securely and effectively. Switzerland would also take the opportunity to present its National Action Plan (NAP) for the safety of media professionals. The National Action Plan was published on 3 May 2023, on International Press Freedom Day and aims to put the issue of the ‘safety of journalists’ on the public agenda. It aims to raise awareness in society and among politicians of the various challenges facing journalists and of the fundamental importance of the media as part of an effective democracy in Switzerland. In close cooperation with the media sector, OFCOM (the Federal Office of Communications) has drawn up nine specific measures in the areas of awareness-raising and prevention, protection and support in cases of violence and threats, and also monitoring the legal framework. It is critical that we come together to defend the principles of freedom of expression, independent journalism, and access to information. This Open Forum is aiming to amplify voices, share knowledge, and catalyze collective action towards a future where media freedom thrives in the digital age. We invite all stakeholders to join us and participate in this meaningful dialogue guided by our policy questions to contribute to shaping a more transparent, accountable, and democratic media landscape.

To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we plan to employ a multifaceted approach. This will involve live streaming sessions for virtual participants, enabling them to ask questions and contribute to discussions in real-time. Additionally, dedicated moderators will ensure that both online and onsite audiences have equal opportunities to engage and participate. In designing the session, our focus will be on creating the best possible experience for all participants, regardless of their physical location.