Session
Organizer 1: Syed Mohammad Haroon Haroon, Software Freedom Law Center, India
Speaker 1: Prasanth Sugathan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Arjun Adrian DSouza, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Radhika Jhalani, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Syed Mohammad Haroon Haroon, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Radhika Jhalani, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Pranay Dixit, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: This format fosters a dynamic and engaging conversation perfect for a complex topic like censorship. With various experts at the table, you can explore the issue from multiple perspectives, offering a well-rounded discussion within the time limit. The interactive nature of the round table allows for back-and-forth dialogue, ensuring a deeper dive into specific aspects of the topic. This audience participation can also generate thought-provoking questions and lead to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and potential solutions surrounding digital censorship and its impact on democracy.
A. How are terms such as national security, sovereignty, law and order, and friendly relations with other state judged by a government?
B. What are the possible ways in which the balance between Freedom of Speech and Reasonable Restriction can be construed?
C. In the era where content is being generated at such a fast pace, are the conventional redressal mechanism enough?
What will participants gain from attending this session? The session will explore the threat and impact of content blocking and internet shutdowns along the lines of curtailing freedom of speech in a democratic process with highlights on the general Elections up ahead in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Iran, where authorities have frequently used the kill switch. It will also explore themes of digital inclusion and how digital censoring furthers the digital divide. By fostering a multi-stakeholder dialogue on this critical issue, this panel session will aim to raise awareness, identify solutions, and work towards a future where internet access remains uninterrupted and fundamental rights are upheld across the Asia Pacific
Description:
SFLC.in intends to host a session on the usage of censorship tools which were developed to ensure that public law and order situation are not flouted with just on the expense of freedom of speech and expression. Such tools have lately been in a paradoxical state, where they are used as a state machinery to curb dissent and are slowly transforming democratic states into an autocracy. The session, Digital Censoring Tools and Democracy aims to come up with important safeguards and check that a government must follow before using such tools.
The session intends to conclude with a white paper from the round table and attendee discussions which shall act as a Policy Guide for the participants to use in advocating for better rules on Digital Censoring.
Hybrid Format: To create a seamless experience for both in-person and online audiences, we'll leverage a combination of tools and strategies.
Interactive features within the chosen online platform will allow onsite speakers and attendees to virtually connect with their remote counterparts. For instance, live polls and Q&A sessions can gather real-time input from both groups. The session will be designed with a balanced format, incorporating pre-recorded segments from online speakers alongside live discussions with onsite participants. This ensures everyone has a chance to contribute and participate actively. Additionally, complementary online tools like collaborative whiteboards or shared documents can foster real-time brainstorming and interaction between all participants, regardless of location.