Session
Software Freedom Law Center, India
Syed Mohammad Haroon, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Moderator) Pranay Dixit, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker] Nilay Shah, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker]
Syed Mohammad Haroon, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Moderator) Pranay Dixit, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker] Nilay Shah, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker]
Organization's Website
Speakers
Syed Mohammad Haroon, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Moderator)
Pranay Dixit, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker]
Nilay Shah, Software Freedom Law Center, India, Civil Society, India (Asia-Pacific) [Speaker]
Onsite Moderator
Syed Mohammad Haroon
Rapporteur
Nilay Shah
SDGs
9.c
10.3
16.10
Targets: SDG 16.10: We aim to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. SDG 9.c: We strive to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and provide universal and affordable internet access in least developed countries. SDG 10.3: We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and promoting inclusive legislation and actions.
10.3
16.10
Targets: SDG 16.10: We aim to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. SDG 9.c: We strive to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and provide universal and affordable internet access in least developed countries. SDG 10.3: We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and promoting inclusive legislation and actions.
Format
Lighting Talk
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
This Lightning Talk will delve into the disturbing escalation of internet shutdowns and content censorship across the Asia-Pacific region, often employed as tools of control by authoritarian regimes and far-right governments. The session will share poignant stories from communities directly impacted by these shutdowns—from Kashmir's prolonged digital blackout, to Pakistan's social media restrictions during political unrest, to Iran's strategic online isolation during protests.
The session will also highlight the work of the Software Freedom Law Center, India (SFLC.in), which has been at the forefront of tracking and advocating against internet shutdowns through its platform, internetshutdowns.in. This initiative provides vital data, legal analysis, and advocacy resources to challenge arbitrary and disproportionate restrictions on internet access.
By combining personal narratives with a broader analysis of legal and policy trends, the session will spotlight the profound human rights violations stemming from these shutdowns. The discussion will also cover the complex interplay of technology, governance, and advocacy efforts to challenge and mitigate these digital crackdowns.
Participants will gain insights into both the regional patterns and global implications of these practices, encouraging a collaborative approach to safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information. Relevant resources and background materials will be provided to deepen understanding and inspire continued dialogue.
The session will feature an interactive Q&A to encourage engagement and ensure diverse perspectives are represented. Although designed as an in-person Lightning Talk, we will explore ways to engage online audiences post-event through collaborative platforms and social media discussions to ensure wider dissemination of insights.
The session will feature an interactive Q&A to encourage engagement and ensure diverse perspectives are represented. Although designed as an in-person Lightning Talk, we will explore ways to engage online audiences post-event through collaborative platforms and social media discussions to ensure wider dissemination of insights.