IGF 2025 Networking Session #93 Cyber laws and civic space: GN-GS advocacy strategies

National governments continue to enact cyber laws aimed at addressing and mitigating illegal activities in cyberspace by establishing legal standards for acceptable online behaviour and penalties for violations. While it is undeniable that, if effectively implemented, cyber laws have the potential to combat online crimes and preserve national security and public order, a closer examination reveals that many laws are vaguely defined, allowing for broad interpretations that lead to the prosecution of human rights activists, journalists, and citizens transacting in the digital space. Furthermore, these laws have enabled governments to conduct mass surveillance, undermining privacy protections and infringing on individual rights. Many cyber laws are also weaponised to suppress political opposition and civic engagement, leading to shrinking digital civic space, especially under authoritarian regimes. Given these challenges, collaboration between CSOs from the Global North and Global South is critical. The Global South brings first-hand experience of living and operating under repressive cyber laws, which provides valuable insights into navigating and resisting such environments. In turn, the Global North offers policy influence, resources, and international networks that can support Global South efforts in advocating for legal reform and fighting restrictive laws on a broader scale. This session will bring together CSOs from the Global North and Global South to explore: (a) how the Global South’s lived experiences with repressive cyber laws can inform Global North advocacy, and (b) how the Global North’s resources and policy influence can support Global South efforts in challenging these laws. The structured networking session will go beyond identifying issues and focus on empowering CSOs to collaboratively exchange tools, and develop joint approaches to counter the erosion of freedom of expression, political opposition, and civic participation.

The session will engage participants both onsite and online for an interactive hybrid discussion. Live (including online) chat discussions will ensure dynamic exchanges. It will also be complemented by online collaborative tools for note-taking, and tools as for real-time feedback (preference given to open source tools).