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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation
Feb 21

📢 Launch of Joint Report Series by the ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship: "Dawn of Digital Dictatorship: Weaponizing the Law Against Online Speech in Southeast Asia" 📢


We are thrilled to officially announce the release our first joint thematic report on behalf of the ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship! This launch coincides with the World Day Against Cyber Censorship on March 12, 2024.


About the Report

This report encapsulates the collaborative efforts of the coalition to document the ever-evolving digital landscape and its profound impact on diverse identities including citizens, marginalised groups, consumers, and the broader ASEAN community. It not only embodies the concept of 'glocalism,' a fusion of global and local considerations, but also advocates for an alternative form of regionalism. This approach prioritises both human rights, cultivating democracies and holding those in power accountable through conscientious lawmaking processes with an emphasis on the integration of intersectionality as guiding lens throughout the report preparation phases.


The Southeast Asian region is plagued by digital authoritarianism that poses a severe threat to fundamental human rights like freedom of speech, information, and privacy; leading to an erosion of democratic values. Governments abuse laws, policies and actions to monitor the internet and censor dissent. The complicit tech companies also collaborate in online surveillance and comply with requests for information takedowns, further reinforcing an environment of fear and self-censorship. Amongst the threats to personal safety, detentions and shrinking online civic space, the criminalisation of defamation stands out as one of the most significant threats to freedom of speech. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of intersectional feminist lens also provides cover for repressive measures, further exacerbating the situation. 


The report calls for government accountability, legislative safeguards, and tech company responsibility to counteract digital authoritarianism in Southeast Asia.


About the Launch

Don't miss the chance to delve into critical discussions on digital dictatorship, challenges, access to remedies, and better solutions!


🗓️  Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 5.30 - 7.00 PM BKK Time

📍 VENUE: SEA Junction, Suite 407-8 BACC, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama 1 Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand 10330 or join our livestream!

🔗 RSVP Link: bit.ly/RegLaunchEvent


🎤 Moderator: Debbie Stothard @debbiestot Founder and Coordinator of ALTSEAN - Burma @altseanburma 


Our panel of human rights experts includes:


⭐️ Emilie Palamy Pradichit | @palamyemilie Founder & Executive Director of @manushyafoundation

⭐️ Jean Linis-Dinco | Independent Researcher

⭐️ Hafizh Nabiyyin | @hafizhnby Head of Freedom of Expression Division @safenetvoice

⭐️ Wai Wai Nu | @waiwainu Founder & Executive Director @womenspeacenetwork

⭐️ Henry Koh I @henryk0h Executive Director of ILGA Asia @ilgaasia 

⭐️ Tanruthai “Pim” Thanrut | @tanruthai_pim of Mokeluang Rimnam @mokeluang.ig


 

Let's join forces, spark meaningful and powerful conversations, and stand united to #StopDigitalDictatorship! ✊


Powerful artwork from @ivana_kurniawati ✊ 


#WeAreManushyan ♾ Equal Human Beings


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