Bread&Net 2019 خبز ونت

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Google wield immense control over the information we see online. With rising pressure from governments; and increasing reliance on algorithms – social media platforms are silencing millions of activists and marginalised groups across the world with content takedowns and account blockings.

In this workshop, we will have an opportunity to present stories from online users whose content has been taken down or accounts suspended. We will be sharing a vision for a global campaign, that is safeguarding freedom of expression online. The campaign is collecting evidence and mobilizing free speech advocates that will lobby the platforms to respect due process guarantees and create clear and transparent mechanisms to enforce such guarantees. We will be asking in a workshop setting the following questions that will help us shape our campaign plan in MENA.

● How content takedown and account deactivation is affecting activism?
● What is the scale of the problem and its impact on free speech?
● What is the role of authorities for content takedown on social media platforms?
● What can be done to improve accountability and transparency online?
● What can the campaign do to amplify voices of those seeking change?