The Global Network Initiative (GNI), a multistakeholder organization working to safeguard and advance freedom of expression and privacy in the technology sector, expresses concern about the human rights implications of the proposed ASEAN Guidelines on the Governance of Digital Platforms (“Guidelines”). The Guidelines represent a significant step for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the potential to shape not only how people in the region exercise their rights to freedom of opinion and expression and privacy, but also the future development of ASEAN’s digital economy. Consistent with UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, GNI encourages the ASEAN Secretariat to extend the consultation period, publish the draft for open public comment, and establish a transparent process that enables meaningful multistakeholder participation throughout the development of the Guidelines.
GNI has closely monitored developments across Southeast Asia’s technology and human rights landscape and has repeatedly raised concerns regarding data protection, online safety, intermediary liability, and content regulation frameworks, including in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and elsewhere in the region. With the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime (UNCC) in October, risks to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information have increased. These developments will directly affect how global technology companies operate in the region.
GNI encourages the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Member States to take a human rights-based approach and:
GNI also encourages UNESCO, the European Commission, and other international organizations and governments to support ASEAN and its member states to achieve these outcomes. GNI remains available to support ASEAN and others in their efforts to develop rights-respecting and effective guidelines that contribute to a safe, open, and inclusive digital environment across the region.
About the Global Network Initiative (GNI)
GNI is the leading multistakeholder forum for accountability, shared learning, and collective advocacy on government and company policies and practices at the intersection of technology and human rights. Bringing together over 110 academics, civil society organizations, tech companies, and investors from around the world, GNI helps set a global standard for responsible company decision-making to foster transparency and accountability, as well as promote and advance freedom of expression and privacy rights across the technology ecosystem. For more than 17 years, GNI has monitored and engaged on regulatory and policy developments across its priority areas, including network disruptions, intermediary liability and content regulation, privacy and surveillance, data, information, and network governance, and artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With the help of a diverse and expert membership, GNI has developed a variety of tools and resources to support governments, civil society actors, tech companies, academics, and investors in navigating and responding to the complexities of the technology ecosystem.