The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is pleased to announce that the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) and InternetBolivia.org Foundation have joined GNI as members of our NGO constituency.
“We look forward to welcoming SAFEnet and InternetBolivia,” said GNI’s Executive Director Jason Pielemeier. “Both have been doing important work at the nexus between democracy, human rights, and technology, demonstrating great effectiveness in challenging contexts.”
SAFEnet is an Indonesia-based organization, established in 2013 at a time of increasing criminalisation of online expression in Southeast Asia. Their vision is to realize a digital space that upholds human rights values for all, which they approach through policy advocacy, support for victims of digital rights violations, solidarity and capacity building for civil society on digital rights. SAFEnet has 40 members in more than 20 cities across Indonesia, as well as networks with civil society organisations in Southeast Asia and internationally. 
Nenden Sekar Arum, the Executive Director of SAFEnet, said, “We hope that by joining GNI, we can enhance our power in influencing policies and digital platforms accountability to ensure a free, safe, and inclusive digital space.”
InternetBolivia.org Foundation was established in April 2018, and their mission is to contribute to digital inclusion, the critical use of technology from a human rights perspective and sustainable development in Bolivia through research, dialogue and promotion of public policies. 
“Bolivia had a recent political crisis in which disinformation helped erode the credibility of several of its democratic institutions. In this context, the rights to freedom of expression and participation have been affected,” noted Cristian León, Executive Director and Founder InternetBolivia.org Foundation. “With initial support from GNI, we had the opportunity to generate research on the effects of disinformation and better prepare for Bolivia’s upcoming electoral processes. We are happy to confirm our membership in GNI because we will be able to continue that work and strengthen it by learning from other global organisations, discussing and advocating for action against phenomena that affect our digital rights.”