In 2020, GNI released “Content Regulation and Human Rights: Analysis and Recommendations,” a policy brief that analyzes more than 20 governmental initiatives that claim to address various forms of digital harm.
This report is the result of months of multistakeholder analysis by GNI’s diverse, expert membership — which includes leading civil society organizations, tech and telecommunications companies, investors, and academics — as well as six virtual consultations with government actors and other key stakeholders in Africa, the EU, India, Pakistan, and the UK.
The brief offers practical guidance for governments and other stakeholders on how to formulate and implement content regulations that are effective, fit-for-purpose, and enhance and protect the rights to freedom of expression and privacy. The Policy Brief has since served as a blueprint for GNI’s learning and advocacy on emerging global regulations and challenges in the technology sector.
“There is growing consensus on the need to address legitimate concerns about digital content and conduct. It is critical, however, that governments are deliberative and flexible in their approaches, otherwise, we risk enabling more restrictive models of content regulation,” said David Kaye, former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and GNI’s former Independent Board Chair. “This carefully thought out and constructive paper is a must read for government officials and other actors working to address these issues in a rights-respecting manner.”
Read the full version of the Content Regulation & Human Rights Policy Brief.