At RightsCon in Taipei, over 3,200 passionate activists and policymakers gathered, drawn together by the urgent climate facing digital rights today. This gathering was marked by a palpable sense of urgency, accelerated by the striking budget cuts to USAID, which has historically supported essential digital rights initiatives worldwide. The alarming reduction in funding, over 90% due to the Trump administration, threatens the very fabric of civil rights advocacy amid rising authoritarian tendencies, as echoed in RightsCon Director Nikki Gladstone’s stark observation of global democratic backsliding.
The event exposed not only the funding crisis but the broader implications of the US government’s retreat from advocating for a free internet. Global speakers warned about how such policies are being weaponised by oppressive regimes. For instance, Serbian officials cited US actions to justify raids on local civil societies, invoking American narratives to add credibility to their oppressive maneuvers. Activist Ashnah Kalemera lamented that false narratives from the US embolden those who stifle dissent in their nations.
Moreover, the shrinking engagement of tech platforms with local communities exacerbates issues of online hate and misinformation. Experts like Sadaf Wani noted alarming trends in countries like India, where users are emboldened by the behaviour of leaders like Trump. Additionally, strategies to tackle hate speech falter as automated moderators inadequately manage non-English contexts, further escalating societal tensions.
As discussions unfolded, so did the stark reality that the US can no longer be relied upon to support those defending digital rights under threat. The absence of a protective figure creates a moral vacuum. Yet, amidst the uncertainties, there was a spirit of solidarity at RightsCon. Attendees recognised the necessity of cultivating local resilience and adapting the conversation around power structures within technology.
Collectively, the voices at RightsCon pushed for innovative strategies to reclaim online spaces marked by sincerity and accountability. As the conference concluded, it left a lingering message of hope: the need to seek out smaller platforms aligned with shared values and to forge community-driven technological solutions that uphold human dignity. In navigating these turbulent waters, the gathering illuminated both the challenges ahead and the potential pathways toward a more inclusive technological landscape.
RightsCon 2023 in Taipei highlighted the urgent threats to digital rights resulting from the US government’s retreat from advocacy. With over 90% budget cuts to USAID, a vital supporter of digital rights, activists grappled with the wave of weaponised policies influenced by the Trump administration, impacting civil society globally. However, amid despair, the spirit of solidarity and innovative strategies emerged, focusing on community-driven tech solutions to counteract oppressive dynamics.
In conclusion, the 2023 RightsCon in Taipei illuminated the grave implications of the US’s withdrawal from supporting digital rights, revealing its ripple effects globally. With funding cuts and the exploitation of US narratives by repressive regimes, activists face formidable challenges. Yet, amidst the turmoil, messages of solidarity and community resilience emerged, emphasising the potential for localised solutions and the urgent need to rethink power dynamics in technology. The conference painted a compelling picture of both present struggles and hopeful avenues for advocacy, unity, and a renewed commitment to uphold digital rights.
Original Source: www.technologyreview.com
