At What Risk to Rights and Internet Freedom? Examining Government Responses to Disinformation

Session Format: Panel Discussion

This session will turn attention to actions governments have taken in recent years to pass laws and policies that impact human rights online - particularly freedom of expression - in the name of fighting disinformation. The session will discuss the role of human rights defenders and civil society in countering these actions and calling for change. Specifically, it will look to country case studies utilising the research tool lextoa.org - such as from Uganda and Senegal and also Kenya as the DRIF 2023 host country - where such laws exist and the ways in which civil society has provided analysis, engagement (of media, policymakers, companies) and recommendations to governments on promoting policies that respect human rights. Session participants will be encouraged to ask questions of the panellists and bring their own experiences from differing national contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa to the debate. They will also be invited to contribute to ongoing research and awareness raising of this issue on lexota.org and contribute resources and new material to the site.