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EMPOWERING ONLINE VOICES: A CYRILLA POLICY BRIEF ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA TABLE OF CONTENTS T Acknowledgements 2 Abstract 4 1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 5 2. An Assessment of Selected African Perspectives on the Freedom of Expression Online ................................................................................... 7 3. Emerging issues regarding the freedom of expression ...................... 9 3.1 Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) ........... 9 3.2 Social media and content regulation ............................................... 10 4. Recommendations ..................................................................................... 12 4.2 Enhancing Social Media Usage and Content Regulation ............ 12 5. Conclusion .................................................................................................... 13 3

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Empowering Online Voices: A CYRILLA Policy Brief on Freedom of Expression in Sub-Saharan Africa

Analysis

Analysis Format: Policy

Country

Keywords

Cyberbullying
Cyberstalking
Freedom of Expression
Gender
Incitement to Violence
Internet
Online Forum
Social Media

Author: The CYRILLA Collaborative through the CIPIT Data Governance Centre team: Doreen Abiero - Authour. Nelly C. Rotich - Editor.

Source: The CYRILLA Collaborative

Description: This policy brief evaluates the current state of freedom of expression in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the delicate balance between this right and regulatory measures addressing online challenges. It analyses legal frameworks in various countries, noting significant government control, surveillance, and censorship, such as Ethiopia’s stringent laws and technological surveillance and internet shutdowns in Togo and Malawi. The policy brief also addresses emerging issues like technology-facilitated gender-based violence and dis- information and calls for comprehensive legislation to combat cyberbullying and harassment while protect- ing freedoms. It discusses the impact of social media, which can both aid activism and spread misinformation, citing cas- es from Nigeria and Uganda. The policy brief advocates for proactive measures, emphasising transparency, accountability, and collaboration to ensure digital freedom and universal internet access, promoting a more equitable and democratic society.

Related Law

African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR)
Ethiopia Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation 2008
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA, 1995.

Related Caselaw

Unwanted Witness-Uganda v. Attorney General

Notes: The creation of this comprehensive policy brief on online freedom of expression in Sub-Saharan Africa was made possible thanks to the support and funding from CYRILLA. The contributions and support from numerous individuals and organisations, many of whom are associated with the CYRILLA database, have been instrumental in shaping this work. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a vital role in bringing this important endeavour to fruition. We would particularly like to appreciate the collaborative effort in drafting this policy brief, based on the inputs of the CIPIT Data Governance Centre team, including Doreen Abiero, the author, and Nelly C. Rotich, the editor. We would also like to acknowledge Gloria Muthoka, whose expertise was instrumental in designing this policy brief.

Collection

CIPIT

Date Updated: Sep 23, 2024

Date: Sep 23, 2024

Primary Documents

Empowering Online Voices- A CYRILLA Policy Brief on Freedom of Expression in Sub-Saharan Africa.pdf
English
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CYRILLA: Global Digital Rights Law

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Empowering Online Voices: A CYRILLA Policy Brief on Freedom of Expression in Sub-Saharan Africa

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