Application No. EWCS/CCJ/APP/23/21 IN THE COMMUNITY COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES BETWEEN The Registered Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) (Suing for & on behalf of concerned Nigerians) Plaintiffs -andThe Federal Republic of Nigeria Defendant —————————————————————————— AMICUS CURIAE SUBMISSION OF ACCESS NOW, ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION, AND OPEN NET ASSOCIATION —————————————————————————— I. Introduction 1. This statement is respectfully submitted by the Interveners, together with their application to intervene pursuant to Article 89(1) of this Court’s Rules of Procedure. In the event that this Court grants leave to intervene, the Interveners submit that this statement addresses the criteria set out in Article 89(5)(a)-(c) of the Rules of Procedure and invites this Court to admit this statement accordingly. 2. This case raises issues of fundamental importance regarding State interference with the right to freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, the right to access information, as well as social and economic rights in the internet age. 3. The Interveners support, but do not seek to duplicate, the Applicants’ arguments, and support the form of order sought by the Applicants. 4. The unprecedented power of the internet to enable millions freely to express opinions, and seek, impart, and receive information, is clear. However, the actions of governments around the world in recent years have shown with equal clarity that the internet has given States unprecedented power to stem the flow of opinions and information by technical means, with immediate effect and in a blanket fashion. Moreover, due to the ongoing Page 1 of 13