Welcome to the fourth monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks.
APC is looking for evaluation consultant/s to develop a proposal and conduct a comprehensive mid-term evaluation of the implementation of APC's 2016-2019 strategic plan. Deadline for applications is 13 April 2018.
APC’s subgranting programme, now in its third year, has so far awarded a total of USD 291,534 to support its members in achieving APC’s vision. Sixteen member organisations have been recipients of 17 grants. The call for campaign and research grants is still open.
Local Access Networks: Can the unconnected connect themselves?
This project aims to address the following questions: Are local access infrastructure models a viable alternative to connecting the unconnected, and if so, what are the circumstances that make them successful? What are the benefits to the local community in terms of well-being, gender equity and social or economic development where connectivity infrastructure is locally owned?
African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG)
AfriSIG, an initiative co-organised by APC and NEPAD, is a multistakeholder training initiative that aims to give Africans from diverse sectors and stakeholder groups the opportunity to gain knowledge and confidence to participate effectively in internet governance processes and debates.
Building EROTICS Networks in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Building on a strong pre-existing coalition, this project will strengthen the participation of an already participating country (India, with active network member Point of View), and bring in new actors from two new countries: Sri Lanka, with Women and Media Collective, and Nepal, with LOOM.
Global Information Society Watch
Global Information Society Watch (GISWatch) is an annual report co-produced by the APC network and partners, which looks at the progress being made in creating an inclusive information society worldwide (particularly in implementing WSIS goals), encourages critical debate, and strengthens networking and advocacy for a just, inclusive information society.
There are several ways that feminists can make social media work for activism. This kind of activism can help thrust womxn’s rights to the forefront of political agendas, but I acknowledge that it doesn’t always result in policy change or practical action. However, this doesn't mean that social media activism doesn't have its benefits.
In the past, US pundits have raised red flags over a quadrennial ITU conference they fear could lead to a "UN take over of the internet." The next ITU plenipotentiary conference takes place in the fall of 2018. Here's what to expect.
Last week I participated in / facilitated a workshop on Africa’s research priorities for the Information Society. What follows are some thoughts arising.
Columns
Inside the Information Society
David Souter writes a weekly column for APC, looking at different aspects of the information society, development and rights. David’s pieces take a fresh look at many of the issues that concern APC and its members, with the aim of provoking discussion and debate. Issues covered include internet governance and sustainable development, human rights and the environment, policy, practice and the use of ICTs by individuals and communities.
The internet of memory: Stories from the APC community
What were information and communication technologies like in the 1980s and 1990s? What are the stories of the genesis and evolution of non-profit computer networks working for social change? Twice a month, this section will take a historical look at the APC community's journey of internet activism and make links to where we are now. Join Jennifer Radloff in this retrospective trip exploring the connections between the past and the present.
The primary objective of AfriSIG is to give Africans from multiple sectors and stakeholder groups the opportunity to gain knowledge and build the confidence that will enable them to participate effectively in internet governance processes and debates. This study covers the first four Schools.
We would like to see the IGF focus on the internet in relation to poverty and discrimination. Access is growing, but to ensure that it is inclusive we need to focus on those people who are still left behind.
More than 10 years after the realisation of WSIS, open, affordable and free internet access remains a critical challenge. There is growing concern about the significant digital divides that still exist, such as those between and within countries and between women and men.
What worked well? What did not work so well? What are our suggestions for improvements in 2018? Read APC's submission to the IGF Community Public Consultation: Taking stock of the 2017 work programme and 12th IGF and suggestions for the 13th IGF.
We welcome this topic because it is current and integral to our work. On the one hand there is a lot of “noise” in the mainstream media about so-called “fake news” and what appears to be a fairly rushed response from platforms consisting of increasing in-house regulation of content. On th...
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and 7amleh - The Arab Centre for Social Media Advancement submit this statement ahead of the Human Rights Council 37th session to express our grave concern regarding the crackdown on freedom of expression and infringements on privacy online for...
APC welcomes the opportunity to engage in this dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy. We commend his report's gendered approach to privacy and surveillance and the recognition that violations to privacy form part of online gender-based violence.
This paper by Digital Empowerment Foundation documents on-the-ground stories and experiences in India to build a strong and effective case against network shutdowns, with a specific focus on the social and psychological impacts.
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