Protecting a Free and Open Internet
For more than 60 countries with shrinking civic space, the internet is the only space where civic activism, independent journalism and the free flow of ideas can occur within and across borders. Counterpart’s Internet Governance and Internet Freedom Project (IGIF) works to address policy norms which restrict space for the exercise of fundamental rights online.
IGIF builds the technical capacity of local leaders and organizations to create local solutions that will improve internet governance and freedom, initially focusing efforts in four key countries:
- Sri Lanka: Addressing online harassment and violence against women and girls
- Ukraine: Advocating for access to information and freedom of expression online
- Venezuela: Supporting local actors to monitor and measure internet shutdowns and to maintain space for independent journalism online
- Zimbabwe: Ensuring pending cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation respects fundamental rights to expression, association, and privacy