Promoting and protecting democracy in the digital age - a COVID-19 response

The project seeks to improve the enjoyment of civic rights for rights-holders globally and in Belarus. This includes ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized populations including diverse groups of women can exercise their right to participate in democratic processes and public dialogue. Project activities include: (1) tracking measuring analyzing and advocating against using internet shutdowns especially in the lead-up to and during elections with support from the #KeepItOn coalition; (2) planning and promoting rights-respecting approaches that reinforce democratic practices and freedom of expression to content governance; and (3) building capacity and supporting advocacy to promote adopting and implementing robust data protection frameworks. It does so to safeguard internet users' privacy and personal data from theft manipulation and misuse.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased commitment transparency and accountability from government representatives intergovernmental bodies and courts. This ensures the civic engagement and meaningful participation of marginalized communities especially women and girls in democratic processes and public dialogue; (2) increased transparency accountability and respect for freedom of expression especially regarding issues of gender equality and marginalization from governments and private sector actors in proposing regulating or implementing content governance proposals; and (3) increased transparency accountability and commitment to data protection and privacy especially concerning non-discrimination from governments and private sector actors.