PRESS RELEASE
Background
Local communities continue to experience the power of digital connectivity. As a result, freedom to access and share information has greatly been enhanced. However, concerns abound around potentially harmful content propelled by emerging technologies such as hate speech, disinformation and misinformation are not new. Social media platforms and governments have employed content moderation practices and laws respectively in an effort to regulate vast amounts of content generated online and in compliance with set out international human rights standards. It is noteworthy that UNESCO has recently published the Guidelines for Digital Platforms[1] and it is leading global engagements on the Draft Code of Ethics for the Information Society[2] which addresses the freedom of expression challenges posed by content moderation.
Communication and Technology innovations as well as systems are moving forward rapidly so much so that persons with disabilities are being excluded from the whole digital era evolution due to the lack of integration of assistive technology. At the same time, it is alarming that persons with disabilities risk being excluded by new information communication technologies. Assistive technologies, ICTs accessibility standards and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the digital world are some of the issues being overlooked despite having the relevant legislative frameworks that ensure and promote a barrier-free technological environment thus exacerbating the digital divide. Kenya ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa[3] and became the first country in Africa to enact ICT Accessibility Standards.[4] But the fight for inclusive technologies should not stop there. Opportunities exist for more advocacy for disability mainstreaming in technology innovation[5] especially now that digitalization is taking root in critical government service delivery.
Call to action
In order to reap the digital dividends and other internet’s limitless possibilities, local communities should be empowered to identify and tackle potentially harmful content. At the same time, digital technologies must be designed with persons with disabilities in mind. Recognizing the potential dangers of online hate speech and disinformation, UNESCO and ARTICLE 19, launched the Social Media 4 Peace. This EU-funded initiative targets post-conflict countries to build resilience against potentially harmful online content. The project focuses on promoting peace through digital technologies, particularly social media, by establishing multistakeholder coalitions. In Kenya, the National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation (hereinafter “FeCoMo) was established to bring together tech stakeholders, academia, government, think tanks and civil society organizations to foster collaboration in addressing online harmful content, particularly disinformation and hate speech while safeguarding freedom of expression.
However, there exist knowledge gaps at FeCoMo. Therefore, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities with the support of UNESCO will be holding a 2-and-a-half-day workshop on Disability Mainstreaming, Content Moderation and Freedom of Expression. Following the training, participants will be empowered to;
- Strengthen the capacities of FeCoMo members with appropriate skills and knowledge to ensure the application of the basic principles of disability mainstreaming in exercising their duties.
- Actively participate in the development of strategies, policies, activities, and advocacy campaigns aimed towards content moderation in relation to Disability.
- Advocate for a human right-centered approach to content moderation,
- Understand the roles and human rights responsibilities of social media companies, to uphold freedom of expression while mitigating the spread of harmful content and ensure adherence to international human rights standards.
[1] https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000387339
[2] https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000187196
[3] https://www.socialprotection.go.ke/dsd-achievements
[4] https://dig.watch/updates/accessibility-for-ict-products-and-services-for-persons-with-disabilities-standard-launched-in-kenya
[5] https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/123481461249337484-0050022016/original/WDR16BPBridgingtheDisabilityDividethroughDigitalTechnologyRAJA.pdf
