RightsCon Southeast Asia closed after another jam-packed day of events and demos of exciting tech tools. More than 500 participants joined together to learn, to contribute, and to promote digital rights and protect users at risk.
Highlights included a spirited talk by Richard Stallman, head of the Free Software Foundation; new developments on privacy and surveillance at the UN with Special Rapporteur David Kaye; the launch of a new card game by Dakila that matches tech tools to human rights needs; a talk on sexual speech and free expression; a boisterous session on creating new hashtags and visual advocacy campaigns; the release of new human rights documentation software in Martus 5.1; government contracting and transparency; and numerous presentations about the unique pressures and opportunities for digital rights in the Southeast Asia region.
During the closing session, Access’ Excecutive Director Brett Solomon spotlighted a sampling of the outcomes that came out of the conference:
- the Manila Principles on Intermediary Liability;
- the Philippine Declaration on Internet Rights and Responsibilities;
- a new global initiative to fight data retention laws;
- and the release of a new implementation guide for the Necessary and Proportionate Principles.
But of course there was so much more, from private “listening sessions” with donors to friendly conversations that may one day germinate into the next victory for human rights.
For now, it’s time to celebrate the incredible hard work and commitment of everyone involved. You can catch key moments of the conference, including unedited videos of sessions, at RightsCon.org/live.
We hope to see you in March 2016 in Silicon Valley!