Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Sudan’s numerous internet disruptions coupled with contentious legislation impact heavily on freedom of expression and digital rights.

Persons with disabilities are challenged in accessing ICTs by an array of obstacles, that include the high cost of assistive technologies.

African indigenous language advocates, linguists and volunteers are pushing ahead with making digital platforms and online content more accessible in local languages.

Practices favouring the corporate sector along with weak ICT policies by governments deny millions of sub Saharan Africans from benefiting from digital advancements.

COVID-19 misinformation laws and regulations which were introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa as measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, are generally viewed by scholars and activists as serving to curtail freedom of expression.

The right to privacy is further threatened by African governments passing laws heavily restricting the use of encryption.

In its submissions on amendments to Tanzania’s Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, CIPESA expresses concerns over remaining restrictive clauses.

The Multistakeholder Manifesto on Cybercrime supported by 50 CSOs calls on states to ensure the Convention agrees to fight cybercrime in a way that upholds rights and freedoms.