We are excited to be part of RightsCon 2025, taking place 24-27 February in Taipei and online. This year, we are hosting and participating in several sessions that explore surveillance, digital rights, and freedom of expression, alongside experts from across the globe.
Our Sessions at RightsCon
Taking Spyware to Court: Challenges and Opportunities of Spyware Litigation
📅 Tuesday 25th February | ⏰ 10:15 | 📍 Room 101 C
Spyware is increasingly being used against journalists and human rights defenders. This session will explore the legal strategies being employed to hold perpetrators accountable.
🔹 Speakers:
- Hinako Sugiyama (UC Irvine School of Law)
- Natalia Krapiva (Access Now)
- Prasanth Sugathan (Software Freedom Law Center, India)
- Stephanie Krent (Knight First Amendment Institute, Columbia University)
🛡️ Moderated by: Pádraig Hughes, Legal Director, Media Defence
“It’s Blocked!” Use of Social Media and Freedom of Expression by Public Officials
📅 Wednesday 26th February | ⏰ 21:30 | 🌍 Online
Public officials increasingly use social media to communicate with citizens, but what happens when they block journalists or critical voices? This panel explores the legal and democratic implications of these practices.
🔹 Speakers:
- Sofía Jaramillo Otoya (RFK Human Rights)
- Emmanuel Vargas Penagos (El Veinte ONG)
- Leticia Kleim (Abraji)
- Carlos Gaio (Media Defence)
🛡️ Moderated by: Luisa Fernanda Isaza-Ibarra (FLIP)
Empowering Defenders: A Resource Hub for Lawyers and Civil Society
📅 Wednesday 26th February | ⏰ 10:15 | 📍 South Lobby
At this session, we will introduce our updated Resource Hub, which includes new legal modules in five languages, tailored to support lawyers and civil society groups worldwide in defending freedom of expression.
🔹 Presented by: Anoushka Schellekens, Media Defence
Emerging Trends in Data Protection, Privacy, and Surveillance Across Africa
📅 Wednesday 26th February | ⏰ 19:00 | 🌍 Online
A panel discussion exploring the evolving landscape of digital rights across Africa, including the latest legal and policy developments in data protection and privacy.
🔹 Speakers:
- Louis Gitinywa, Legal Expert, Media Defence
- And more speakers to be announced!
Find Us at the Community Village
📅 Tuesday 25th February | ⏰ 9:00 – 17:30 | 📍 Community Village Booth
Visit our booth to:
✅ Learn more about Media Defence’s work
✅ Explore our Resource Hub
✅ Connect with our team and discuss legal support for digital rights
Whether you’re attending in Taipei or online, we invite you to join us for these conversations. If you are attending don’t hesitate to reach out we would love to chat!
You can reach out to us at communications@mediadefence.org or on our social media.
🔗 Explore the full RightsCon programme here: https://www.rightscon.org/program/
📣 Follow us on social media for updates throughout the event!
