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:
- SofĂa 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
âś… Explore our Resource Hub
âś… 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.
đź”— Explore the full RightsCon programme here: https://www.rightscon.org/program/
đź“Ł Follow us on social media for updates throughout the event!
Recent News
Ariane Lavrilleux: Landmark Judgment for Source Protection to be Appealed by Paris Public Prosecutor
On 9 October 2025, the Paris Criminal Court dismissed the proceedings against French investigative journalist Ariane Lavrilleux in the Egypt Papers case. During the hearing, the judge also reportedly recognised the public interest of the 2021 Egypt Papers investigation, co-authored by Lavrilleux for the independent outlet Disclose. The investigation exposed a covert French intelligence operation, known as Operation Sirli, in Egypt and alleged French complicity […]
Press Freedom Advocates: Tornavoz’s Charlene Nagae on Journalism, Lawsuits and Solidarity in Brazil
In this edition of Press Freedom Advocates, Media Defence’s Communications Officer, Anoushka Schellekens, speaks with Charlene Miwa Nagae, Co-founder of Tornavoz, about the landscape, the threats, and how legal support and strategic litigation are key to ensuring this promising new wave of journalism can endure.
Arshad Sharif: 3 Years On Impunity Persists
Today marks three years since the killing of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif who was fatally shot at close range by Kenyan police at a roadblock near Nairobi. According to the authorities, police opened fire on the car Sharif was travelling in after allegedly mistaking it for a stolen vehicle they were pursuing. However, the […]