Freedom of expression
An overview of the multi-faceted right to freedom of expression and how it is protected under international law.
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Each theme contains useful resources for lawyers on freedom of expression, click below to get started.
Digital rights
Understanding digital rights is crucial to protecting human rights, as little of our lives today is immune from the forces of technology and the internet.
Restricting Internet access & online content
An overview of the ways in which access to the internet and online content are restricted around the world.
Defamation & reputation
An overview of freedom of expression issues in the law, including how defamation is treated in domestic and international law.
Privacy, security & data protection
An overview of the right to privacy, data protection, and protecting freedom of expression in a digital world.
Cybercrimes
Describes the different types of cybercrimes, tracks the trends, and evaluates how cybercrimes are dealt with in international law.
Hate speech
An overview of hate speech and how it is dealt with both under domestic and international law.
Censorship by private actors
An overview of the ways in which access to content and freedom of expression online are restricted by private actors.
False news, misinformation & propaganda
An overview of false news, misinformation and propaganda, including causes and potential solutions..
Litigating freedom of expression
An overview of the various rights and concepts which encompass digital rights.
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Digital rights
The term ‘digital rights’ speaks to questions around how the same rights that have always been fundamental to all humans — such as freedom of expression, privacy and access to information — are exercised and protected in the era of the internet, social media and technology.
View this themeThe Case of São Paulo SubwWT: MDay Facial Recognition Cameras (2021)
A Civil Court in São Paulo, Brazil held that the use of facial recognition technology on a subway line was an infringement of the right to privacy of one’s image and to the freedom of information.
Burundi Journalists’ Union v Attorney General of the Republic of Burundi (2013)
Following a challenge brought by Burundi Journalists Union, the East African Court of Justice confirmed that parts of Burundi’s Press Law placed an impermissible restriction on journalists by prohibiting them from distributing certain types of information.
Module de synthèse 2 : Introduction aux droits numériques (Afrique subsaharienne)
Les droits numériques (qui comprennent le droit à la liberté d’expression, à la vie privée et à l’accès à l’information) sont les mêmes droits fondamentaux de l’homme que ceux dont on jouit hors ligne, mais adaptés à une nouvelle ère technologique.
Kharitonov v Russia (2020)
The European Court of Human Rights held that the blocking of a website as a consequence of a blocking order against another website which had the same IP address was a violation of the right to freedom of expression and information.
Nkosi v Mazwai (2022)
The South Gauteng High Court of South Africa held that statements made online alleging sexual violence committed by a well-known DJ were defamatory.
Partners: How Human Rights Platform Has Used Strategic Litigation to Defend Press Freedom in Ukraine
Economic Freedom Fighters v Manuel (2020)
In an appeal of the 2019 High Court judgment, the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa ruled that the EFF had defamed a former politician but found that the High Court had incorrectly quantified the damages to be awarded.
Burundi Journalists Union v The Attorney-General of the Republic of Burundi (2015)
The East African Court of Justice found that a Burundian law that restricted disseminating information that may be seen to be critical of the state, and forced journalists to reveal their sources was a violation of the EAC Treaty.
Mapping Digital Rights and Online Freedom of Expression Litigation in East, West and Southern Africa (2021)
The report begins with an overview of the digital rights landscape and an introduction to the research methodology, before delving into recent developments in seven themes of particular relevance at present — (i) defamation; (ii) national security, counter-terrorism and public order laws; (iii) laws restricting online content and access; (iv) internet shutdowns; (v) cybercrime legislation; (vi) media regulation and newsgathering activities; and (vii) data protection.