A few months ago, a small group got together to discuss what can be done to improve the visibility of human rights related technology challenges that were faced by our friends and colleagues living in the ‘majority world’. We wanted to share our ideas and plans.
The Problem
Digital technologies are useful to human rights defenders (HRDs) all over the world, with many local activists and local organisations using these technologies to address local challenges. However, much of these ‘technologies for good’, including big-tech’s digital platforms, are being designed and deployed from ‘ivory towers’ with a ‘one-solution’ ‘one-world’ mindset, and without much consideration to the features – both for impact and for security – that would truly benefit HRD communities around the world. HRD communities also require specific, bespoke technology solutions and features, and their voices and requirements are rarely heard by those who drive the global tech4good and digital rights wagons.
Purpose of the Human Rights Tech Review (version 1):
The underlying purpose of the HRTR is to amplify the issues and requirements in relation to digital technologies and platforms from HRDs in the majority world (sometimes referred to as the ‘global south’).
We will use our networks to gather and collate these issues and share them with specific individuals, organisations or publicly, depending on the requirement.
We will also be a conduit through which tech solution designers and developers can solicit on-ground feedback on features and usability.
How the HRTR will work
The members of the HRTR will form a working group – using their own resources and networks to gather the issues from their local communities, and collaborate within the working group to strategize the best way to amplify and present these issues.
This first version of the HRTR will be voluntary – however we will endeavour to develop a business model and revenue sources to ensure its effectiveness is maximised and its ongoing efforts are sustained.
Who can join
The membership of HRTR will initially be limited to individuals who have a demonstrated track record of working in the tech and human rights space, have strong personal networks to local communities and to the tech sector, and are committed to driving change.
In order to maximise trust levels, potential members will have to be vouched for by at least one or ideally two existing members.
The reason why we have chosen to only have individuals as members is to limit the possibilities of HRTR being influenced by organisational agendas. Individuals working for organisations can join, if they meet the above criteria, however, they will be representing themselves only.
We ‘we’ are