RightsCon Tunis 2019

This session aims to evaluate the state of internet freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa. How netizens are being denied the right to free speech or forced into silence. This will be achieved by straddling both research and practice in our discussion. Hence the main goal of this session is summarised below: 1. To discuss research conducted by DefendDefenders in collaboration with OONI, "Uganda's Social Media Tax through the lens of network measurements” and a creative campaign by Pollicy on perceptions and behaviours by Ugandan citizens to the social media tax passed in July 2018. To carry on the conversation on how to collaboratively create long-term solutions to rampant repressive policies curbing internet freedom across African countries. 2.Share experiences from countries where internet is taxed so as to obtain a clear picture on their impact to internet penetration. Leverage and explore potential frameworks, advocacy strategies that can be taken by stakeholders to revoke and influence change in current policies. Usage of current evidence from monitoring the incidents of violation of digital rights as a means to advocate for policies that protect the online community such as data protection and digital right with proof, way forward and action plans.