Accessibility
What does this look like in a democracy?
All members of a society should be able to learn about, access, and use the internet. To ensure equal opportunity for participation, key public and private internet stakeholders identify and address existing inequalities in accessibility, particularly among women and other marginalized populations.
Freedom of Assembly and Association
What does this look like in a democracy?
The internet is an important platform for political organizing where citizens can collaborate to advance democratic goals. Citizens are able to peacefully associate with others on the internet. The internet provides an open space for individuals to exercise their democratic rights and advocate for the rights of others.
Freedom of Expression
What does this look like in a democracy?
The internet is a space for robust public debate where all people, regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class, can freely express their views, including dissenting opinions on policies, procedures, and/or public figures. Internet users should be able to debate any subject online without undue interference, illegal surveillance, or fear of retribution.
Open Internet for Democracy Advocacy Playbook
The Open Internet for Democracy Advocacy Playbook serves as a companion piece to the Democratic Principles for an Open Internet, which is a framework for understanding what principles must be upheld in order for the internet to foster democracy.
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIGHLIGHTED VENEZUELA’S DROP IN INTERNET PENETRATION
What happens during a national health emergency when citizens don’t have access to the internet? People in Venezuela are finding out as the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified government failures to expand access to the internet, which is often the only channel to get independent and accurate reporting.