Unveiling the Future of Digital Rights in SADC: Challenges, Efforts, and Trends
Explore the current landscape of digital rights in the SADC region, focusing on challenges such as surveillance and privacy infringements, efforts to protect digital rights through legal frameworks and collaboration, and emerging trends like Artificial Intelligence and the AfCFTA. Engage with experts, innovative dialogues, and strategic foresight to shape a rights-centered digital future in SADC.
Uploaded on | 0 Views
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Futures of Digital Rights in SADC Launch Event Wednesday, 02 October 2024
Introduction to Digital Rights in SADC Towards a rights-centered digital economy SADC s Digital Tranformation SADC countries are rapidly advancing their digital infrastructure to mordenize economies and service delivery. Human Rights Concerns The focus on economic growth often overshadows essential digital rights such as privacy and freedom of expression. Need for Digital Rights Protection As digital technologies expand, there is a n urgent need to ensure that human rights are integrated into digital policies.
Challenges to Digital Rights in SADC Surveillance, Shutdowns, and Privacy Infringements Government Surveillance Internet Shutdowns Data Explorations Governments in the region frequently use biometric data and digital technologies for surveillance, compromising citizens privacy. State-ordered internet disruptions during political unrest or elections limit freedom of speech and access to information. Biometric SIM registration and unregulated data practices put citizens personal information at risk of misuse.
Efforts to Protect Digital Rights Legal Frameworks and Regional Cooperation SADC Model Laws SADC has developed model laws on data protection, e-commerce, and cybercrime to safeguard digital rights. Regional Collaboration Collaborative initiatives such as HIPSSA aim to harmonize ICT policies across SADC member states. AU & Malabo Convention The African Union s Malabo convention focuses on cybersecurity and personal data protection, contributing to regional frameworks.
Emerging Digital Trends in SADC Artificial Intelligence, Data Justice and the AfCFTA Artificial Intelligence AI technologies are becoming integral to public services but raise concerns about data protection and privacy. Data Justice New frameworks are being proposed to ensure that data handling practices are fair and inclusive. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) The AfCFTA opens new opportunities for digital trade but may also expose digital rights to new threats.
The Futures of Digital Rights: Engagements with Experts Transformative Dialogues and Strategic Foresight Stakeholder Engagement: Experts engaged through strategic foresight methods like the Three Horizons Framework to imagine future digital rights landscapes. Collaborative Innovation: Innovative ideas were mapped to address outdated systems and create inclusive, rights-respecting futures for SADC. Transformative Visions: Long-term strategies focused on regulatory frameworks, digital inclusion, and the protection of marginalised communities
Policy Recommendations for Digital Rights in SADC Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Adoption of Regional Strategies Digital Literacy & Awareness Regulatory Oversight SADC Member states should adopt a common approach to digital Rights protection, focusing on new rights such as internet access. Creating regulatory bodies to oversee AI and Digital rights to ensure compliance and protection against misuse Initiatives to improve digital literacy and awareness on data rights and cybersecurity need to be implemented across the region
