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The internet is the most disruptive modern technology of our time. It provides us access to all kinds of information and creates spaces where we can freely come together no matter the physical boundaries. Our online identity and what we do on the internet is without a doubt an extension of who we are. And in this era of physical distancing, we especially rely on online platforms to connect with one another.
But the internet can also be used as a tool to violate our basic human rights, which extend to the online space. Surveillance violates our right to privacy. Online censorship stifles freedom of speech and our right to express dissent. Online gender-based violence is part of an even larger problem that further harms the marginalised. These attacks against our rights in the digital space are attacks against our basic human rights.
#HumanOnTheLine is a public campaign initiated by EngageMedia to raise awareness about digital rights and digital safety in Thailand. Through this campaign, we want to create more spaces for the Thai people to discuss these problems, and advocate for solutions on how to learn more about and protect their digital rights. EngageMedia is also partnering with Thai media and civil society organisations to broaden our call to protect digital rights in the country.
These attacks against our rights in the digital space are attacks against our basic human rights. With #HumanOnTheLine, we want you to know that your digital rights are part of your human rights, and afford you freedoms online. With Thailand’s political landscape and the many violations against these rights, we need to be more aware and informed on how current and emerging technologies can impact these rights, for better or for worse.
Your voice matters. Together, we can help each other identify blockers to our rights, as well as solutions to ensure we can safely exercise and defend our digital rights.
How can you join the #HumanOnTheLine online campaign?
Your voice matters. Together, we can help each other identify blockers to our rights, as well as solutions to ensure we can safely enforce our digital rights. Here’s how you can join the campaign:
- You can join in this #HumanOnTheLine campaign by putting the hashtag #HumanOnTheLine in your social media posts across platforms when you see news, information, resources related to digital rights issues in Thailand to make this hashtag a pool of Thai digital rights resources.
- More importantly, use this hashtag as a starting space for conversation around what you think are the challenges and solutions to make the Thai internet a better place. If you are someone who believes in the power of conversation and wants to make digital rights in Thailand better protected. Join us in #HumanOnTheLine.
Resources on Digital Rights in Thailand
Podcast Episodes on Thailand and Digital Rights
Pretty Good Podcast Episode 6: Youth and Online Activism at Thailand Protests
On this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, Amnesty International Thailand Director Piyanut Kotsan enumerates the human and digital rights issues and violations occurring during the recent youth-led protests in Thailand.
Pretty Good Podcast Episode 1: Digital Rights and the Asia-Pacific
On the pilot episode of Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital Rights, EngageMedia chats with the Association for Progressive Communications executive director, Chat Garcia Ramilo, on the past, present, and future of digital rights in Asia-Pacific region. The pilot also tackles how the COVID-19 pandemic relates to digital rights and the importance of building and staying in touch with our communities to further the digital rights movement in the region.
