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Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
@apc.org
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Association for Progressive Communications is a worldwide network supporting the use of internet and ICTs for social justice and sustainable development.
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Association for Progressive Communications (APC) @apc.org · Jun 1
RightsCon's cancellation was more than the loss of a conference. For APC's community, it exposed deeper questions about civic space, geopolitical pressure, trust and solidarity.

⬇️ What can digital rights movements learn from this moment?
Rebuilding solidarity and trust: The APC community reflects on the cancellation of RightsCon and learnings moving forward
The shock of the cancellation of RightsCon in Zambia this year is still reverberating across civil society, with many viewing it as unprecedented. In this piece, voices from APC’s community around the...
www.apc.org
apc.org
APC and members of our network are taking part in #RightsConContinues on 22 and 23 September 🌐

From regional meetups to a roundtable on protecting internet access in conflicts and crises, see where you can find us across the programme.

🔗 rightscon.summit.tc/catalog/righ...
APC graphic for RightsCon Continues, 22–23 September 2026. Text reads: “Join APC and our network for regional meetups and conversations on digital rights, solidarity and internet access in times of crisis.” RightsCon Continues regional meetups involving APC members and staff. North America and Latin America regional meetup: 22 September at 8:30 p.m. UTC, co-facilitated by Jes Ciacci of Sursiendo. Asia Pacific regional meetup: 23 September at 2:45 a.m. UTC, facilitated by Red Tani of APC. Africa and MENA regional meetup: 23 September at 9:00 a.m. UTC, co-facilitated by Lama Nazeeh of 7amleh. RightsCon Continues roundtable graphic for “Co-creating a collaborative multistakeholder emergency response mechanism to protect internet access in conflicts and crises”, taking place on 23 September at 11:30 a.m. UTC. Hosted by APC, Access Now, the Internet Governance Forum Policy Network on Cybersecurity and Resilience, 7amleh – Arab Center for Social Media Advancement and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. With Anriette Esterhuysen and Valeria Betancourt of APC and Wim Degezelle of the IGF Policy Network on Cybersecurity and Resilience.
September 22, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
anormanangel.bsky.social
Internet governance is increasingly about how we shape the technologies shaping our societies.

I’ll be joining 45 fellows at #AfriSIG26 in Accra, Ghana, from 27 Oct–1 Nov 2026, exploring AI governance, data governance, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, human rights and emerging technologies.
apc.org Association for Progressive Communications (APC) @apc.org · 4d
Meet the 45 fellows joining the African School on Internet Governance 2026 🌍Coming from 20 countries, the #AfriSIG26 cohort brings together perspectives from across Africa’s internet and digital policy ecosystem.

Meet the fellows 🧵
Yellow AfriSIG 2026 announcement graphic featuring Accra’s Black Star Gate. Text: “27 October–1 November 2026, Accra, Ghana. Meet the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) 2026 fellows. 45 fellows. 20 countries. A wide range of perspectives shaping Africa’s digital future.” Logos of APC, Research ICT Africa and the African Union appear below. “What is AfriSIG?” The African School on Internet Governance is described as an intensive, interactive learning and leadership development programme bringing together people working across Africa’s internet and digital policy ecosystem. Now in its 14th edition, AfriSIG is an initiative of the Association for Progressive Communications, African Union Commission and Research ICT Africa. Two group photos of previous participants appear below. “What will AfriSIG 2026 explore?” AfriSIG will examine internet and digital policy in Africa and globally, particularly artificial intelligence governance in the African context. Over five days, fellows will engage with AI governance and regulation; data governance and protection; digital inclusion and inequality; cybersecurity, trust and safety; platform regulation; human rights and gender; internet infrastructure and governance; and digital sovereignty and emerging technologies.
September 19, 2026 at 2:14 PM
apc.org
The @teamcommunity.bsky.social Global Gathering was not only a space to reflect on today’s challenges, but also to imagine what we can build differently together.

Featuring @engagemedia.org @equalitie.bsky.social

Read more: www.apc.org/en/news/what...
Graphic titled “Ideas we carry forward”. Text reads: “Across the Global Gathering, our community reflected on what we can build, strengthen and reimagine together – from community-centred connectivity to care, rights and collective resistance.” APC at the 2026 Team Community Global Gathering branding appears at the bottom alongside the APC logo. Quote from Ashraful Haque of EngageMedia: “We need to build some kind of platform for collective action. It should bring us together as a collective movement in response to these new policies and laws.” APC at the 2026 Team Community Global Gathering branding and APC logo appear above. Quote from Jeremy of eQualitie: “The most urgent threats today are censorship and the splintering of networks caused by many nation states. The community is responding with several different types of solutions.” APC at the 2026 Team Community Global Gathering branding and APC logo appear above.
September 21, 2026 at 3:01 PM
apc.org
How do existing stigma around sexuality and gender stereotypes shape university students’ experience of finding love on social media and online dating apps in South Africa?

Research by KASA Training and Development, under FIRN’s third cycle, investigates students’ experiences of TFGBV. 🧵
Cover of a carousel promoting the research report title: Experiences of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) on online dating apps and social media platforms among university students in South Africa. Behind the title is an illustration depicting a Black woman in conversation with a pixelated human-life figure. The figure is surrounded by speech bubbles and digital icons. Both the Black woman and pixelated icon are sitting on a white cloud, with semi-conductor lines underneath it. Text read: Using surveys and focus group discussions, the research weaves together the stories of university students navigating digital spaces to find love, alongside the violence, stereotypes and stigma they encounter on social media and online dating apps within the South African context.. Behind the text is the same background used in the cover slide.
September 19, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
pollicy.bsky.social
📍Gulu, Nothern Uganda

This video takes you inside Safety for Voices, our initiative that aims to strengthen digital safety and collective protection for Women Human Rights Defenders and Women in Politics across Uganda. @apc.org

#OnlineSafety #Safety4Voices

Watch: youtu.be/F49Mhx7V7O0?...
APC Safety for Voices Digital Training, Dissemination and Co-Creation Workshop in Gulu.
YouTube video by Pollicy
youtu.be
September 18, 2026 at 9:23 AM
apc.org
Meet the 45 fellows joining the African School on Internet Governance 2026 🌍Coming from 20 countries, the #AfriSIG26 cohort brings together perspectives from across Africa’s internet and digital policy ecosystem.

Meet the fellows 🧵
Yellow AfriSIG 2026 announcement graphic featuring Accra’s Black Star Gate. Text: “27 October–1 November 2026, Accra, Ghana. Meet the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) 2026 fellows. 45 fellows. 20 countries. A wide range of perspectives shaping Africa’s digital future.” Logos of APC, Research ICT Africa and the African Union appear below. “What is AfriSIG?” The African School on Internet Governance is described as an intensive, interactive learning and leadership development programme bringing together people working across Africa’s internet and digital policy ecosystem. Now in its 14th edition, AfriSIG is an initiative of the Association for Progressive Communications, African Union Commission and Research ICT Africa. Two group photos of previous participants appear below. “What will AfriSIG 2026 explore?” AfriSIG will examine internet and digital policy in Africa and globally, particularly artificial intelligence governance in the African context. Over five days, fellows will engage with AI governance and regulation; data governance and protection; digital inclusion and inequality; cybersecurity, trust and safety; platform regulation; human rights and gender; internet infrastructure and governance; and digital sovereignty and emerging technologies.
September 18, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
wougnet.bsky.social
On 11 September, WOUGNET launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, shaped through months of consultation and collaboration.

Now, we turn its commitments into action.

Read the full plan: wougnet.org/download-cat...

#WOUGNETStrategy2030 #DigitalGenderJustice #DigitalInclusion

@apc.org
September 15, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
takebackthetech.bsky.social
#SexWorkerPrideDay passed us by, but #SexWorkerPride hasn't 😉

Today, we honour sex workers’ labour, resilience & ongoing fight for dignity and justice. ❤️ @apc.org

Bookmark #SexWorker led research that foregrounds the lived experiences of sex workers in Uruguay: www.genderit.org/feminist-tal...
Black background with text "Sex work is work." running across the top and bottom. Main text: Sex work is... a human rights issue. a labour rights issue. a public health issue. a criminal justice issue. There is a red umbrella on the bottom right corner and the Take Back The Tech logo on the bottom left corner.
September 15, 2026 at 6:09 PM
apc.org
@greennet.social has been building digital communications for social and environmental justice for 40 years. 🌱 Founded in 1985, it helped NGOs and activists get online when email and international information exchange were still costly and difficult. 🧵
Cream-coloured cover slide celebrating GreenNet’s 40th anniversary. A very large magenta number 40 fills the upper left, with a small orange label reading Est. 1985 placed diagonally across it. Below, GreenNet at 40 appears in large white text on a dark green banner. Underneath, the subtitle reads Four decades of building digital communications for everyone, everywhere. The APC logo sits inside a large magenta outlined circle in the upper right. At the bottom, an angled laptop graphic displays a screenshot of an online video call with GreenNet interview participants, including four visible video windows. Dark green geometric shapes and an orange wavy line decorate the background. Cream-coloured slide introducing GreenNet’s beginnings in 1985. Small magenta text near the upper left reads 1985. The main heading, It started with a need to connect, is displayed in large white text across overlapping magenta and dark green blocks. Body text reads: Founded in 1985, GreenNet helped NGOs and activists access digital communications when email and international information exchange were still costly and difficult. A large dark green quote box at the bottom contains a quote from Mitra Ardron: We saw the need for NGOs to have the same kind of access to technology... His name appears below in pale green capital letters. Abstract magenta and green circular and radiating shapes decorate the corners.
September 17, 2026 at 7:10 PM
apc.org
At the 2026 TeamCommUNITY Global Gathering, members of the APC community reflected on some of the issues shaping digital rights work today.
Turquoise graphic titled “Reflections from our community.” Text reads: “At the Global Gathering, members of the APC community came together to share experiences, questions and ideas on care, connection, technology and collective action.” Abstract multicoloured plant shapes appear on the right, with APC and Global Gathering branding at the bottom.
September 15, 2026 at 8:32 AM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
artigo19.bsky.social
POV: chegou a hora de imaginar outros futuros para a internet!

De 23 a 25 de setembro, a ARTIGO 19 realiza o Festival Compartilhe no Hub Green Sampa - Centro de Inovação Verde Bruno Covas, em Pinheiros, São Paulo.
August 14, 2026 at 1:06 AM
apc.org
At #HRC63, APC joins partners for a discussion on protecting human rights defenders facing surveillance, restrictive laws, censorship and technology-enabled attacks.

📅 15 Sept, 14:00–15:00 Geneva time
💻 Watch online: www.youtube.com/live/mCQTTV-...

@accessnow.org @privacyinternational.org
HRC-63 Protecting Human Rights Defenders in the Digital Age
YouTube video by UNOG Event Center
www.youtube.com
September 14, 2026 at 2:56 PM
apc.org
Developed by Sangath under FIRN’s third cycle, this research centres the experiences of 14 transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people, examining how TFGBV intersects with caste, class, religion, disability and region in India.

🎨 perempuanmelawanart on IG for FIRN
Cover slide with the title of the research: The TransNET project: The role of intersectionality in shaping experiences of technology-facilitated gender-based violence among transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse persons in India. The illustration depicts a diverse group of 7 non-binary, trans gender and gender-diverse people from India, with different skin colours and attire working together to construct a digital portrait of a person. Text read: Adopting an intersectional and participatory approach, this research centres the stories of 14 transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people (TNBGD) and explores the intricate ways in which technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) intersects with other forms of marginalisations – caste, class, religion, disability and region, in the Indian context. The researchers examine participants’ experiences of TFGBV, the strategies they use to resist violence and safeguard themselves, and the barriers they face in accessing support. Behind the text is the same background used in the cover slide.
September 11, 2026 at 4:19 PM
apc.org
APC congratulates our member @7amleh.bsky.social on receiving a 2026 EFF Award!

The award recognises 7amleh’s longstanding work to advance Palestinian digital rights and defend freedom of expression, access to information and human rights online.
7amleh.bsky.social 7amleh.bsky.social @7amleh.bsky.social · 12d
We’re pleased to share that 7amleh has received a 2026 EFF Award, recognizing its work defending digital rights, advancing safe and equitable access to digital spaces, and contributing to the protection of freedom of expression and fundamental rights online. @eff.org

www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
September 10, 2026 at 2:10 PM
apc.org
What does gender-responsive AI governance actually look like?

At the launch of APC’s research on AI and TFGBV, speakers reflected on the gaps between gender equality commitments and how AI governance is actually implemented.

Read more: www.apc.org/en/news/ai-a...
Light blue APC-branded graphic introducing a launch discussion on gender-responsive AI governance. Large dark blue text reads: Bridging the gap. What does gender-responsive AI governance actually look like? Below, smaller green text says the conversation looks at moving gender and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, or TFGBV, from the margins of AI governance to the heart of how it is shaped and implemented. On the right are overlapping colourful speech bubbles labelled gender, governance, TFGBV and implementation. A green button at the bottom reads Voices from the launch conversation, with an arrow pointing right. The APC logo appears in the upper-right corner. Light blue quote card featuring Rebecca Ryakitimbo, described as a feminist technologist, researcher and community leader. Large dark blue text reads: We need to find sort of a mechanism for… different instruments to be able to communicate to each other. The words communicate to each other are highlighted on a pale peach background. Decorative illustrations include large quotation marks, a purple cloud-like technology icon, flowing turquoise lines, leaves and abstract shapes. Light blue quote card featuring Marina Meira, public policy coordinator at Derechos Digitales. Large dark blue text reads: A gender-balanced panel does not necessarily produce a gender-responsive discussion. The words gender-responsive discussion are highlighted on a pale peach background. The lower part of the graphic shows an illustration of a person with long dark hair facing a panel of simplified figures, with a green speech bubble containing a scribble, surrounded by abstract blue shapes. Light blue quote card featuring Daniela Schnidrig, author of Bridging the gap. Large dark blue text reads: It’s comparatively easy… to get gender equality into a preamble. Below, smaller text says: The challenge is making sure gender considerations survive the journey into the operative provisions. The final phrase is highlighted on a pale peach background. Decorative elements include an open book, a hand pressing an orange button, abstract green and navy shapes, and quotation marks. At the bottom, a white panel reads: Read more from the launch discussion. The conversation explores the gaps between AI governance and TFGBV – and what it takes to turn gender equality commitments into action. The APC.org logo appears in the lower-right corner.
September 9, 2026 at 1:12 PM
apc.org
What does openness mean when power, inequality and exclusion are built into the systems around us?

GISWatch 2026: Free/libre and open source software – Visions of openness from the Global South brings together nine reports examining exactly that.

Read the report: giswatch.org/2026-special...
Peach-coloured cover graphic announcing Global Information Society Watch 2026: Free/libre and open source software – Visions of openness from the Global South. Large dark-blue title text fills the upper left. Below it, smaller text introduces voices from GISWatch on rethinking openness, challenging structural exclusions and building a more inclusive FLOSS movement. A dark-blue Swipe to read button appears near the lower left. A three-dimensional mock-up of the GISWatch book stands on a white platform at lower right. Hand-drawn orange, teal and navy illustrations of people, plants and abstract shapes decorate the background. The APC logo appears at bottom left. Orange graphic with teal and navy hand-drawn illustrations around the edges, including a person walking in the upper right. A large pale cream rounded rectangle contains text about the Global South FLOSS world being confined and under-resourced while also being a place where resistance, brilliance and diversity are forged. Below, bold dark-blue text identifies the source as the Preface by hvale vale and Valeria Betancourt of APC. Dark navy graphic with orange and teal illustrated shapes across the top and a small illustrated person near the bottom right. A large light-grey rounded rectangle contains text arguing for the decolonisation of FLOSS and stronger identification with marginalised communities in the Global South. Bold white text below identifies Introduction: From the edges by Alan Finlay of APC. Teal graphic with orange and dark-blue hand-drawn decorative shapes at the top and right edges and a small illustrated woman near the lower right. A large pale blue-grey rounded rectangle contains text explaining that FLOSS funding is not neutral and can reproduce North-South imbalances through decisions about projects, contributors and priorities. Below, bold dark-blue text identifies Funding FLOSS: Power, governance and the Global South by Tara Tarakiyee.
September 5, 2026 at 8:11 AM
apc.org
How can feminist perspectives on care contribute to the development of consensual digital forensics and the fight against technology-facilitated gender-based violence?

This research by MariaLab, under FIRN’s third cycle, explores digital forensics for civil society, especially TFGBV cases.
Cover of a carousel promoting the research report title: Feminist digital forensics: A study and a proposal for development. The illustration shows three woman-presenting persons, with different skin colour and hair styles, standing side by side. The first person is wearing a headset with a microphone; the second person is holding a clipboard and wearing a safety helmet, and; the third person is standing confidently. Illustrated text reads: This research report documents MariaLab’s incursion into the field of digital forensics and its applications for civil society, particularly in cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). As a feminist hacker organisation, MariaLab aims to develop feminist helplines through the systemisation of information and the development of knowledge in digital forensics. Below the text is the same third woman-presenting person on the cover slide.
September 4, 2026 at 8:16 PM
apc.org
#GISWatch is much more than a publication.

For nearly two decades, it has brought together civil society organisations, activists, researchers and journalists – particularly from the global South – to examine how technology policies affect their societies.
Illustrated beige, orange and teal cover featuring past GISWatch publications and a person walking. Text: “What is GISWatch? A global civil society platform for monitoring the information society – and changing it.” Beige slide with abstract orange and teal illustrations. Text: “More than a publication. GISWatch is a collaborative process that brings together civil society organisations, activists, researchers and journalists – particularly from the Global South. Together, they examine how information and communications policies affect their societies.”
September 2, 2026 at 4:52 AM
apc.org
More than 25 people from the APC community are heading to Estoril for the 2026 @teamcommunity.bsky.social Global Gathering, 4–6 September. 🌍

Three days of community-led exchange at the intersections of human rights, technology and social justice.
Black promotional graphic for “APC at the 2026 Team CommUNITY Global Gathering.” Bright turquoise, magenta and yellow banners display the event title. The APC logo appears at the top left, with colourful illustrations of a person reaching forward and abstract plants below. Text at the bottom reads “4–6 September 2026, Estoril, Portugal.” Magenta graphic headed “Why are we at the Global Gathering?” Text explains that the gathering brings together people working at the intersections of human rights, technology, social justice, civil society and journalism. APC and its network will create spaces around FLOSS, feminist research, AI ethics, secure convening, community-centred connectivity and community-governed technology. A note highlights that APC can be found throughout the gathering at Booth 3.
August 31, 2026 at 1:43 PM
apc.org
What can an intersectional examination of technology-facilitated violence reveal about the interplay of political, economic, legal and digital systems in Egypt?

Research by our partner Cairo 52, under the third #FIRN cycle, explores these realities to inform resistance, policy and advocacy.
Cover of a carousel promoting the research report title: Propaganda, hostility and resistance: Realities of technology-facilitated violence in Egypt. Below the title is an illustration in mint green background, with three human-like figures standing on top of the tall building confronting and tackling the chained eyeballs in black and white and in various sizes. The eyeballs are wrapped around a giant mobile phone. The text appears against a plain background and reads: This research provides an intersectional examination of the complex array of political, economic and social structures that contribute to the realities of technology-facilitated violence (TFV) in Egypt, perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Centring on the stories of 20 participants, including migrants and refugees, digital content creators, women's rights defenders and feminist activists, the research prioritises making visible the perspectives of a diverse range of groups affected by TFV, acknowledging their varied lived experiences.
August 29, 2026 at 7:45 AM
apc.org
🌱 Building a more open and community-centred internet takes alternatives. From email and collaborative tools to digital safety and decentralised platforms, the @apc.org community has plenty to share.

We gathered some starting points in one place. What would you add?

💻 www.apc.org/en/news/how-...
Beige graphic asking “How can we move away from Big Tech?” with the subheading “Start with the digital tools you use every day” and a button reading “Recommendations from APC community.” An illustrated hand unplugs a cable from a cluster of Big Tech app icons, while colourful paths lead towards symbols representing people, nature, communication and creativity. The APC logo appears at the top right. Dark green graphic reading “You do not have to change everything at once.” Five cards suggest alternative digital tools: ProtonMail, RiseUp and Thunderbird for email; Nextcloud, CryptPad and EtherPad for sharing; BigBlueButton, Jitsi and Signal for meetings and chat; Firefox, Mastodon, Tor and PeerTube for web and social; and KeePassXC, Deflect and RiseupVPN for digital safety. Text at the bottom invites readers to “Explore more alternatives” at apc.org.
August 27, 2026 at 11:06 AM
apc.org
How can civil society build stronger #DigitalSecurity practices — and what happens when attackers exploit trust between organisations?

APC member Open Culture Foundation shares lessons from supporting CSOs and human rights defenders in #Taiwan. 🔐
Digital Security Support for CSOs and HRDs in Taiwan | Open Culture Foundation (OCF)
The Open Culture Foundation’s Security Makeover Program for CSOs and HRDs accompanied six Taiwan-based organizations for one year to strengthen digital security practices and develop practical policie...
ocf.tw
August 25, 2026 at 3:22 PM
apc.org
How do whiteness, power & colonial legacies continue to shape Black women & gender non-conforming persons’ experiences with technology in South Africa?

FIRN research by our partner at the University of Cape Town explores their experiences & resistance to TFGBV.

🎨 Illustration: @perempuanmelawanart
Cover of a carousel promoting the research report title: Black women and gender non-conforming persons and technology-facilitated gender-based violence: A decolonial feminist exploration. Below the title is an illustration depicting seven women and gender non-conforming presenting individuals building a structure using blocks in different colours and featuring circuit board lines. In front of them is a tall plant blooming with a single flower. The root and trunk of the plant is in black, while the leaves are in green and the flower is in red, symbolising the colours from the Pan-Africa flag. The boxes and individuals are glowing in purple. Text read: This research adopts a decolonial feminist approach to centre the experiences and resistance of Black women and gender non-conforming persons in South Africa, while examining how whiteness, power and colonial legacies continue to shape online violence. Using digital archiving and narrative approaches to interviews, the research brings forth the stories of 31 Black women and gender non-conforming persons, including bloggers, journalists, mothers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, academics, creatives and community members. Behind the text is the same background used in the cover slide.
August 22, 2026 at 9:20 AM
apc.org
🌱 Communities across the Global South are sharing their own stories of environmental harm, resistance and protecting their territories.

LocNet select nine narratives - from 125 proposals - exploring the intersections of community-centred connectivity and socio-environmental justice.
Graphic introducing “Local narratives on connectivity and socio-environmental justice,” asking how communities are telling their own stories of environmental harm, resistance and technology. APC and Rhizomatica logos appear above the title, with illustrated community buildings and colourful flowers decorating the design. Graphic explaining LocNet’s call for narratives, which received 125 submissions and selected nine narratives exploring communities’ experiences, reflections, creations and projects around environmental harm, territorial protection and storytelling. The pink design features line drawings of buildings and decorative flowers.
August 18, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
takebackthetech.bsky.social
A.I. dehumanises human beings.

In #militarised contexts, #AI identifies, tracks, and eliminates "targets" within seconds.

Life-and-death decisions are made via systems that do not understand context, history or humanity ⬇️ @globalvoices.org @apc.org #military #war

globalvoices.org/2026/04/22/f...
For AI to work for us, it will have to stop pretending to be us
Could there be a version of this technology that allows us, as feminists and human rights advocates, to engage with it without compromising our politics or our commitment to defending intersectional h...
globalvoices.org
August 18, 2026 at 10:36 AM