RightsCon 2023: The State of Digital Rights in a Post-USAID Era
The Urgent Need for Action
This year’s RightsCon, the 13th since its inception in 2011, felt particularly urgent. The recent gutting of the US federal government by the Elon Musk-led DOGE initiative and its far-reaching implications worldwide have made it more critical than ever to address the state of digital rights.
Cuts to USAID: A Threat to Global Digital Rights
At RightsCon, the cuts to USAID were a top concern. As one of the world’s largest funders of digital rights work, USAID has supported initiatives such as ensuring the internet remains on during elections and crises, as well as providing digital security hotlines for human rights defenders and journalists targeted by surveillance and hacking. With budget cuts of over 90% under the Trump administration, the agency is facing a significant reduction in funding.
The Erosion of Multistakeholderism
Nikki Gladstone, RightsCon’s director, highlighted the erosion of multistakeholderism, with restrictions on civil society participation, democratic backsliding worldwide, and companies divesting from policies and practices that uphold human rights. Cindy Cohn, director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, was more blunt: "The scale and speed of the attacks on people’s rights is unprecedented. It’s breathtaking."
The Trump Administration’s Policies: A Threat to Global Digital Rights
Speakers at RightsCon emphasized that it’s not just funding cuts that will curtail digital rights globally. The United States government, once a leader in promoting an open and safe internet, is now demonstrating how to dismantle it.
The Trump Administration’s Policies Being Weaponized in Other Countries
Just before RightsCon, Serbian law enforcement raided the offices of four local civil society organizations focused on government accountability, citing accusations of fraud at USAID. This raises concerns about the use of Trump’s policies to target critics and suppress dissent.
Conclusion
The state of digital rights is precarious, with the erosion of multistakeholderism and the rise of authoritarianism. The withdrawal of funding from USAID and the weaponization of Trump’s policies in other countries pose significant threats to global digital rights. It is essential for individuals and organizations to come together to address these challenges and promote a safer, more open internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RightsCon?
A: RightsCon is an annual conference that brings together experts, activists, and policymakers to discuss digital rights and human rights.
Q: What is USAID?
A: The United States Agency for International Development is a US government agency that provides foreign aid and development assistance to countries around the world.
Q: What is the purpose of RightsCon?
A: RightsCon aims to promote digital rights and human rights by bringing together experts, activists, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in this area.
