EFF at FIFAfrica 2023

EFF is excited to be in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for this year’s iteration of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica), organized by CIPESA (Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa) between 27-29 September 2023.

FIFAfrica is a landmark event in the region that convenes an array of stakeholders from across internet governance and online rights to discuss and collaborate on opportunities for advancing privacy, protecting free expression, and enhancing the free flow of information online. FIFAfrica also offers a space to identify new and important digital rights issues, as well as exploring avenues to engage with these debates across national, regional, and global spaces.

We hope you have an opportunity to connect with us at the panels listed below. In addition to these, EFF will be attending many other events at FIFAfrica. We look forward to meeting you there!

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 

Combatting Disinformation for Democracy 

2pm to 3:30pm local time 
Location: Hyatt Hotel – Kibo 

Hosted by: CIPESA

Speakers

• Paige Collings, Senior Speech and Privacy Activist, Electronic Frontier Foundation 
• Nompilo Simanje, Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead, International Press Institute 
• Obioma Okonkwo, Head, Legal Department, Media Rights Agenda
• Daniel O’Maley, Senior Digital Governance Specialist, Center for International Media Assistance 

In an age of falsehoods, facts, and freedoms marked by the rapid spread of information and the proliferation of digital platforms, the battle against disinformation has never been more critical. This session brings together experts and practitioners at the forefront of this fight, exploring the pivotal roles that media, fact checkers, and technology play in upholding truth and combating the spread of false narratives. 

This panel will delve into the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation campaigns, examining their impact on societies, politics, and public discourse. Through an engaging discussion, the session will spotlight innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative initiatives employed by media organizations, tech companies, and civil society to safeguard the integrity of information.

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

Platform Accountability in Africa: Content Moderation and Political Transitions

11am to 12:30pm local time
Location: Hyatt Hotel – Kibo 

Hosted by: Meta Oversight Board, CIPESA, Open Society Foundations 

Speakers

• Paige Collings, Senior Speech and Privacy Activist, Electronic Frontier Foundation 
• Nerima Wako, Executive Director, SIASA PLACE
• Abigail Bridgman, Deputy Vice President, Content Review and Policy, Meta Oversight Board 
• Afia Asantewaa Asare-Kyei, Member, Meta Oversight Board

Social media platforms are often criticized for failing to address significant and seemingly preventable harms stemming from online content. This is especially true during volatile political transitions, where disinformation, violence incitement, and hate speech on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, and other characteristics, are highly associated with increased real-life harms.

This session will discuss best practices for combating harmful online content through the lens of the most urgent and credible threats to political transitions on the African continent. With critical general, presidential, and legislative elections fast approaching, as well as the looming threat of violent political transitions, the panelists will highlight current trends of online content, the impact of harmful content, and chart a path forward for the different stakeholders. The session will also assess the various roles that different institutions, stakeholders, and experts can play to strike the balance between addressing harms and respecting the human rights of users under such a context.