Strengthening Digital Rights: Key Takeaways from DRAPAC National Meet-up

Last October 2024, I was very honoredto receive an invitation from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), EngageMedia, and Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), to attend the DRAPAC Digital Rights National Meet-up in Manila. Prior to this, in August, I was also fortunate to receive a fully-funded opportunity to go to Taipei, Taiwan to attend the DRAPAC24.

The national meet-up in Manila convened Filipino digital rights advocates, policymakers, and civil society leaders to discuss the state of digital rights in the Philippines.

As the country marks 30 years since its internet connection in 1994, the meet-up highlighted critical issues, explored opportunities for collaboration, and laid the groundwork for a formal digital rights coalition in the Philippines.

Overview of Digital Rights in the Philippines

Since connecting to the internet on March 29, 1994, in Cebu, the Philippines has become one of the world’s heaviest users of digital technology. Despite this, access to reliable and affordable internet remains a challenge, with only three major telecommunications companies — Globe, PLDT, and DITO Telecommunity — dominating the market. Regulatory oversight is provided by agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The Philippines has passed several laws to address digital rights and security, including:

• RA 9995 — Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act
• RA 10173 — Data Privacy Act of 2012
• RA 10175 — Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012
• RA 10844 — DICT Act of 2016
• RA 11313 — Safe Spaces Act of 2019
• RA 11862 — Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022
• RA 11930 — Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act
• RA 11934 — SIM Card Registration Act
• RA 12023 — Digital Services Act of 2024

However, significant gaps remain in ensuring equitable access, privacy, and security in digital spaces. This is where establishing a Digital Rights Coalition (DRC) comes in.

Objectives and Focus Areas of DRC

The Digital Rights Coalition aims to address critical issues such as:

• Freedom of information, privacy, and cybersecurity.
• Gender rights in online spaces, particularly for marginalized groups like LGBTQIA+.
• Digital security and capacity building for local communities.

Exploring Digital Rights Priorities

Here are some of the issues that can be prioritized by the DRC:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Disinformation:
   The dual challenge of leveraging AI for content creation while addressing its role in spreading disinformation and affecting labor, particularly data workers in the Global South.
2. Gender and Digital Rights:
   There is a need to engage younger generations and mainstream gender-sensitive language and practices in digital rights advocacy.
3. Intergenerational and Cross-Movement Collaboration:
   We called for more inclusive conversations across generations and sectors to create a unified digital rights movement.
4. Environmental Impact of Digital Technology:
   The coalition highlighted the environmental costs of digital infrastructure, including mining for device components and the energy consumption of data centers. These issues intersect with broader environmental justice concerns.
5. Defending Environmental Defenders:
   Environmental activists often face online harassment, surveillance, and censorship. We emphasized the need for policies and digital security measures to protect them.

Challenges and Strategies for the DRC

Given the pressing matters discussed, it’s important to consider and plot the issues and future plans for the coalition.

Stakeholder Mapping

To establish a robust Digital Rights Coalition (DRC), participants identified key stakeholders and strategies:

Legislators and Policymakers

• Essential for advocacy and lobbying efforts.
• Can influence digital rights legislation and policy changes.

Constitutional Bodies

• Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for human rights-related initiatives.
• Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for election integrity and digital rights issues.

Private Sector and Tech Experts

• Provide technical expertise, resources, and insights on emerging technologies.

Key recommendations for stakeholder engagement include:

• Conducting a SWOT analysis to evaluate the coalition’s competencies and identify gaps.
• Mapping past and ongoing collaborative efforts to leverage existing networks.
• Defining clear coalition goals and functions, such as launching campaigns and initiatives.

Fundraising

Our group identified challenges in securing sustainable funding, particularly for smaller or informal organizations. To address these issues, the following strategies were proposed:

Tackle Funding Challenges

• Collaborate on joint projects and events to increase visibility and attract funders.
• Intersect digital rights advocacy with related themes like environmental sustainability and gender equality.
• Advocate for equitable funding opportunities by engaging with funders and presenting a united coalition front.

Expand the Coalition’s Reach

• Establish formal registration to enhance credibility and access to funding.
• Build partnerships with other organizations to increase capacity and diversify funding sources.

Create a Supportive Funding Ecosystem

• Develop a database of services and best practices to align with funders’ priorities.
• Organize learning sessions to improve fundraising skills and strategies within the coalition.

Capacity Building

To strengthen the coalition’s ability to advocate for digital rights, my co-participants highlighted the importance of targeted capacity-building initiatives:

Assess Capacity Needs

• Conduct participatory needs assessments to identify internal and external gaps in skills and resources.
• Map out the competencies of coalition members and link them with relevant experts or organizations.

Implement Capacity-Building Interventions

• Host learning sessions on key topics such as digital security, privacy, and policy advocacy.
• Develop a knowledge-sharing platform managed by a designated knowledge manager.
• Contextualize training materials with localized modules and culturally appropriate solutions.

Use Creative Approaches

• Incorporate participatory methods like theater, art, and popular culture to engage communities and make digital rights advocacy more accessible.

Ensure Ongoing Commitment

• Foster continuous engagement and collaboration among coalition members.
• Secure dedicated funding to sustain capacity-building efforts and long-term growth.

Bridging National and Regional Efforts

We, the participants, recognize the importance of aligning national efforts with regional digital rights movements in Southeast Asia. This includes:

• Engaging regional bodies like ASEAN to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Addressing cross-border issues such as data sovereignty, workers’ rights, and the environmental impact of digital technology.

Indeed, the DRAPAC National Meet-up hosted by APC, EngageMedia, and FMA, underscored the need for a cohesive and collaborative digital rights movement in the Philippines.

By focusing on connectivity, digital security, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, the coalition can build a more inclusive and resilient digital future. 🌏