The most recent Forus ComsForUs Workshop on Digital Activism, Artificial Intelligence and Storytelling looked at issues at the intersection of technology and digital activism. 

Felicia Anthonio took the stage, introducing the "Keep It On" campaign and coalition of over 300 civil society organisations combatting internet shutdowns. The #KeepItOn coalition, led by Access Now, focuses on defending and extending the digital rights of users at risk around the world. Internet shutdowns occur when governments intentionally disrupt or completely block access to the internet, either nationwide or in specific regions, for various reasons such as political unrest, protests, elections, exams or to control the flow of information. These shutdowns severely restrict people's ability to communicate, access information, participate in social, economic, and political activities - as well as their ability to stay safe, especially in conflict zones.

The #KeepItOn coalition works to raise awareness about the negative impact of internet shutdowns on human rights, freedom of expression, access to information, economic development and more. The coalition advocates for policies and practices that promote a free, open, and secure internet for all, and it calls on governments to respect and uphold the rights of their citizens to access the internet without restrictions. In 2022, Access Now’s Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP), in collaboration with the #KeepItOn coalition, recorded 187 internet shutdowns in 35 countries. The year was marked by the weaponization of shutdowns during armed conflict, a continued resurgence of disruptions during protest, and the entrenchment of repeat and prolonged shutdowns. With 48 shutdowns in 14 countries coinciding with documented human rights abuses, the human cost of internet shutdowns has never been more clear. Read the full report and find more information on emerging trends and how the #KeepItOn coalition is fighting back on the website here.

In 2024, a record number of countries are holding national elections, with 24 having imposed shutdowns in the past, affecting a combined population of 2.8 billion people. With billions at risk of shutdowns during elections this year, the #KeepItOn coalition is committed to fighting to prevent such actions in high-risk countries globally, during the 2024 election season and beyond. Learn more about how to fight internet shutdowns pre, during and post elections here.

Dr. Moses Isooba, Executive Director of UNNGOF, Forus member in Uganda, presented its Lexicon Checklist from the Language and Lexicon RINGO prototype, being developed as an intelligent website, designed to tackle language bias in INGO and the development sector. Dr. Isooba talked about how language serves as the foundation for human connection, thought, and expression, shaping our interactions and relationships. However, the prevalence of dominant languages like English, French, or Spanish in aid-related contexts necessitates translation into indigenous languages, often perpetuating a post-colonial approach.

This linguistic dynamic creates barriers to inclusive representation, hindering meaningful communication and reinforcing power imbalances. Without significant language reform, efforts toward systemic change are likely to remain superficial, further exacerbated by the rigid and bureaucratic communication style prevalent in development systems. This reliance on technocratic terminology, on "jargon" and colonial frameworks hampers shared understanding and collaboration.

As explained by Dr. Isooba in a recent publication, "a lexicon contains preferred expressions for currently common and distorted terms, e.g., use resources instead of funds; recognise knowledges rather than knowledge; refer to counterparts, not partners; use engagement instead of participation". You can hear more on Dr. Isooba's and UNNGOF's initiatives in our Shifting the Power podcast series here.

Brian Ritchie, representing Kama.AI, an Indigenous-owned company, presented a unique approach to ethical AI. He discussed their technology, governed by human values and guided by a knowledge graph and a graph database, making it an emotion AI. Brian presented insights into their partnership with other indigenous organizations, showcasing their initiatives for environmental protection, cultural preservation, and providing clean water solutions for indigenous communities. 

For more civil society perspectives on Digital Activism and AI, discover the #Let's Talk Digital campaign as well as the Civil Society Manifesto for Ethical AI.