Every year on March 12, people all over the world observe World Day Against Cyber-Censorship. Established in 2008 by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the day seeks to unite people in favour of an unrestricted single Internet. Additionally, the organisation wants to guarantee that everyone can access the internet.
The primary goal of this day is to emphasise the importance of free expression on the internet and to protest cyber censorship. The World Day Against Cyber Censorship also draws attention to the ways that governments worldwide are limiting people’s ability to express themselves freely online. The day is also known as the International Day for Online Freedom of Expression.
World Day Against Cyber Censorship 2024: History
Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders first observed this day in 2008. These organisations believe that everyone has the right to express their views on the Internet. Since then, World Day Against Cyber-Censorship has been observed annually to raise awareness about repressive governments and how they limit free speech on the internet in their respective countries.
According to reports, there are a few countries that attempt to suppress free speech on the Internet via a variety of means, including strict defamation laws. It also entails blocking specific social media platforms or constructing a specialised firewall to prevent residents from accessing certain websites.
World Day Against Cyber Censorship 2024: Significance
Although several incidents of misinformation, group posts, and violent videos making the rounds on social media have led some to doubt the concept of free speech online, these incidents cannot be the justification for blocking access to the internet.
People continue to use the internet to air their grievances about injustice, corruption, and other issues. Many authoritarian governments fear the power of the internet and have attempted to suppress free speech through cyber censorship.
World Day Against Cyber Censorship 2024: Theme
This year the theme for World Day Against Cyber-Censorship has not been disclosed yet.
World Day Against Cyber Censorship 2024: How To Observe
The Netizen Award is given out every year by Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International. This event is held to recognise internet users who have made significant contributions to the fight for online freedom. During the event, the organisation also releases its annual list, “Enemies of the Internet and Countries Under Surveillance,” which ranks the countries with the most cyber censorship.
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