In an effort to provide online educational opportunities to our networks and business sector, we are excited to announce our first webinar series on business and human rights in the digital environment. This webinar series is brought to you by the Foundation for Media Alternatives and with the support of Read more…
Today, 15 June 2020, the Manila Regional Trial Court handed down a guilty verdict on the cyber libel case against online media organization Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa and former reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. The verdict is a result of a case that is widely regarded to be the ultimate test Read more…
While the Internet has grown to become a basic need for people to access information, services, and form social connections and communities, it similarly allows for same problems offline to be perpetuated online such as hate and abusive comments, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence. For instance, Facebook, while Read more…
In a treacherous move that takes advantage of the lockdown due to COVID19 in the country, the House of Representatives approved the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and is rushing it through final reading before they go on a two-month break from June 6th. Human rights groups led by In Defense Read more…
A tribute to Roberto ‘Obet” Verzola, written by Nina Somera, a member of FMA’s Board of Trustees. (Photo taken from Oxford Internet Institute) Last night, the rains brought a respite from the humid summer heat. Its unexpectedness was a distraction from the surreality of ABSCBN’s shutdown and other unabated abuses Read more…
This year’s World Press Freedom Day takes on a special meaning around a world in quarantine. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have been forced to go on lockdown, close borders, discourage physical contact and mass gatherings, and resort to other measures that may have the incidental effect of concentrating Read more…
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency that requires a coordinated and large-scale response by governments worldwide. However, States’ efforts to contain the virus must not be used as a cover to usher in a new era of greatly expanded systems of invasive digital surveillance. We, the undersigned Read more…
We, the undersigned, express our grave concern over a provision of Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that threatens our constitutional rights to free expression and access to information. Haphazardly approved on 25 March 2020, the law penalizes “fake news” or disinformation under Section Read more…
How does the Covid-19 pandemic impact public health surveillance and our privacy rights? In the Philippines’ national capital region (NCR), military and police enforce a ‘community quarantine’ that restricts human movement in and outside Metro Manila, subject to necessary exceptions. Leaders urge citizens to practice social distancing to avoid exposure. Read more…
Women Occupy Spaces sit down strike on Sunday, March 8, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day #IWD2020