Narrative Report
FMA Narrative Report 2024
2024 saw sweeping developments in the digital space with emergent technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning evolving at a rapid pace. This accelerated growth brought both opportunities and challenges. When its popularity rose in 2023, both the public and private sectors explored its potential to streamline decision-making processes. Read more
ICT in the Philippines
In Digital Rights Report 2024, FMA spotlights AI’s impact on basic freedoms
In 2024, the country marked the 30th anniversary of the Philippine internet. First accessed in 1984, the internet has opened a wealth of opportunities for Filipinos to connect, learn, and access information. But three decades since, it has also shown how technology can deepen existing socio-political crises, especially in the Read more
ICT in the Philippines
Voters’ Digital Rights: Research on the Internet Voting System as One of the Modes for Overseas Voting in the 2025 Elections
In the past, overseas Filipinos can vote by going to the Philippine Embassy or consulate to cast their votes, or through mail. It was observed however that voter turn-out is way below the number of registered overseas Filipino voters. Overseas Filipinos often face logistical difficulties when voting, arising from the Read more
News Blog
On press freedom, elections, and womens’ rights: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (April 1-30, 2025)
POLL BETS URGED TO PUSH FOR POLICIES TO PROMOTE PRESS FREEDOM, DIGITAL RIGHTS Digital rights advocacy organization Foundation for Media Alternatives on Wednesday released a 10-point digital rights electoral agenda to address the “rapid transformation and integration of digital technologies in our daily lives.” According to FMA Executive Director Lisa Read more
ICT in the Philippines
2025 Digital Rights Electoral Agenda
On April 23, the Foundation for Media Alternatives launched the 10-Point Digital Rights Electoral Agenda, bringing together digital rights experts, journalists, and human rights advocates whose insights produced a rich conversation that emphasized the shared responsibility of both aspiring policymakers and the electorate in protecting our digital freedoms. With the Read more
News Blog
On women’s rights, elections, and internet connectivity: The FMA Digital Rights Round-up (March 1-31, 2025)
PH POISED TO BECOME SE ASIA’S DIGITAL-INFRA POWERHOUSE The data center industry in the Philippines is booming, and the country is on track to become a major hub for digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia. This growth is driven by several factors highlighting the country’s strategic position and its commitment to Read more
News Blog
Digital Rights in Southeast Asia After 10 Years: A Reflection from a Gender Rights Advocate
Ten years ago, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) co-hosted RightsCon Southeast Asia in Manila in 2015. That event marked my first exposure to a global conference of this nature and my first encounter with the concept of digital rights. At the time, net neutrality was a hot topic, especially Read more
News Blog
RightsCon 2025: Amplifying Young Voices
With more than 400 sessions, 2,000 in-person attendees, and numerous networking events, RightsCon 2025 was the perfect avenue for digital rights advocates to gather, collaborate, and strategize how to bring about change in this rapidly evolving digital age. After working in this field for over two years, I often heard Read more