Every year on March 12, the world observes World Day Against Cyber Censorship, an online event designed to spotlight the various ways governments globally impede and censor free speech on the internet. This initiative originated on March 12, 2008, following a request from Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International. A letter composed by Jean-François Julliard, Secretary-General of Reporters Without Borders, and Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International, was dispatched to the Chief Executive Officers of Google, Yahoo!, Inc., and Microsoft Corporation, urging them to recognize and observe this day. The emblematic logo for this annual event, crafted by Reporters Without Borders, features a computer mouse breaking free from a chain.

History: The day was first launched by Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, RSF) and Amnesty International in 2008. It was created to draw attention to the increasing number of governments worldwide that restrict internet access and control the flow of information.

Objectives:

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the issues of cyber censorship and advocate for internet freedom.
• Support Digital Rights: Promote the importance of digital rights, including the right to privacy, free speech, and unrestricted access to information.
• Expose Violators: Identify and publicize countries, corporations, and institutions that engage in internet censorship.
• Promote Tools and Strategies: Encourage the use of tools and strategies to circumvent censorship and protect online privacy.

Significance:

• Freedom of Expression: Upholds the principle that everyone should have the right to express their opinions and access information freely online.
• Access to Information: Ensures that individuals can access a wide range of information and viewpoints, which is essential for informed decision-making.
• Human Rights: Cyber censorship often correlates with broader human rights abuses; fighting censorship supports overall human rights protections.

Types of Cyber Censorship:

• Content Filtering: Blocking access to specific websites, platforms, or content deemed undesirable by authorities.
• Surveillance: Monitoring internet activity to track and suppress dissenting voices.
• Shutdowns and Throttling: Temporarily or permanently shutting down internet services or slowing down access to control communication during critical times.
• Legal Restrictions: Enforcing laws that restrict online speech, penalize dissent, and mandate data localization.

Key Issues:

• Government Censorship: Governments in some countries impose strict regulations on internet usage, monitor online activity, and block access to foreign websites and social media platforms.
• Corporate Control: Large tech companies may engage in practices that restrict access to information, such as content moderation policies, algorithmic biases, and compliance with government censorship demands.
• Digital Divide: Access to an open internet is often uneven, with marginalized communities facing greater restrictions.

Celebrations and Events:

• Online Campaigns: Advocacy groups and individuals use social media and other online platforms to raise awareness and share information about cyber censorship.
• Reports and Publications: Release of reports detailing the state of internet freedom globally, including lists of "Enemies of the Internet" and "Countries Under Surveillance."
• Webinars and Discussions: Hosting webinars, panel discussions, and workshops to discuss strategies for combating censorship and protecting digital rights.
• Tool Promotion: Promotion of tools and technologies that help users circumvent censorship, such as VPNs, proxy servers, and encrypted communication apps.

How to Participate:

• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the current state of internet censorship and digital rights.
• Use Secure Tools: Employ tools like VPNs and encrypted messaging services to protect your online privacy and bypass censorship.
• Advocate: Support organizations and movements that fight for internet freedom and digital rights.
• Raise Awareness: Share information and resources on social media using hashtags like #WorldDayAgainstCyberCensorship.
• Support Journalists: Encourage and support independent journalism and platforms that provide uncensored news and information.

Organizations Involved:

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF): A leading organization advocating for press freedom and fighting against cyber censorship.
• Amnesty International: An NGO focused on human rights, including freedom of expression and internet freedom.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): A nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world.
• Access Now: An organization dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of users globally.

Conclusion: World Day Against Cyber Censorship is a crucial observance that underscores the importance of maintaining an open and free internet. By raising awareness, promoting digital rights, and supporting tools to combat censorship, the day plays a vital role in advocating for freedom of expression and access to information. Engaging in activities and supporting organizations that fight against cyber censorship can help ensure a more open and democratic digital world.