Mailvelope reposted this
The fight for internet freedom is no longer simply a tactical cat-and-mouse game—it’s a normative battle to define the future of free expression. Open Technology Fund President Laura Cunningham writes in this year’s annual report: There is no longer a meaningful distinction between digital authoritarianism and authoritarianism of any other kind as online information control has become foundational to illiberal governance. Internet freedom cannot be wholly differentiated from the broader fight for human rights and free expression, because it is an integral part of how these will be actualized. What does this mean as we look ahead? The stakes have never been higher. As authoritarians become more dogged and ambitious, protecting and preserving a free and open global internet will be more difficult, more expensive, and far from guaranteed. We need to be prepared for evermore complex and challenging fights – and ready to take bold action. Most importantly, as digital authoritarians continue to unite in their efforts to undermine the very concept of a free and open global internet, so must we unite in dedication to its defense by supporting those in the vanguard. Because in the face of an increasingly uneven playing field, our combined creativity, shared vision, and tenacious commitment is our greatest strength. Our annual report catalogs the 60+ projects that OTF has supported over the past year, but more importantly, it captures the incredible effort and accomplishments of our partners. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFWB2yGD
