German NGO Brot für die Welt has released a report analyzing both the opportunities and the challenges that increased digitalization poses to civic space. Exploring case studies in Mexico, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Ukraine, the report finds that while digital tools enable CSOs to organize and fight state repression more efficiently, they allow governments a greater ability to censor and control civic space. The report acknowledges that it is the duty of governments to control hate speech and illegal activities taking place online; however they must do so in a way that does not compromise freedom of expression. The authors call on governments to commit to preserving the right to independent speech within digital space and recommends the creation of an international legal framework defining the duties of states to protect international human rights online.

Read the full report here.