The emergence and rapid expansion of online spaces has created opportunities for democrats and ordinary citizens in relatively closed societies to enjoy the freedom to assemble and associate in online spaces. Unfortunately, these freedoms have been systematically curtailed as authoritarian governments more aggressively block websites, shut down the internet, surveil users, and prosecute people for their online activity.

On January 28, 2019, the Stanford University Global Digital Policy Incubator (GDPi) hosted a roundtable between Clément Voule, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association (FOAA), and private technology firms to discuss how the private sector can help protect these freedoms online. The event will support a thematic report Mr. Voule will deliver to the United Nations Human Rights Council on FOAA in the digital space in June of this year. Watch Mr. Voule’s opening remarks here and see how you can contribute to his call for input here.

*The event was organized in partnership with the WSD HANDA Center for Human Rights and International Justice, the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley, the World Movement for Democracy, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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