Date: Friday, 15 March 2024 at 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Platform: X Space
Introduction
KICTANet, in partnership with Article 19 Eastern Africa, is pleased to host an X-Space dialogue on the effectiveness of X’s ( formerly Twitter) content moderation in curbing online gender-based violence (OGBV).
Background and Context
Technological advancements have positively transformed how we communicate, connect, do business and access information, among other positive attributes. However, technology has also been used as a tool for perpetrating various forms of violence against women, including cyberstalking, cyber harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberbullying. These forms of violence disproportionately affect women due to structural beliefs and cultures steeped in patriarchy and misogyny.
In the recent past, Kenya has registered a surge in online gender-based violence (OGBV) cases that have escalated beyond online platforms into the offline space, leading to physical harm and even the death of women. At the heart of this debacle is the question of the role platform owners play in curbing and combating OGBV, the accessibility, responsiveness and efficacy of platform reporting mechanisms, and the effectiveness of their content moderation policies. Combating OGBV is a collective and collaborative responsibility; hence, platform owners must take up their role fully and remain accountable for the harms perpetrated through their platforms.
This dialogue builds on our previous engagements, which focused on identifying gaps perpetuating OGBV and finding solutions for these challenges.
The objective of the X Space
Twitter Space seeks to explore the effectiveness of platform reporting mechanisms, content moderation challenges, and these platforms’ responsibility in combating OGBV.
Expected Outcomes
- Identification of gaps in reporting mechanisms and content moderation practices on social media platforms;
- Recommendations for improving platform policies and response mechanisms to address OGBV effectively and
- Strengthened collaborations between stakeholders for supporting victims and advocating for systemic change.
Expected Output
Following the X space, a blog post shall be written, encapsulating the identified challenges and recommendations.
Target Audience
The technical community, including representatives from social media platforms, legal experts, policymakers, CSOs, human rights defenders, and tech platform users, is the target audience for this dialogue.
Format of the Dialogue
This X-Space dialogue will feature a panel discussion by experts on platform accountability, followed by an open mic session where participants can share their experiences and expertise and ask questions.
About KICTANet
KICTANet is a multistakeholder platform for people and institutions interested in ICT policy. The network acts as a think tank that catalyses policy reforms in the ICT sector. It is guided by four pillars: policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and research. KICTAnet’s guiding philosophy encourages synergies for ICT policy-related activities and initiatives. As such, the network provides mechanisms and a framework for continuing cooperation and collaboration in ICT matters among industry, technical community, academia, media, development partners, and Government.
About Article 19
ARTICLE 19 works for a world where all people everywhere can freely express themselves and actively engage in public life without fear of discrimination. We do this by working on two interlocking freedoms, which set the foundation for all our work. The Freedom to Speak concerns everyone’s right to express and disseminate opinions, ideas, and information through any means and to disagree with and question power-holders. The Freedom to Know concerns the right to demand and receive information from power-holders for transparency, good governance, and sustainable development. When either of these freedoms comes under threat by the failure of power-holders to protect them adequately, ARTICLE 19 speaks with one voice through courts of law, global and regional organisations, and civil society wherever we are present.
Speakers
Angela Minayo- Digital Rights and Policy – Article 19 EA
Mohammed Kimbugwe- Digital Advisor at GIZ
Victor Kapiyo – Trustee at KICTANet
Cherie Oyier- Programs Officer Women’s Digital Rights at KICTANet – Moderator.
