APC

"When I question whether AI can ever be ethical or feminist (...) it doesn’t come from cynicism for the sake of it, but from years of watching patterns repeat. The promises to do better, the carefully crafted language of responsibility, the performance of listening, none of it has meaningfully shifted how these systems are built or who they serve."

New piece by Hija Kamran, part of the series "Don't ask AI, ask a peer," an initiative by APC, GenderIT and Global Voices.

https://genderit.org/feminist-talk/ai-work-us-it-will-have-stop-pretending-be-us

What happens when we stop asking AI, and start asking each other again?
In this new series, Don't Ask AI, Ask A Peer (a collaboration between APC, GenderIT and Global Voices), writers and illustrators from different contexts respond to shared questions on AI, creativity, and human rights, not with one answer, but many.

Follow the series across April, and join the conversation.

Illustration by Gustavo Nascimento.

https://www.apc.org/en/blog/editorial-dont-ask-ai-ask-peer

#AskAPeer #AI

"The first step is to abandon the fallacy of technological and algorithmic neutrality and to question the underlying architecture of power embedded in these systems."

Continuing with the series "Don't Ask AI, Ask A Peer" - a collaboration between GenderIT, APC & Global Voices, we asked journalist and researcher Mariana Tamari: "What could be done to create and foster a human rights approach to AI?"

https://www.apc.org/en/blog/between-algorithmisation-territories-and-monoculture-data-are-there-paths-towards-ai-respect

#AI #Askapeer

Ameya Nagarajan is the managing editor for the Global Voices newsroom. She shares her excitement about this collaboration between @globalvoices@mstdn.social, APC and GenderIT that resulted in a series of thoughtful pieces called "Don’t ask AI, ask a peer".

Starting today, available on apc.org, genderit.org and globalvoices.org

#askapeer #AI

Our member in the UK @greennet@greennet.social was featured by The Guardian in this necessary article, "Leave big tech behind! How to replace Amazon, Google, X, Meta, Apple – and more", as a 100% renewable and sustainability-oriented from top to bottom nonprofit, which topped Ethical Consumer’s rankings (in which Gmail and Outlook both scored zero).

Completely worth the read! https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/26/how-to-replace-amazon-google-x-meta-apple-alternatives

The challenge we face is about who controls digital infrastructure and services, whose interests it serves, and whether communities have meaningful power and agency over the tech they use.
Meet some of the organisations in the APC network who have built community-centred and rights-respecting alternatives rooted in social and environmental justice alongside collective care, sharing a vision of a digital future where infrastructure is seen as a commons.

https://www.apc.org/en/news/better-not-bigger-digital-services-alternatives-across-our-network

New GenderIT edition is out! Returning to Roots: Feminist technology movements organising for and responding to emerging realities

This edition brings together stories from feminist and community-led grassroots initiatives which remind us that another approach to connectivity is possible. Connectivity not as a privilege reserved for a few, but a shared resource that supports communities facing environmental upheaval.

https://genderit.org/edition/returning-roots-feminist-technology-movements-organising-and-responding-emerging-realities

"Some say AI is good and will help people and the planet. Some say AI is inevitable." We need more questions than pleasant answers.

Don't miss the closing article of the series "Don't Ask AI, Ask A Peer" by APC, @globalvoices@mstdn.social & GenderIT: https://www.apc.org/en/blog/need-generate-more-questions-pleasant-answers

#AI #askapeer

"China cannot offer a direct answer to how to develop a human rights approach to AI. Yet, its open embrace of AI technology and its ambitions for dominance in the global AI market can serve as a case study for the burgeoning relationship between the private sector and the state, the machine and society," says Oiwan Lam in this article part of the series “Don't ask AI, ask a peer,” a collaboration among @globalvoices@mstdn.social APC & GenderIT.

https://genderit.org/feminist-talk/chinese-lesson-human-rights-approach-ai

Image: Ibrahim Kizza.

#AI #askapeer

We joined over 130 organisations condemning the Government of Zambia’s abrupt disruption of @rightscon@accessnow.social

https://paradigmhq.org/press-statement-net-rights-coalition-others-condemn-disruption-of-rightscon/

Hija Kamran is the lead editor of GenderIT.org and advocacy strategist within APC’s Women’s Rights Programme. She invites you to engage with this new series coming out next Tuesday 14 April, which is the result of a collaboration between @globalvoices@mstdn.social, APC and GenderIT!

#askapeer #AI

Débora Prado is the lead editor at APC, and a journalist with a background in strategic communications, feminism and human rights. She shares a sneak peek of our new series "Don't ask AI, ask a peer" produced in collaboration with @globalvoices@mstdn.social and GenderIT. Follow the series, starting tomorrow, Tuesday 14 April!

#askapeer #AI

The 2026 call for nominations for the 14th African School on Internet Governance is now open!

The deadline is 31 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

This year’s edition will take place in the last quarter of 2026 immediately prior to the Africa Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which will take place in Accra, Ghana. The overall focus of AfriSIG 2026 will be on AI governance in the African context.

Call available here: https://afrisig.org/african-school-on-internet-governance-2026-call-for-nominations (also in French and Portuguese).

Two days, +31 sessions, +68 speakers and trainers and +53 partners supporting the Palestine Digital Activism Forum 2026. Have you registered? https://pdaf.net/

What does our top content of 2025 portend for the year ahead?

In this recap, we share key insights drawn from the 10 most read pieces of content on our website last year.

The funding landscape is changing quickly, creating uncertainty for civil society and social movements. Big Tech’s concentration of power and the amplification of disinformation place digital rights organisations under growing pressure ⚠️

📖 Read more: https://www.apc.org/en/blog/global-aid-crisis-can-we-find-sustainability-precarious-funding-climate

#Recap #DigitalRights #Sustainability #BigTech

::: A new edition of the Community Networks Newsletter is out! This issue spotlights recent capacity-building initiatives driving community-centred connectivity, including blended training bootcamps in Africa and Latin America.

::: Find stories from the ground, advocacy efforts for enabling policies, a curated agenda of upcoming events and funding opportunities.

::: Join us and read it here:
https://www.apc.org/en/news/community-networks-newsletter-capacity-building-core-community-centred-connectivity

#CommunityNetworks #CommunityConnectivity #blendedtraining #DigitalInclusion

Ready to explore community-centered connectivity?

>>> Our Routing for Communities podcast features community centred initiatives in 12 episodes in season 1 + 4 reflection episodes in season 2 on bridging the digital gap.

---> Hear stories about:
✨ Meaningful connectivity
✨ Women overcoming barriers
✨ Community values vs. traditional models
✨ Policy and financing impact on community-centred connectivity to help them grow and thrive.

Join in and share the journey.
👉 https://www.apc.org/en/podcasts/routingforcommunities

An important read from our member SMEX in Lebanon compiles information on how the war has unfolded on the digital front during the first week of the regional crisis.

https://smex.org/digital-rights-amid-a-regional-war-threats-and-responses/

"Transitioning to a communal internet infrastructure requires patience, not perfection"

Team CommUNITY interviewed APC to know more about our human-centered approach to communal infrastructure.

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/apc-getting-to-know-their-human-centered-approach-to-communal-infrastructure

The latest edition of our Community Networks Newsletter highlights the importance of ensuring community voices are heard and impact on policy shaping.

Find out more about the recent South Africa School of Digital Policy 2026 – Community Networks and the ongoing process of assignment of spectrum in Colombia, underscoring the need to include communities in policymaking.

Also featuring news, stories, resources, funding sources and the agenda.

Find the edition here 🔗 https://www.apc.org/en/news/community-networks-newsletter-raising-voices-community-centred-connectivity-initiatives-policy

India’s race to adopt AI sparks a deeper question: How can technology respect human rights? “Responsible AI” without accountability is merely an aspiration. Although the framework talks about a people-first approach, human rights must be the starting point of AI governance, not a consideration to be layered on afterwards.

📖 Read more on this article by @rezwan@mastodon.social, which is part of the series "Don't Ask AI, Ask A Peer" - a collaboration between GenderIT, APC & Global Voices

https://www.apc.org/en/blog/indias-race-adopt-ai-sparks-deeper-question-how-can-technology-respect-human-rights

🙌 Witness the energy and passion of the participants in the first-ever South Africa School of Digital Policy – Community Networks Edition (ZASDIP 2026/CN).

Watch the video here 👉 https://media.apc.org/w/xjcGkbirZS6ZF36gEchAZf

#PolicySchool #ZASDIP #Policyadvocacy
#CommunityNetworks #DigitalInclusion #SouthAfrica

We will be at @rightscon@accessnow.social 2026, as it is an opportunity for the APC community to come together around key themes at the intersection of human rights and technology.

Check the list of sessions where APC staff, members & partners will be participating: https://www.apc.org/en/news/apc-rightscon-2026

We have a date! “Making meaning: Feminist conversation on research as resistance, hope and transformation.”

This three-day online symposium will bring together research partners working on technology-facilitated gender-based violence from diverse social and geopolitical standpoints.

From 28 - 30 April (12:00-14:00 UTC)
Registration and agenda available here: https://www.apc.org/en/node/41068/

Read our third article on this special series called "Don't ask AI, ask a peer," produced by Global Voices, APC and GenderIT: "What if instead of recentring the human, we expanded our sense of relation – recognising that intelligence, consciousness and care take multiple, entangled forms across species, systems and technological networks?" (by Kira Xonorika).

https://genderit.org/feminist-talk/centring-human

#askapeer #AI

>>> Bootcamps allow communities to engage in practical hands-on learnings, bringing together regional experiences that enrich the collective capacity building process, alongside representatives from organisations and institutions supporting these initiatives.

🙌 Explore the journeys of the recent blended training bootcamps developed in Africa and Latin America.

👉 https://www.apc.org/en/news/blended-training-building-sustainable-networks-through-shared-learning-afric

👉 https://www.apc.org/es/news/habilitar-una-politica-publica-con-rostro-humano-para-cerrar-la-brecha-digital-0

#blendedtraining #communitynetworks

From remote highlands to island communities, APC member Common Room accompanied five experiences across Indonesia, where community networks are redefining connectivity through local knowledge, collective action and innovative models of sustainability.

Meet the stories here 👉 https://www.apc.org/.../weaving-meaningful-connectivity...
#CommunityConnectivity #DigitalInclusion #microgrants #indonesia

A new Community Networks and Local Access Newsletter invites to follow the strategic reflection on the steps forward for community-centred connectivity.

Find out news about community networks; initiatives focused on environmental care; collective strategies for policy advocacy; gender perspectives and the resilience of an ecosystem of organisations committed to locally driven and meaningful connectivity for communities.

Read the full edition here https://www.apc.org/en/news/community-networks-newsletter-reflections-path-towards-community-centred-connectivity

In a deeply extractive digital environment, there is power in saying: We can build something else.

Building technological alternatives grounded in people and the planet was one of the key themes in our most-read content of 2025. Follow the thread to discover some highlights.
#Recap #DigitalAutonomy

>>> The Blended Training Program for ICT Network Managers in Indigenous and rural communities across Africa concludes with an in-person bootcamp for participants.

---> This first edition highlights how community-centred connectivity initiatives are emerging as sustainable, locally driven and inclusive solutions — strengthening capacities and generating long-term impact across the region.

📢 Be part of this conversation at the open Public Forum on 25 February.

👉 Scan the QR code to register.

"By grounding AI in the right to life, equality, speech, essentials and privacy, we ensure it serves as a mirror of our highest values, rather than a magnifier of our oldest biases."

This article by Rebecca Ryakitimbo, a feminist technologist and researcher, is part of the series "Don't Ask AI, Ask A Peer" - a collaboration between GenderIT.org, APC.org, and @globalvoices@mstdn.social.

https://www.apc.org/.../digital-crown-reclaiming-human...

#askapeer #AI

"Community-centred connectivity initiatives build technical capacity in the community to maintain and operate infrastructure or services, and the digital capacity of users to make informed decisions about their internet use – benefiting from social and economic opportunities online, and strengthening community resilience to external shocks (...)".

Explore the Principles for community-centred connectivity here 👉 https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/principles-community-centred-connectivity-initiatives.

#capacitybuilding #digitalinclusion #communitynetworks

Many women who once believed technology was too difficult for them discovered they could learn digital tools – and use them to grow their income.

A Digital Micro-Enterprise Training developed in three communities in Nigeria provided a safe, encouraging space for women to ask questions, practice new skills, and share their business experiences.

Learn more in the latest Seeding change column, featuring stories of impact from our network.

https://www.apc.org/.../seeding-change-creating-new...

#DigitalInclusion

Organisations actively engaged in the implementation of the United Nations Global Digital Compact process, and the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, sent a joint letter to the Global Dialogue co-chairs on multistakeholder participation.

Signatories underscore the need for robust, meaningful, and continuous civil society engagement throughout the design, deliberation, and implementation phases of the Global Dialogue.

https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/joint-letter-un-global-dialogue-artificial-intelligence-co-chairs-multistakeholder

#AI

A new Tech Together webinar will launch the publication “Community Interest Media: Emerging concepts and practices from the Global Majority (and friends)” on 27 May at 14 UTC.

The webinar will explore different ways of doing media as a community in Indonesia, Kenya, and Mexico, as documented in the publication and discuss on new ways to curate content that is meaningful to communities.

Join in to be part of the conversation. You can register and learn more here 👉 https://www.apc.org/en/event/tech-together-webinar-community-interest-media-launch-and-discussion-practitioners-global

"An ecosystem of digital repression: The silencing of women human rights defenders and other pro-democracy activists in Myanmar," by APC and the Myanmar Internet Project.

The research provides critical evidence of the gendered nature of digital repression in Myanmar. The findings highlight the urgent need for protection and meaningful support for WHRDs and others who are on the frontlines of resistance.

https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/myanmar-report-5.pdf

Across different regions, community-led initiatives are developing diverse strategies to build the technical, social, economic and political capacities needed to sustain their projects.

Capacity building is an ongoing challenge, but also a collective opportunity to improve practices, reinforce collaboration and continue expanding community-driven paths toward meaningful connectivity.

#communitynetworks #capacitybuilding #digitalinclusion

How do we call out imbalance and demand accountability from tech companies?

From national mobilisations to discussions around the world, one message is clear in our #recap of 2025 content: we need greater #CorporateAccountability, grounded in the defence of #HumanRights.

Follow the thread to discover highlights from our top 2025 content.

RE: @redesac_mx@mastodon.social

Participa en la transmisión online del Tercer Foro Telecomunicaciones en Zonas Rurales y Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina este 24 de marzo

The South Africa School for Digital Policy (#ZASDIP 2026/CN) wrapped its first #CommunityNetworks edition in Johannesburg (12–16 April), strengthening community voices in digital policy advocacy.

With the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill on the table, fellows will channel priorities to government via the Community Networks South Africa association - CNSA - pushing for more inclusive, community-led connectivity.

Learn more: https://www.apc.org/en/zasdip

#Recap What can our most-read content of 2025 tell us about what’s next?

Among our most-read pieces, those addressing participation and the redistribution of power stood out.

In this recap, we look at some of the paths explored by APC and its members and partners over the past year, and we celebrate achievements in policy and regulation resulting from joint action. Check out the thread to learn more.

https://www.apc.org/en/news/accountability-and-resilience-what-our-2025-top-content-portends-year-ahead

#Multistakeholder #DigitalGovernance #GlobalSouth #DigitalJustice

What can our most-read content of 2025 tell us about what’s next?

A snapshot of insights from our top 10 articles.

Last year, we actively engaged in the WSIS+20 review process. Among the many civil society contributions, this article highlighted the importance of diverse voices. Treating non-state actor input as an add-on is not enough. We need more inclusive and accountable multilateral governance!

📖 Read more: https://www.apc.org/en/blog/wsis20-review-chance-advance-multistakeholder-approach-leveraging-sao-paulo-multistakeholder

#WSIS20 #SPMGs #Multistakeholder #GlobalSouth #Recap

Extensive research has explored how technology can advance the goals of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, launched 25 years ago through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

But the rapid spread of digital tools has created new avenues for violence and marginalisation.

This report offers concrete recommendations to bridge those gaps and advance a more inclusive, effective response to contemporary security challenges.

https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/the-missing-link.pdf