Pakistani Digital Rights activist and Founder of Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) Nighat Dad has become a member of a 25-person panel from 18 countries with the aim of drafting an “international declaration on information and democracy”.
According to a press release issued by DRF, “Nighat Dad is honoured to be part of this prestigious committee and would be focusing on digital rights and human rights in online spaces. She will be highlighting the spike in fake news and the pivotal role played by social media companies and governments when dealing with the fake news.”
As quoted in the press release Dad said, “I hope to represent a South Asian perspective that is both part of a global, multi-stakeholder initiative and speak to the particularities of experience and identities of all. Through this platform I hope to focus on the digital rights discourse across the globe and right to free speech and expression for all.”
Moreover, according to a local media report, “letters have already been sent to leaders in all continents of the world, and RSF hopes that they will commit as early as mid-November, when dozens of heads of state and government meet in Paris for commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War (11 November), for the Paris Peace Forum (11-13 November) and the Internet Governance Forum (12-14 November).”
The Commission is meeting for the first time on the 11th and 12th September 2018 in Paris and is expected to complete its work within two months.