FOC 10th Anniversary Helsinki Declaration
- Towards a Rules-based, Democratic and Digitally Inclusive World
The digital revolution has generated new possibilities for democratic engagement, including through the free flow of information and interaction between people. However, digital divides remain, and threats against a free, open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet keep growing. Disinformation, complete or partial Internet shutdowns, and the use of arbitrary or unlawful surveillance practices, as well as the abuse of emerging technologies for repressive purposes, all hinder the enjoyment of human rights online.
With the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) celebrating its 10th anniversary under Finland’s Chairship in 2021, the Coalition forges pathways forward for the promotion of Internet freedom in the coming decade, and reaffirms its commitment to protecting human rights for all, both offline and online. Through the Freedom Online Coalition 10th Anniversary Helsinki Declaration, the Coalition encourages all stakeholders to work together towards a rules-based, democratic and digitally inclusive world to strengthen democracy and security worldwide.
The FOC aims to redouble its efforts in working together for free, open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet worldwide through the following actions:
1. Strengthening the FOC’s leadership in promoting respect for and protection and enjoyment of all human rights including the freedom of opinion and expression, the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and right to be free from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy without any discrimination both offline and online;
2. Promoting at the UN and other international fora initiatives and partnerships for achieving universal access to the Internet by 2030;
3. Taking action in speaking out against and countering Internet shutdowns, network disruptions and censorship that are inconsistent with international human rights law;
4. Addressing disinformation and other harmful content online and ensuring that any measures are in accordance with international law, including international human rights law;
5. Promoting vibrant civil society, supporting human rights defenders and combating online violations that shrink civic space, such as arbitrary or unlawful surveillance practices;
6. Promoting a human-rights based approach in the design, development, deployment, dissemination, evaluation and regulation of digital technologies;
7. Promoting policies, initiatives, education and research that support digital inclusion and public participation with special attention to the empowerment of women and persons or groups in a vulnerable situation such as children, persons with disabilities and older persons;
8. Encouraging and engaging in dialogue and cooperation with the private sector on the effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
9. Supporting and strengthening meaningful engagement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including governments, industry, media, civil society and academia, in Internet governance and digitalisation;
10. Fostering dialogue to promote a free, open, interoperable, secure and reliable Internet and a human-rights based approach in digitalisation with non-FOC member states.
