This year, under Canada’s Chairship, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) was guided by a collective vision of democracy in the digital age, namely digital inclusion: informed and engaged publics that can participate meaningfully in society, both online and offline.
As outlined in the 2022 Program of Action, Coalition members worked to advance the four pillars upon which digital inclusion rests: reliable and meaningful connectivity and access, bridging digital divides worldwide; digital literacy, ensuring all users are empowered to navigate a more diverse online ecosystem; civic participation, free from oppressive practices such as unduly restrictive censorship and Internet disruptions and shutdowns; and promoting the safety for everyone of the online ecosystem.
By working collaboratively with FOC members, Diplomatic Networks, Task Forces and Working Groups, the multi-stakeholder Advisory Network, and external stakeholders, Canada led the work of the Coalition to advance Internet freedom and human rights, both online and offline, worldwide.
To reflect on the achievements of the FOC in 2022, the End of Year Report outlines the activities that took place to affirm and shape global norms, promote multi-stakeholder engagement, and ramp up the Coalition’s advocacy, communication and outreach efforts, including:
- The publication of the Chair’s statement on Russian state-sponsored disinformation in Ukraine, endorsed by 20 FOC member States.
- The launch of the #MyDigitalInclusion campaign by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly at the 2022 RightsCon Summit, which has since reached an estimated audience of 13 million in over 50 countries.
- The organisation of multi-stakeholder regional consultations, hosted by Canadian Missions, to engage directly with stakeholders and gather knowledge about Internet freedom challenges at the regional and sub-regional level.
- The FOC’s Diplomatic Networks, Task Forces, and Working Group, which raised awareness of the Coalition’s collective positions and enabled capacity building across stakeholder groups.
- The publication of the FOC’s consensus-based country-specific statement, to address Internet shutdowns in Iran.
To view the full report, download the PDF below or visit the following links – English, French.
