Statements & Other Outputs
Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) Members work together to develop strategic approaches and joint positions to shape global norms and to address trends, opportunities, and challenges to the protection of human rights in relation to the Internet and digital technologies.
These activities may lead to the development of consensus-based positions on key issues through the publication of Coalition statements and other outputs. Additionally, to address repeated and publicly documented human rights violations online, the FOC may issue country-specific statements or thematic statements mentioning country-specific situations in exceptional circumstances.
These actions further inform FOC advocacy efforts, and may also act as a tool for individual Members to frame their own domestic positions, inform diplomatic interventions, and, in some cases, foster improved inter-ministerial coordination.
By reacting jointly to emerging issues, Coalition Members are able to increase the visibility of their response and the impact of their statements and other outputs.
To view documents available in Arabic, French, German, Russian, and Spanish please click on the links below:
(عربي)
FOC Joint Statements (Arabic)
2020
FOC Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online
البیان المشترك لتحالف الحریة على الإنترنت (FOC) حول انتشار المعلومات المضللة على الإنترنت
FOC Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Internet Freedom
البیان المشترك لتحالف الحریة على الإنترنت (FOC) حول فیروس كوفید-19 والحریة على شبكة الإنترنت
2019
FOC Joint Statement on Defending Civic Space Online
البیان المشترك لتحالف الحریة على الإنترنت (FOC) حول الدفاع عن الفضاء المدني على الإنترنت
2017
FOC Joint Statement and Accompanying Good Practices for Government on State-Sponsored Network Disruptions
تحالف الحرية على الإنترنت (FOC) البيان المشترك حول اضطرابات الشبكة التي ترعاها الدولة
(Française)
FOC Joint Statements (French)
2020
FOC Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online
Déclaration commune de la Coalition pour la liberté en ligne sur la diffusion de désinformation en ligne
FOC Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights
Déclaration commune de la Coalition pour la liberté en ligne sur l’Intelligence Artificielle et les Droits de la Personne
FOC Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Internet Freedom
Déclaration commune de la Coalition pour la liberté en ligne sur la COVID-19 et la liberté sur Internet
FOC Joint Statement on Digital Inclusion
Déclaration commune de la Coalition pour la liberté en ligne sur l’inclusion numérique
2019
FOC Joint Statement on Defending Civic Space Online
Déclaration commune de la Coalition pour la liberté en ligne sur la défense de l’espace civique en ligne
(Deutsch)
FOC Joint Statements (German)
2020
FOC Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online
Gemeinsame Erklärung der FOC über die Verbreitung von Desinformation im Internet
FOC Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights
Gemeinsame Erklärung der FOC über künstliche Intelligenz und Menschenrechte
2017
FOC Joint Statement and Accompanying Good Practices for Government on State-Sponsored Network Disruptions
Gemeinsame Erklärung der FOC über staatlich gesteuerte Netzstörungen
(Pусский)
FOC Joint Statements (Russian)
2020
FOC Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online
Совместное заявление FOC о распространении дезинформации в Интернете
FOC Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights
Совместное заявление FOC об искусственном интеллекте и правах человека
FOC Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Internet Freedom
Совместное заявление FOC о COVID-19 и свободе в Интернете
2019
FOC Joint Statement on Defending Civic Space Online
Совместное заявление FOC о защите гражданского пространства в Интернете
2017
FOC Joint Statement and Accompanying Good Practices for Government on State-Sponsored Network Disruptions
Совместное заявление FOC о нарушениях работы сети, спонсируемых государством
(Español)
FOC Joint Statements (Spanish)
2020
FOC Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online
Declaración conjunta de la FOC sobre la difusión de desinformación en Internet
FOC Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Internet Freedom
Declaración conjunta de la FOC sobre la COVID-19 y la libertad en Internet
FOC Joint Statement on Digital Inclusion
Declaración conjunta de la FOC sobre la inclusión digital
2019
FOC Joint Statement on Defending Civic Space Online
Declaración conjunta de la FOC sobre la defensa del espacio cívico en Internet
2024
In March 2024, the Freedom Online Coalition issued a Joint Statement on Information Integrity Online and Elections.
With the development of the statement led by the co-Chairs of the FOC’s Task Force on Information Integrity Online, the statement is endorsed by all 39 FOC Member States, and underscores that democracies depend on open, free, and inclusive public debate and free and fair elections that help hold governments accountable and responsive to their citizens. The Coalition recognizes the complexity – and imperative – of building and sustaining information integrity online, particularly around elections. The statement includes calls to action for States, platforms and the broader tech industry, including promoting and protecting information integrity online and combating malicious efforts that undermine democratic systems and human rights.
2023
In October 2023, the Freedom Online Coalition published the “Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age” during a hybrid launch-event at the 2023 Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
The Donor Principles call on governments with international development and assistance programming to advance an affirmative, rights-respecting agenda to promote a digital future that upholds the commitment to ‘do no harm.’ They are driven by the ideal that donors should invest in digital technologies and data collection only when it is possible to protect against their potential misuse, and when procedures are put in place to facilitate this protection.
The development of the principles was led by the co-Chairs of the FOC Funding Coordination Group, with input from the Coalition’s 38 Member States, the FOC Advisory Network, and other stakeholders.
In October 2023, the Freedom Online Coalition issued a Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns and Elections.
With the development of the statement led by the co-Chairs of the FOC’s Task Force on Internet Shutdowns, the statement is endorsed by all 38 FOC Member States, and condemns intentional measures taken by States to undermine an open, free, global and interoperable Internet and digital communications platforms through shutdowns and network disruptions before, during, and following electoral periods.
The FOC calls on all States to commit publicly to refrain from restricting the Internet and digital communications amid electoral periods.
In October 2023, during the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council, U.S. Ambassador Michèle Taylor presented the Joint Statement on the Heightened Risks Associated with Surveillance Technologies and the Importance of Safeguards in the Use of these Tools. The statement builds upon the FOC’s Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies, and calls on governments to take steps to ensure the use of these technologies is lawful and responsible, in accordance with states’ domestic law and international obligations and commitments.
In March 2023, the Freedom Online Coalition published the consensus-based ‘Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies’, which are voluntary and non-legally binding Guiding Principles, illustrating how governments can maintain their commitment to respect and protect democratic principles, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, consistent with their international obligations and commitments, in the responsible use of surveillance technology.
The following statement was read by the delegation of the United States, on behalf of the Freedom Online Coalition, during the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 17 March 2023. The statement reaffirms the FOC’s commitment to promoting Internet freedom, and highlighted the Coalition’s priorities in 2023 under the U.S. Chairship.
2022
In October 2022, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) issued a Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in Iran.
With the United States as the penholder, the statement is endorsed by all 34 member states of the FOC, and strongly condemns the measures undertaken by Iran to restrict access to the Internet following the nationwide protests over the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini.
The FOC calls upon Iranian authorities to refrain from imposing partial or complete Internet shutdowns and blocking or filtering of services and to respect Iran’s international human rights obligations, including under articles 19, 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
As 2022 Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, the government of Canada issued the following call to action on state-sponsored disinformation in Ukraine.
The statement was endorsed by 19 Member States of the Freedom Online Coalition, and calls for a cessation of the conducting and sponsoring of disinformation campaigns, and urges all stakeholders to take active steps to address the issue in a manner that respects human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
2021
JULY 2021
Finland, Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition for 2021, issued a statement on behalf of the FOC during the interactive dialogue on the annual report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan.
The statement highlights the Coalition’s concern with the growing trend of state-sponsored actions to restrict access to online content and obstruct free expression online and offline. This includes the use of arbitrary or unlawful surveillance practices, partial or complete Internet shutdowns as well as online content regulation and censorship, in violation of states’ obligations under international human rights law.
2020
NOVEMBER 2020
In its “Joint Statement on Spread of Disinformation Online”, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) expresses deep concern about the growing scope and sophistication of disinformation, which has been employed by state and non-state actors with political, ideological, commercial or other motives.
To address this trend, the FOC calls upon governments to refrain from conducting and sponsoring disinformation campaigns, and urges all stakeholders to take active steps to address the issue in a manner that respects human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including acknowledging, in particular the specific targeting of and impact on women and persons belonging to minorities.
The development of this statement was led by the governments of Finland and the United Kingdom with input from other Coalition member states and the multi-stakeholder FOC Advisory Network.
DOWNLOAD: ENGLISH | FRENCH | ARABIC | RUSSIAN | SPANISH | GERMAN
NOVEMBER 2020
The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has issued a joint statement on artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights.
While the FOC acknowledges that AI systems offer unprecedented opportunities for human development and innovation, the Coalition expresses concern over the documented and ongoing use of AI systems towards repressive and authoritarian purposes, including through facial recognition technology and automated content moderation, which can enable and scale human rights violations and abuses.
The FOC calls upon governments to oppose and refrain from the use of AI systems for repressive and authoritarian purposes; to ensure the design, development and use of AI systems in the public sector is conducted in accordance with international human rights obligations; and to promote, where appropriate, support efforts by the private sector, civil society, and all other relevant stakeholders to increase transparency and accountability related to the use of AI systems.
The statement was developed by a multistakeholder taskforce of governments, civil society, academia and private sector representatives, led by the government of Canada. It was launched at the 2020 Internet Governance Forum, on Thursday 5 November 2020.
MAY 2020
The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has issued a joint statement on COVID-19 and Internet freedom.
In the statement, FOC reaffirms its commitment to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to working together to support Internet freedom for individuals worldwide – including the freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, as well as privacy rights online.
FOC expresses concern about the human rights implications of certain measures introduced by governments in response to the COVID-19 crisis, such as the use of arbitrary or unlawful surveillance practices, network shutdowns and censorship. FOC calls upon governments worldwide to refrain from adopting or implementing laws and policies that may negatively affect the enjoyment of human rights, to promote an enabling environment for free expression and access to information, and take appropriate action to address Internet shutdowns, digital divides and spread of disinformation online.
The development of the statement was led by the governments of the United States, Canada and Finland with input from other FOC member states and the multistakeholder FOC Advisory Network.
FEBRUARY 2020
The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has issued a new joint statement on the human rights impact of cybersecurity laws, policies and practices.
The statement reaffirms and builds on commitments the FOC made in 2016, while elaborating further on the human rights based approach to cybersecurity as a basis for strengthening cybersecurity, promoting stability in cyberspace, and promoting emerging technologies that are trust-worthy whilst ensuring the protection of all online users. It contains recommendations for national cybersecurity practices and international cybersecurity processes and is based on recommendations developed by the multistakeholder FOC working group.
The statement was developed by a multistakeholder task force of governments, civil society and private sector representatives, led by the governments of Estonia and the Netherlands. It was launched at the 2020 Freedom Online Conference in Accra, on Friday 7 February 2020.
FEBRUARY 2020
In its ‘Joint Statement on Digital Inclusion’, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) expresses concern over the persistence of digital divides, and support for measures to promote digital inclusion.
The joint statement was launched by Germany and Ghana at the 2020 Freedom Online Conference in Accra, on Thursday 6 February 2020.
On Thursday 5 March 2020, Germany delivered a statement on digital inclusion (DOWNLOAD) on behalf of Members of the FOC during the general debate of the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The statement reaffirms the FOC’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and calls upon governments to implement long-lasting measures to address access and use of the Internet in order to address the multiple digital divides, including addressing underlying causes.
2019
JUNE 2019
On Tuesday 25 June, Estonia delivered a statement on behalf of Members of the FOC during the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva for the Clustered Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
The statement expressed concern about shrinking civic and democratic spaces online as a result of State-sponsored obstruction of free expression, peaceful assembly, and free association.
MAY 2019
In its ‘Joint Statement on Defending Civic Space Online’, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) expresses concern about shrinking civic and democratic spaces online as a result of state-sponsored obstruction of free expression, peaceful assembly, and free association.
Within the statement, the FOC recognizes the Internet as an invaluable tool for human rights defenders and civil society and notes that civic space online is integral to a vibrant civic space offline. It further recognizes that state-sponsored obstruction of these rights is a direct challenge to the FOC’s goal of protecting and promoting both the exercise of human rights online and an open and interoperable Internet. The statement highlights that a robust and protected civic space forms the cornerstone of accountable, inclusive, and responsive democratic societies.
As part of the statement, the FOC issues a call to action for all governments to promote a vibrant and resilient civic space, including respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law, consistent with obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights.
The statement was lead by Canada and developed with input from Coalition Members and the FOC’s Advisory Network.
2018
OCTOBER 2018
Following the first submission of proactive advice of the Freedom Online Coalition’s (FOC) Advisory Network, the FOC has issued a Joint Statement on the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2018, which takes place from 29 October – 16 November.
Within the statement, the FOC recognizes the importance of accountability, transparency and multistakeholder engagement at forums where international public policy issues are discussed, such as the ITU. It additionally recognizes the importance of engaging non-governmental human rights experts in national processes for the 2018 Plenipotentiary Conference.
The statement encourages governments that are not members of the FOC to also consider enhancing their processes by engaging non-governmental human rights experts.
MAY 2018
As part of its efforts to promote global norms that seek to prevent and limit state-sponsored restrictions to human rights online, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has issued a Joint Statement on Internet Censorship.
In it, the FOC expresses deep concern about the growing trend of state-sponsored Internet censorship, which challenges Coalition’s goals of protecting and promoting human rights online and protecting and extending an open and interoperable Internet, as affirmed in the FOC’s Tallinn Agenda.
To address this trend, the FOC calls upon governments to refrain from content restrictions on the Internet that violate international human rights law and to create an enabling environment for free expression and access to information online.
Furthermore, it calls upon all stakeholders “to work together toward a shared approach – firmly grounded in respect for international human rights law – that aims to evaluate, respond to, and if necessary, remedy state-sponsored efforts to restrict, moderate, or manipulate online content, and that calls for greater transparency of private Internet companies’ mediation, automation, and remedial policies.” The FOC encourages all Internet stakeholders to take note of and endorse this statement, and invites states that support an open and interoperable Internet to apply to join the FOC.
2017
MARCH 2017
The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the growing trend of intentional state-sponsored disruptions of access to or dissemination of information online. These disruptions challenge the FOC’s goal of protecting and extending an open and interoperable Internet, as affirmed in the Tallinn Agenda.
In addition to the joint statement, the Coalition has issued an accompanying document which outlines good practices, and encourages all governments to refrain from network disruptions which stifle exercise of the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly online, while bolstering multi-stakeholder, participatory and inclusive Internet governance, strengthening Internet infrastructure, and improving transparency.
FEBRUARY 2017
To further FOC efforts to promote human rights online, the Coalition has issued a joint statement calling upon the GGE experts to build on the stance of previous GGE reports and emphasize the central importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for the maintenance of international peace and security.
2016
OCTOBER 2016
The Freedom Online Coalition applauds the direction of the work undertaken by Working Group 1, and hopes that this will work towards the realisation of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity policy making that is human rights respecting by design.
MAY 2016
The Freedom Online Coalition’s Strategic Review Working Group issued this statement on the report released on 4th May 2016 by the University of Pennsylvania and authored by Ms. Susan Morgan based on her external assessment of the Coalition’s membership, governance and structure, efforts and activities, and funding.
MARCH 2016
The Freedom Online Coalition has issued a statement calling upon governments to halt measures designed, in contravention of states’ international human rights obligations, to restrict the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly online, as stated in the “Tallinn Agenda”.
2015
SUMMER 2015
The Freedom Online Coalition issued a statement expressing its concern regarding the use of privacy and security considerations by authoritarian governments as a pretext to force Internet companies and service providers to store user data on servers physically located within their domestic borders.
JULY 2015
On behalf of members, the Ambassador of Mongolia presented a Joint Statement on Online Freedoms at the 29th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday, June 22 under Agenda Item 3, General Debate.
2014
OCTOBER 2014
Recently, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) has been made aware of and has become increasingly concerned by the arbitrary or even unlawful use of surveillance technology in many countries, in clear breach of international human rights law. While welcome steps are being taken to update international trade agreements such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, greater multi-stakeholder efforts from government and private companies are necessary.
To this end the FOC governments are issuing a statement calling on governments and businesses to uphold their human rights obligations in this respect, as well as reaffirming their own commitment in their practice of upholding those same obligations.
AUGUST 2014
The Freedom Online Coalition issued a statement expressing its increasing concern at the violation of human rights principles and law involved by, for example, the wholesale blocking of social media sites, and the use of third-parties to restrict access to content in violation of international law.
2013
AUGUST 2013
In response to the announcement of Vietnam’s new Decree 72, which imposed further restrictions on the way the Internet is accessed and used in Vietnam, The Freedom Online Coalition voiced deep concern and calls on the Vietnamese government to revise Decree 72 so that it promotes the ability of individuals to exercise their human rights, including the right to freedom of expression.
FEBRUARY 2013
On behalf of the Freedom Online Coalition, the Permanent Representative of Estonia, Mrs Mariin Ratnik, expressed concern that the world continues to witness restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression and other fundamental freedoms online, including within social media platforms. The FOC drew special attention to the practices in some OSCE member states in this regard. The members of the FOC believe that it is time to counter the trend of increased controls over internet content and underlined the importance of safeguarding and supporting media pluralism.
FEBRUARY 2013
The FOC expresses sincere gratitude to the Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms Dunja Mijatović, and her team for having organized an OSCE conference which deals with the important topic of Internet freedom.
At the same time the FOC noted with concern the continued harassment, intimidation and killings of journalists, civil society members and other professionals working online, as well as illicit monitoring, filtering and hacking, and urges all participating states to fully implement the common commitments on freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
