Abstract

Emerging technologies have furthered the cause of human rights defenders by promoting and protecting human rights, empowering individuals, and holding the government accountable for its actions. However, the growth in digital activities has led to an increase in cybersecurity threats.

This research focused on three digital threats experienced by human rights defenders in the Philippines. Firstly, restrictive legal and regulatory frameworks use legal provisions to indiscriminately and arbitrarily associate human rights defenders with left-leaning groups, both extreme and moderate, and supporting terrorists and terrorist groups. Secondly, the blocking or banning of media outlets and official Civil Society Organization (CSO) websites disrupted communication. Thirdly, information operations that use cyber troops, both human and automated bots, unfairly distort the shape of public opinion.

This study aims to analyze and assess factors that affect the Philippine government’s capacity and willingness to address threats to human rights defenders digital rights. It uses narrative accounts from the Roundtable Discussions on the Impact of Emerging Technologies conducted by the Commission on Human Rights, as well as desk research from CSO reports on digital threats. An in-depth analysis of the state’s capacity provided an insightful look at the state’s responses to the identified digital threats. The state’s willingness to address threats to digital rights was also assessed through the following: 1) locus of initiative, 2) analytical rigor, 3) mobilization of support, 4) application of credible sanctions, and 5) continuity of effort.

Conclusion

The study focused on digital threats faced by HRDs in the Philippines, such as restrictive legal frameworks, disruption of communications, and information operations. These threats are demonstrated by the way the legal frameworks are used to attack HRDs, how news organizations and CSO websites are blocked, and how cyber troops or troll farms spread government propaganda while inciting conflict online. The government’s capabilities and willingness are crucial in addressing these threats by reforming legal frameworks, mobilizing relevant stakeholders, in-depth analysis of the issue, and compliance with human rights standards. Other Asian countries also showed incidents where the right to freedom of press and expression was limited, and the internet and communication were controlled and blocked by their government.

It is important to have an internet that is open, free, reliable, and secure, that is guided by a human rights-based legal framework, and steers its implementation of programs that will secure the protection of personal data. The government’s lack of willingness to comply with international human rights standards, and to refrain from committing human rights violations diminishes its capacity to advocate for and raise awareness about widespread online harassment, which may further result in a lack of accountability that perpetuates a culture of impunity. The security and protection of human rights defenders while carrying out activities to promote and defend rights are compromised by the State’s inadequate protection.