Together, 7amleh and RNW Media advocate for human rights in digital ecosystems, combat online suppression, and push for policies that ensure inclusive and equitable digital spaces.
Together with 7amleh, RNW Media has published a position paper delimiting the risks and implications of restricting Palestinian digital rights in digital information ecosystems amidst the war in Gaza. The digital landscape has become a critical battleground for human rights, and nowhere is this more evident than in the context of the ongoing war on Gaza. Our new position paper, “Safeguarding Palestinian Digital Rights in the EU Policy Framework,” sheds light on the alarming escalation of digital repression faced by Palestinians.
From increased surveillance and restrictions on online expression to the systematic erasure of Palestinian narratives by social media platforms, their voices are being silenced at an unprecedented rate. This crackdown not only stifles fundamental freedoms but also creates a dangerous information vacuum, hindering independent reporting and allowing disinformation to flourish.
This paper delves into the multifaceted challenges compounding this repression. We examine how the Israeli government has expanded its legal and extralegal measures, such as the “Anti-Terrorism” Law, to criminalise digital content and target individuals for their online activities, leading to widespread self-censorship and arbitrary detentions.
Furthermore, we highlight the severe threat to media freedom, with a devastating number of Palestinian journalists killed or injured. The situation is further complicated by the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which, despite its aims to create a safer digital space, has inadvertently led to the over-removal of legitimate Palestinian content due to pressure from authorities and over-reliance on automated moderation tools.
In response to these critical issues, our position paper outlines key recommendations for the European Union. As a global leader in digital regulation, the EU has a crucial role in ensuring its policies and diplomatic engagements uphold international human rights standards. We urge the EU to:
- Address the complicity of tech platforms in silencing Palestinian voices.
- Advocate for unbiased content moderation, and push for greater transparency and accountability in content moderation practices.
- Protect Palestinian digital rights, ensuring that the digital space remains a forum for free expression, activism, and information-sharing.
Check the position papers in both English & Dutch below:
