RightsCon Toronto 2018

Access to information is vulnerable to a host of factors, from state censorship to internet shutdowns, to poor infrastructure and natural disasters.

Our session brings together a range of groups working to protect access to information in politically hostile and/or low infrastructure contexts, with the goal of sharing and discussing solutions from several contexts and perspectives. 

We’ll look at technical solutions (mirror sites, distributing pre-filled hard drives, data casting using commercial TV satellites, and P2P content sharing behind firewalls) as well as advocacy strategies and operational models.

The goal of the session is to focus on what we CAN do - and how - rather than what we can’t, sharing tested, practical, creative responses that reflect both the risks and the opportunities on the ground. While there aren’t one-size-fits all solutions, there are relevant and transferrable experiences.

We will:

> map needs and challenges
> share concrete strategies; reduce inefficiency of siloed problem-solving/working in isolation
> bring together a range of stakeholders to demonstrate the importance of a holistic approach to this challenge
> make the introductions/connections needed to enable continued conversations post-RightsCon