234 Ford House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-6460
Hon. Christopher H. Smith, Chairman
Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin, Co-Chairman

www.csce.gov
Media Contact: Shelly Han
202.225.1901
May 18, 2011

BRIEFING ON INTERNET FREEDOM

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) announced today a staff briefing:

Another Brick in the Wall: What do Dissidents Need Now from the Internet?

The Arab Spring showcased the important role social media played in helping dissidents organize protests, but it also highlighted how these same platforms can be just as useful surveillance and detection tools by governments. At this briefing, experts will talk about the changes in technologies and social media platforms that enable dissidents to access information and to communicate; and discuss ways in which business practices, regulations and foreign policies can help or hurt activists in repressive countries.

Date: Wednesday, May 18

Time: 2:00pm

Venue: Room 2218 Rayburn House Office Building

Panelists:

Rebecca MacKinnon, New America Foundation and Global Voices

Robert Guerra, Freedom House

Kathleen Reen, Internews