From Apartheid to Algorithms: Anriette Esterhuysen’s Fight for Free Speech and Digital Justice
Anriette Esterhuysen, a human rights defender and internet governance pioneer, believes the internet boosts freedom of expression but warns against its role in amplifying hate speech. She stresses the need for strong legal frameworks and social norms to combat harmful speech, citing South Africa’s challenges with censorship during Apartheid.
Hot Take:
Anriette Esterhuysen is basically the Gandalf of Internet Governance, wielding her magical staff to guide us through the murky depths of free speech, human rights, and online chaos. Step aside, Sauron, because Anriette’s determined to overthrow the Dark Lord of Censorship and make the internet a realm of truth and justice! Who knew discussing internet governance could sound like a plot from “The Lord of the Rings”?
Key Points:
- Anriette Esterhuysen is a human rights champion and a pioneer in using ICTs for social justice.
- She chairs the UN’s Internet Governance Forum’s Multistakeholder Advisory Group.
- The African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) fosters critical thinking on internet governance in Africa.
- Esterhuysen emphasizes freedom of expression as crucial to challenging injustice and misinformation.
- She believes social media amplifies hate speech but doesn’t create it; offline solutions are needed.