Dear Colleagues, Today , ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa (EA) has published its [ https://www.article19.org/freedom-of-expression-and-the-digital-environment-... | Freedom of Expression and the Digital Environment in Eastern Africa 2020 ] report. This report examines the digital environment across six countries, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The report focuses on developments and challenges across three key areas, namely: 1. Freedom of expression online: Can words land you behind bars? 2. Internet accessibility and affordability: Are governments across Eastern Africa pulling their own weight to narrow the digital divide? 3. Privacy and data protection: Is the public’s personal data safe across Eastern Africa? The report proposes that, at a minimum, the six Eastern African countries should: * repeal and amend laws and policies which criminalise freedom of expression online * regularly publish comprehensive annual reports on universal access/service funding mechanisms * refrain from adopting and using Covid-19 contact tracing applications without appropriate human rights safeguards, including sunset clauses to strengthen privacy and data protection. Please interact with, and share, the [ https://www.article19.org/freedom-of-expression-and-the-digital-environment-... | launch page ] , [ https://www.article19.org/resources/threats-to-free-speech-online-in-eastern... | press release ] and [ https://twitter.com/article19eafric | social media ] content. I am happy to provide more information and address any of your queries. Regards, Sigi Waigumo Mwanzia, Digital Policy Consultant. Read more about ARTICLE 19's #MissingVoices campaign here: [ https://www.article19.org/campaigns/missingvoices/ | https://www.article19.org/campaigns/missingvoices/ ] ARTICLE 19 EASTERN AFRICA DEFENDING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION W [ https://www.article19.org/regional-office/eastern-africa/ | https://www.article19.org/regional-office/eastern-africa/ ] Tw @article19eafric Fa [ http://facebook.com/article19org | facebook.com/article19org ]