GFMD BECOMES MEMBER OF GLOBAL NETWORK INITIATIVE (GNI)

GFMD is delighted to announce that we have become an official member of the Global Network Initiative (GNI). Launched in 2008, the Global Network Initiative occupies a unique place in the global conversation about freedom of expression and privacy in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The GNI’s multi-stakeholder approach works to bring together information and communications technology companies, civil society (including human rights and press freedom groups), academics, and investors from around the world to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy, facilitate shared learning and collaborative problem solving, and promote coordinated advocacy. GNI has also developed a set of principles that are meant to serve as a guide for all stakeholders on matters related to freedom of expression and privacy. Other GNI members include GFMD members Internews, IMS, and SMEX.

This new membership provides a valuable route for GFMD to continue its advocacy and policy work, with the added support of the Global Network Initiative. As explained by GFMD’s executive director, Mira Milosevic:

“GNI’s mission complements much of the advocacy and policy work we are conducting within the Internet governance ecosystem. This includes a call for broader inclusion of news media and journalism in Internet governance, and highlighting how the underlying mechanisms of the digital economy enable the manipulation of online spaces and the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation. Effectively combating these threats requires commitments from all stakeholders to ensure that high-quality journalism and independent news media organizations are sustainable, which is also why engaging with the GNI network is critical for us.”

Moving forward, GFMD’s future collaboration with GNI will allow both organisations to continue working towards their respective yet complimentary goals in the fields of freedom of expression, Internet governance, and the overall bettering of civil society.

For more information, see the GNI press release about our membership status.