Thursday, 6 March 2025: Calls for enhanced cybersecurity training and stronger laws to protect journalists were prominent at the recently concluded leading human rights summit in Taipei, Taiwan- RightsCon. This emerged from the session titled “Battling Shadows: The Global Struggle Against Attacks on Journalists,” moderated by Theorose Elikplim Dzineku of Digispace Africa.
The panel included Jeanne Elone, Manager at Facebook; Zoe Darme, Senior Manager of Knowledge and Information at Google; ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative; Jonathan Rozen, Senior Africa Researcher at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); and Doreen Raheena Sulleyman, Editor of Techpreneur Magazine.
It unanimously emphasised the necessity of protecting journalists and ensuring their safety, given the considerable risks associated with their professions. There was also a strong emphasis on the implementation of effective laws and policies regarding digital rights, alongside those that criminalise impersonation of journalists, harassment, and doxxing—a form of cyberbullying that exploits sensitive or confidential information for the harassment, exposure, financial harm, or other exploitation of targeted individuals.
An appeal was made for newsrooms to train journalists and media personnel on digital threats and to inform them that such threats are real. “Newsrooms should adopt mandatory cybersecurity training for journalists and ensure it is conducted annually or biannually, as technology is dynamic,” Doreen added.
‘Gbenga highlighted that Paradigm Initiative has been conducting digital security training for journalists, in addition to developing two digital toolkits—Ripoti and Ayeta—that enable users to report digital rights violations and protect themselves online. He indicated that the organisation will be launching the digital rights and inclusion in Africa report-Londa, which will reveal the increasing surveillance of journalists. The report is set to be unveiled at the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), taking place in Lusaka, Zambia from 29 April to 1 May 2025. In March, PIN will host a digital security training session in Kenya, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to media safety and digital resilience.
Jonathan from CPJ said the organisation provides both financial and non-financial support to journalists, as well as resources on how to prepare for internet shutdowns and smear campaigns. They also have checklists for editors and risk assessment tools for journalists to protect themselves.
The panel was clear that in the digital age, the journalism profession and journalists at large face significant challenges. While technology-assisted tools and social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for newsgathering, storytelling, and audience engagement, they also present notable threats such as harassment, surveillance, and issues related to deepfakes. The session explored the multifaceted ways in which technology is being used to undermine journalistic integrity and personal safety while discussing strategies to counter these threats.
The PIN delegation to RightsCon comprised ‘Gbenga, Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagement, Judith Ogutu, Communications Manager, and Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru, Programmes Officer for East Africa.
They joined hundreds of global players at the event which took place from February 24th to 27th February 2025. They participated in several panel sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, and private meetings. They also provided thought leadership in the following thematic areas: emerging technologies, content moderation, data protection, encryption, global processes, trust and safety, internet shutdowns, digital inclusion, journalism, surveillance, and accountability online.