History of Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF)
Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF), originally known as #defyhatenow South Sudan, was initiated in early 2014 by r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformation gGmbH (Berlin) as a project in response to the conflict in South Sudan that erupted in late 2013. At its inception, the project aimed to address the role of social media in fueling hate speech and incitement during the civil unrest.
The situation escalated with the renewed conflict in 2016, which displaced over two million civilians to neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. #defyhatenow initiative began facilitating reconciliation dialogues among stakeholders to understand, assess, and counteract the effects of social media-driven hate and misinformation. From 2016 onwards, the initiative trained diverse groups, including civil society actors, policymakers, youth leaders, and internally displaced persons across South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan.
The environment in South Sudan was marked by rampant hate speech (online and offline), limited civic space, and restricted access to reliable information. Social media platforms were often used by individuals affiliated with both the government and the opposition to spread hate speech and misinformation. The absence of credible, authentic media sources further exacerbated this challenge, leaving the digital landscape dominated by fake news and unverified information.
Additionally, civic freedoms—including rights to assembly, association, and expression—were severely constrained, coupled with poor implementation of the Access to Information Act. Public institutions frequently failed to provide timely and accessible information to citizens.
The overarching objective of #defyhatenow South Sudan was to promote freedom of expression, enhance access to information, and combat misinformation and hate speech in South Sudan. These efforts aimed to empower civic actors to mitigate hate speech, counter misinformation, and increase public access to trustworthy information.
Between 2015 and 2018, #defyhatenow South Sudan received support from the German Federal Foreign Office through the ifa/zivik programme. The project focused on mobilizing civic action to address hate speech and social media incitement to violence. During this time, it expanded into neighbouring countries, produced vital resources like the Social Media Hate Speech Mitigation Field Guide, and deepened its impact.
In 2019, #defyhatenow South Sudan was officially registered as an independent organization. This legal recognition marked the beginning of new partnerships and funding from various donors, including the European Commission, Internews, Meta Inc., Data4Change, Meedan, and the Small Media Foundation. These partnerships enabled the organization to scale its initiatives and broaden its impact in South Sudan.
Globally, the #defyhatenow initiative under r0g agency continued to expand to other countries outside East Africa, including but not limited to, #defyhatenow Cameroon, #defyhatenow, Ethiopia amount others.
Our work has grown beyond addressing specific digital issues to advocating for comprehensive digital rights, including privacy, data protection, and equitable access to technology.
The name Digital Rights Frontlines underscores this expanded mission, signaling our commitment to safeguarding individual rights in online spaces while tackling broader challenges like surveillance, misinformation, and exclusion.
Broader Focus on Digital Rights
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Digital challenges are not confined by borders, and our work increasingly addresses issues that impact individuals and communities worldwide.
The name Digital Rights Frontlines positions us as a global leader in digital advocacy, capable of engaging with diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts while defending digital freedoms across borders.
Enhanced Global Relevance
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With the rapid evolution of technology, including the rise of AI, digital surveillance, and social media influence, we needed a name that reflects our role in addressing these challenges.
Digital Rights Frontlines highlights our proactive stance at the forefront of advocating for ethical practices and protecting rights in the ever-changing digital landscape.
Alignment with Technological Advancements
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The term “Frontlines” emphasizes our active role in creating safer digital environments. It represents our dedication to leading efforts in advocacy, education, and action to ensure digital platforms are inclusive, secure, and respectful of human rights.
This name encapsulates our proactive approach to safeguarding digital freedoms, privacy, and access to information.
Emphasis on Advocacy and Protection
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Digital Rights Frontlines provides a clear and concise identity that resonates with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and global partners. The name reflects our mission and enhances recognition in the digital rights ecosystem, ensuring our work is easily identifiable and aligned with the global movement for digital rights.
Improved Clarity and Brand Recognition
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Why Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF)?
The decision to transition the organization's name from #DefyHateNow South Sudan to Digital Rights Frontlines (DRF) was driven by the need to reflect its evolving mission and the broader scope of its work. While combating hate speech and misinformation remains central, the organization has expanded to address a wider array of digital rights issues, including challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. The name change underscores this shift and highlights DRF’s proactive approach to tackling the complex dynamics of the digital age.
Key Reasons for the Transition are listed below