Devolping Digital Advocacy | Professor Michael Geist | Talks at Google

TL;DR

The internet has revolutionized the way people engage in advocacy, allowing for easy organization, education, and action on various issues.

Transcript

okay shall we shall we get going um first of all for those of you who don't know me i'm susan poynter joined google just under three months ago and i'm looking after our european public policy based here in london this is very much the first of these talks that we've done since i came into position so a lot of i owe a lot of the credit for setting ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Digital advocacy has become the new normal, enabling people to organize, educate, and take action more effectively on various issues.
• 🐎 The internet provides a platform for speed, localization, and the amplification of voices, making it a powerful tool for advocacy.
• 💨 Governments and organizations need to adapt to the changing landscape of digital advocacy and find ways to effectively engage with the public online.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has digital advocacy impacted government policies?

Digital advocacy has forced governments to pay attention to issues that may have been overlooked before. It has given individuals a platform to voice their concerns and demand change, leading to policy shifts and increased transparency.

Q: What are the downsides of the democratization of communication on the internet?

While the democratization of communication has enabled more people to express their opinions, it has also given rise to misinformation and uninformed viewpoints. It is important for advocates to ensure that their campaigns are based on accurate information and to educate their audience effectively.

Q: Can digital advocacy be effective in countries with limited internet access?

Yes, digital advocacy can still be effective in countries with limited internet access by utilizing alternative tools like SMS-based petitions or offline meetups. It may require different strategies, but it is still possible to mobilize people and make an impact.

Q: How can digital advocacy platforms ensure that users are informed before taking action?

Advocacy platforms can incorporate educational resources and fact-checking features to ensure that users have access to accurate information. Providing relevant resources and encouraging engagement with different perspectives can help users make more informed decisions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Digital advocacy has become the new normal, allowing people to organize quickly and effectively using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

• The power to educate has been enhanced through online tools, such as Global Voices, which aggregates bloggers from different countries and translates their content for a wider audience.

• Taking action has become easier with tools like online petitions and social media campaigns, allowing individuals to make their voices heard on important issues.

• The internet enables speed and localization, making it easier to respond to events and issues in real-time and engage communities on a local level.