Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital Rights

By EngageMedia

Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital Rights, is a podcast by EngageMedia dedicated to mainstreaming digital rights in the Asia-Pacific by amplifying regional voices and linking current affairs to issues on and related to digital rights. Find out more at EngageMedia.org/podcast.

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Pretty Good Podcast Episode 18: Reversing Radicalisation Online

Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital RightsMar 24, 2022

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50:56

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Digital Rights Nepal

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Tanka Aryal, President of Digital Rights Nepal, (DRN) shares insights into the organization's inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing emerging digital rights issues in the country. The organization, comprising lawyers, social workers, social scientists, and technologists, engages in policy review, evidence-based advocacy, and research to address emerging issues, digital security, and the intersection of technology and law.

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Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of Pretty Good Podcast, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023. Check out the accompanying blog post that provides additional references and relevant links to this podcast episode. Pretty Good Podcast: Digital Rights and the Asia-Pacific is a podcast dedicated to mainstreaming digital rights in the Asia-Pacific by amplifying regional voices and linking current affairs to issues on and related to digital rights.

Dec 19, 202312:17

PGP Live at DRAPAC23 with Monira Munni, Journalist

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Journalist Monira Munni shares insights into her experiences as a senior reporter at The Financial Express, the only business daily in Bangladesh, focusing on trade, economics, and business issues. Monira delves into the challenges she faces as a journalist during fieldwork, emphasizing the importance of data and information verification, particularly in the context of online and digital platforms.

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Dec 14, 202306:30

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Security Matters

In this PGP Live episode at DRAPAC23, Ivan, Programs and Operations Director at Security Matters, discusses their mission to promote digital security in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand and Malaysia. Ivan covers their role as a first responder, research center, and provider of localized training materials and threat analysis.

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Dec 14, 202310:35

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Ranking Digital Rights

In this episode, Ranking Digital Rights' Global Partnerships Manager, Leandro Ucciferri, discusses their collaboration with EngageMedia on the Greater Internet Freedom project, emphasizing their commitment to sharing a methodology rooted in international standards while actively seeking ways to apply it to local contexts.

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Dec 13, 202328:19

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: IDEALS

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Jonnah Morado, legal officer and project coordinator at the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services or IDEALS, sheds light on their work providing legal assistance to human rights CSOs and digital rights advocates in the Philippines.

Navigating the intersection of digital rights and legal aid, Jonnah discusses their commitment to offering access to justice, including legal advice, fact-checking, and addressing online attacks. She delves into the 'Tisya Hustisya' initiative, an access to justice platform born during the 2020 lockdown, earning IDEALS, Inc. recognition as finalists in the Justice Category of World Justice Challenge 2022 at The Hague.

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Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of Pretty Good Podcast, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023.

Together with hundreds of changemakers from a broad range of sectors who have come together to build knowledge, collaboration, and momentum on Digital Rights and the Asia-Pacific, this series features a number of DRAPAC23 participants working across pressing digital rights issues in the region.

Dec 12, 202310:32

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Filipino Freethinkers

In this episode, Kristine Tan Chan, President of Filipino Freethinkers, discusses their advocacy for human rights, emphasizing freedom of expression, women's and LGBTQIA+ rights, and digital rights. As a member of the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network, Kristine addresses the stigma around abortion, advocating for decriminalization.

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Dec 08, 202312:36

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: East-West Management Institute

In this episode, Pyrou Chung, Director of Open Development Initiative at East-West Management Institute, shares their work in strengthening data governance with indigenous communities. The conversation underscores the substantial contributions of these communities, especially women, to discussions on climate change and environmental issues.

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Dec 04, 202308:36

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Open Culture Foundation

In this episode SzuHui Huang, Programme Manager at Open Culture Foundation, explores the intersection of open technology and digital rights in Asia, emphasizing capacity building and research within civil society organizations, while addressing resource challenges in the digital era and touching on OCF's research in East Asia on privacy and personal data rights within CSOs.

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Dec 01, 202306:42

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Sinar Project

In this PGP Live episode at DRAPAC23, Sinar Project's Kelly Koh and Siti Nurliza Samsudin explore the Internet Monitoring Action Project (iMAP). Learn about iMAP's goal to uncover censorship across 10 countries on platforms like websites, messaging apps, and virtual private networks. Gain insights into their efforts to build a digital rights activist network, enhance transparency, and provide capacity-building for local partners.

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Nov 30, 202314:42

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Centre for Internet & Society

In this episode, Shruti Trikanad from the Centre for Internet & Society shares about the Greater Internet Freedom project, sharing insights on global digital rights policies, digital IDs, and strategies learned from early implementers.

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Nov 24, 202307:09

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Global Voices

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Global Voices Advox Editor Ameya Nagarajan shares about the rise of digital authoritarianism and other digital rights trends in the Asia-Pacific monitored through the Advox and Unfreedom Monitor project.

Ameya shares how governments are using laws to curb digital rights and impede press freedom. She also talks about Global Voices’ future pursuits to advance digital rights – from spyware research and digital rights workshops to interactive games for civic participation.

Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of Pretty Good Podcast, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023.

Jul 03, 202317:08

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Numun Fund

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Numun Fund’s Information and Knowledge Systems Choreographer Syar S. Alia delves into the organisation's exploration of feminist tech and prioritising equitable, accessible, and safe technology for all. Syar also discusses highlights from the organisation’s research uncovering shared concerns in the global south, such as freedom from online gender-based violence, knowledge accessibility, and tech infrastructure development.

Jun 23, 202313:24

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: with a Social Technology Researcher

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Bradley (pseudonym), a social technology researcher, discusses the alternative communication methods used in Myanmar in response to the internet shutdowns and destroyed infrastructure following the February 2021 coup. Zeroing in on digital safety and security, Bradley highlights the challenges faced by the people of Myanmar and emphasises the need for viable alternatives. He also talks about why digital rights activists, civil society organisations, communications companies, and technologists should collaborate to advance safe access and innovative approaches to communication in the country.

Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of Pretty Good Podcast, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023.

Check out the accompanying blog post that provides additional references and relevant links to this podcast episode.

Pretty Good Podcast: Digital Rights and the Asia-Pacific is a podcast dedicated to mainstreaming digital rights in the Asia-Pacific by amplifying regional voices and linking current affairs to issues on and related to digital rights.

Jun 15, 202318:55

PGP Live at DRAPAC23: Athan - Freedom of Expression Activist Organization

Pretty Good Podcast Live at DRAPAC23 is a special episode series of ⁠Pretty Good Podcast⁠, recorded live at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Assembly in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last May 22 to 26, 2023.

In this episode of PGP Live at DRAPAC23, Athan - Freedom of Expression Activist Organization Director Zee Pe shares how her youth-led group is countering the numerous digital rights violations committed by Myanmar’s military dictatorship through research, documentation, and amplifying local communities’ stories.

Check out the accompanying blog post that provides additional references and relevant links to this podcast episode.

Jun 14, 202315:19

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 26: Engaging Myanmar Digital Rights Advocates

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, Htaike Htaike Aung discussed about the updates on digital rights issues in Myanmar, and how the international community can support digital rights advocates in fighting the digital coup and human rights violations happening in the country.

Mar 16, 202339:18

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 25: Envisioning the Future of Digital Rights

In the final 2022 episode of Pretty Good Podcast, EngageMedia Executive Director Phet Sayo shares his take on the current issues surrounding Big Tech globally and how these affect the challenges of disinformation and freedom of expression in the Asia-Pacific. Phet also discusses his vision for the future of digital rights, which centres on building alliances and moving towards open and distributed forms of technology.

Learn more: Pretty Good Podcast Episode 25: Envisioning the Future of Digital Rights

Dec 14, 202241:17

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 24: Reclaiming Indigenous Narratives in Online and Offline Spaces

Lecturer Dr. Samsul Maarif and Project Multatuli membership manager Devina Heriyanto return to expound further on the various ways mainstream media and other stakeholders can collaborate to challenge myths surrounding indigenous communities,reclaim development projects, and bridge the gap between indigenous communities and academics, activists, government officials, and the general public.

Check out the accompanying blog post that provides additional references and relevant links to this podcast episode.

Nov 15, 202236:60

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 23: Media's Role in Dehumanising Indigenous Communities in Indonesia

In this two-part series, Pretty Good Podcast tackles how and why these mainstream narratives perpetuate discrimination against marginalised religious communities, and what can be done to address the issue. Dr. Samsul Maarif, head of the graduate school program at Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Center for Religion and Cross-cultural Studies, expounds on the politics of religion that fuels the stigma against indigenous religions. Devina Heriyanto, a former Jakarta Post journalist and now Membership Manager of Project Multatuli, explains how news outlets’ online business models shape and propagate harmful and oversimplified narratives.

The episode is part of the Association for Progressive Communications’ (APC) Challenge project with the aim of “Challenging hate narratives and violations of freedom of religion and expression online in Asia”.

Read the blog post here.

Nov 10, 202245:27

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 22: Narrating Conservative Islam in Indonesian Trolling Culture

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, Imam Ardhianto, lecturer and chair of the University of Indonesia’s Media, Culture, and Research Center for Anthropological Studies, discusses the transformation of religious social media movements in Indonesia and how they shaped the socio-political landscape of the country, adapting into hyperlocal spaces online and offline.

The episode is part of the Association for Progressive Communications’ (APC) Challenge project, with the aim of “Challenging hate narratives and violations of freedom of religion and expression online in Asia”.

Sep 16, 202253:09

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 21: Pandemic of Control in South Asia

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, two South Asian contributors of EngageMedia’s Pandemic of Control series elaborate on how the digital technologies used for pandemic management have infringed on human and digital rights. Harindrini Corea, legal consultant of Hashtag Generation, shares more about the criminalisation of people’s movements and peaceful protests amid the economic decline in Sri Lanka. Filmmaker and human rights advocate Zayed Siddiki discusses how the state used the legal system to suppress citizens' rights in online and offline spaces.

Aug 30, 202243:40

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 20: Resilience Amid Oppression in Myanmar's Digital Coup

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, Asia-Pacific analyst and Access Now’s Myanmar lead Wai Phyo Myint elaborates on how these developments are affecting the efforts of Myanmar’s resilient digital rights actors, individuals, and organisations to restore democracy in the country. She also shares concrete ways that the international community can continue to or update their support for changemakers.

Jul 15, 202250:07

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 19: Understanding Data Justice

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, research consultant Dr Diani Citra and EngageMedia Digital Rights Program Officer for Indonesia Pradipa Rasidi share key insights from the report “The Techno-politics of Data Justice in Indonesia and the Philippines”. They discuss how civil society, technology groups, and affected communities in both countries understand data justice, as informed by their lived experiences, as well as the paths forward for future research and data governance strategies.

Apr 13, 202201:00:42

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 18: Reversing Radicalisation Online

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, author, filmmaker, and activist Noor Huda Ismail discusses the strategic online dissemination of extremist ideology in Southeast Asia. He zeroes in on how social media algorithms influence online radicalisation, and how using the same technology can help targeted individuals reintegrate back into society.

Mar 24, 202250:56

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 17: AI Governance in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has historically been consumers of technology instead of providers. This often leaves the region at a disadvantage in adapting to and governing the technologies that it needs for growth, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

In this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, AI researcher Dr. Jun-E Tan expounds on her 2021 research with EngageMedia on AI governance in Southeast Asia, emphasising the importance of contextualising this technology based on what the region needs. Jun-E also discusses the need for Southeast Asian countries to look at existing mechanisms that are within their control, and how these can be used to govern AI technology in ways that protect their people.

Feb 14, 202247:17

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 16: Freedom of Religion and Expression Online in Indonesia (Part 2)

Pretty Good Podcast returns in 2022 with the second part of our series on freedom of religion and expression online in Indonesia. In this episode, accomplished Indonesian journalist and writer Feby Indirani shares her experience in advocating for such freedoms in the online space, from continued discussions on her books promoting religious tolerance to her current campaign, “Relax, It’s Just Religion”.

The two-part series is part of the Association for Progressive Communications’ (APC) Challenge project, with the aim of “challenging hate narratives and violations of freedom of religion and expression online in Asia”.

Jan 26, 202248:35

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 15: Freedom of Religion and Expression Online in Indonesia (Part 1)

Pretty Good Podcast caps off its second season with a special two-part series on complexities of freedom of religion and expression online in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim majority and where minorities have historically been the subject of discrimination and hate speech. Our first episode, with academic Leonard Epafras of the Indonesian Consortium of Religious Studies in Yogyakarta, tackles the broader history of religion in the country, as well as zoning in on the youth’s experience of expressing their beliefs online.

Dec 21, 202141:11

Episode 14: Can Open Source Video Platforms Challenge YouTube?

With Big Tech monopolies owning many of the online services we regularly use, is there still a space (and an audience) for open source platforms and content outside this mostly proprietary ecosystem? EngageMedia is up for the challenge with the launch of Cinemata, a platform for social and environmental films about the Asia-Pacific. In this podcast episode, we expound on Cinemata with our Executive Director Andrew Lowenthal.

Jun 18, 202146:05

Episode 13: Australia's News Media Bargaining Code

In early 2021, the Australian government enacted the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, which requires Facebook and Google to pay Australian media for their news content. On the one hand, the law can be seen as a triumph for journalism, an industry that for so long has bemoaned the loss of content and advertising revenue to Big Tech platforms. But on the other hand, critics have expressed concern over its implementation, and whether smaller news organisations and the public will really benefit in the long run.

To better understand the Code, EngageMedia and Reset Australia Executive Director Chris Cooper have a nuanced discussion on how the Code affects different sectors of society – and what precedents it will set in the Asia-Pacific region, where governments are increasingly passing more authoritarian laws that regulate content on online platforms.

May 13, 202159:33

Episode 12: Freedom of Expression Online

EngageMedia sits down with Mong Palatino, Southeast Asia and Oceania editor of the community media website Global Voices, to talk about the threats to freedom of expression on the internet. Most importantly, we ask Mong: Is the internet still a safe space for us to freely express ourselves?

Apr 26, 202148:23

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 11: A Conversation with a Pro-Democracy Activist in Myanmar

Almost two months since the Myanmar military staged a coup that overthrew the country’s newly elected government, pro-democracy activists and civil society in the country continue to stage daily demonstrations. But beyond sharing the relevant hashtags on social media, what concrete actions can the regional and international communities do to support those protesting on the ground? EngageMedia hears straight from Thinzar Shunlei Yi, a prominent pro-democracy activist, on how exactly the military is using technology against protesters, and what kinds of support Myanmar civil society needs to continue their fight for democracy.

Mar 20, 202141:16

Episode 10: Boosting Asia-Pacific voices in West-dominated tech discourse

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred on existing debates and developments on users’ privacy, government surveillance, and data monetisation. But what do all these mean for the Asia-Pacific? EngageMedia chats with Mishi Choudhary, founder of SFLC.in, on how recent events are affecting the region, and how we can boost our voices and influence the tech space.

Mar 11, 202159:12

Episode 9: The digital and democratic challenges in telling Myanmar's story

There have been many reports on what is happening in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup, but more than ever we need to listen to stories from the ground, as told by the people of Myanmar. On this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, EngageMedia interviews filmmaker Stephen Minus (also known as Thet Oo Maung) on his experience documenting the protests that have swept the country, and the wider implications of the military's human and digital rights violations against the Myanmar people.

Feb 11, 202134:44

Episode 8: How Digital Rights Challenges Reflect Democratic Ones In Myanmar

Following the recently concluded elections in Myanmar, EngageMedia sits down with Maung Zarni, Burmese scholar and co-founder of Forces of Renewal Southeast Asia (FORSEA), to discuss how the poll results tie into the bigger digital rights challenges that the country is facing today.

Nov 24, 202058:58

Episode 7: Protecting the stories of marginalised people in the digital space

How can we ensure that marginalised communities in the region are safe to share their stories online? Bishakha Datta, Executive Director of Point of View, elaborates on how the challenges these groups face on the internet are parallel to the obstacles encountered offline, as well as how allies in solidarity can protect and amplify these stories in the digital space.

Nov 05, 202037:56

Episode 6: Youth and Online Activism at Thailand Protests

Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand, enumerates the human and digital rights issues and violations occurring during the recent youth-led protests in Thailand, from the disproportionate use of laws against dissenting opinions and the increase in online harassment against young protesters.

Oct 16, 202039:59

Episode 5: What intermediary liability means for digital rights

Shita Laksmi, executive director of Tifa Foundation, chats with EngageMedia about internet intermediary liability, particularly in regards to disinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the state in regulating content. We also ask: How can internet intermediaries balance people's freedom of expression with their right to be protected from online harms and manipulation?

Sep 16, 202029:54

Episode 4: Communications Privacy: Big Tech vs Open Source

On this episode of Pretty Good Podcast, we chat with Simon Harman and Sam de Silva from the Loki Foundation, makers of private messaging app Session, on the benefits of and challenges to using secure tools for communications. We also discuss ways to raise awareness on the importance of privacy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific where access to digital tech and literacy is highly uneven.

Aug 13, 202050:43

Episode 3: AI and its role in COVID-19 responses

ARTICLE19 digital programme officer Vidushi Marda dissects the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the region's response to COVID-19 and what the new applications of this technology mean for digital rights after the pandemic.

Jul 14, 202049:36

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 2: Cyber libel and press freedom in the Philippines

The second episode of Pretty Good Podcast delves deeper into the Philippine court cyber libel ruling against journalists Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr. of Rappler, a Philippine news organisation known to be critical of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte. We ask John Nery, a columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and co-founder of the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation: What does this case mean for press freedom, and what are the wider implications of this ruling for freedom of expression online?

The episode also features interviews with Filipinos who participated in a physical protest against the pending Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which has received criticism for its vague provisions on what constitutes as terrorism and that can target critical activists, journalists, and members of civil society.

Jun 24, 202053:09

Pretty Good Podcast Episode 1: Digital Rights and the Asia-Pacific

On the pilot episode of Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital Rights, EngageMedia chats with the Association for Progressive Communications executive director, Chat Garcia Ramilo, on the past, present, and future of digital rights in Asia-Pacific region. The pilot also tackles how the COVID-19 pandemic relates to digital rights and the importance of building and staying in touch with our communities to further the digital rights movement in the region.

Pretty Good Podcast: Discussions on Digital Rights, is a podcast by EngageMedia dedicated to mainstreaming digital rights in the Asia-Pacific by amplifying regional voices and linking current affairs to issues on and related to digital rights. Find out more at EngageMedia.org/podcast.

Jun 10, 202054:02