While technological advancements have brought advantages to journalism, they have also had a detrimental impact on the media landscape. In certain countries, the digital era has put journalism at risk. The utilization of technology has facilitated significant changes in journalism, allowing for increased freedom of expression and access to information, and promoting accountability and transparency. Nonetheless, the negative consequences of digital surveillance are jeopardizing the practice of journalism. Journalism, as a profession, is under constant threats including digital breaches and security threats.
Considering this reality, Safer-I was able to conduct its first ‘Digital Safety 101 for Journalists’ session on the 29th of March 2023. This session was led by our campaign lead, Nirisha Manandhar. This session, organized during a conference by Earth Journalism Network, was provided to a number of prominent journalists from the Asia-Pacific region.
After establishing why understanding digital safety practices is important for journalists, Nirisha briefly introduced the participants to a number of best digital safety practices and tools that can be used to maintain this practice. The tools shared were divided into two categories; those that can help maintain digital identities and those that can allow data safety and protection. The session focused on online security, data protection practices, communication tools, and so on.
We believe that after attending this session, the journalists will use the right mix of digital identity and data security tools that would allow them the security to explore more diverse and underrepresented journalism narratives and stories.
