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KPI 13

Contributed specific policy proposals to the Freedom Online Coalition on the role of the tech industry in protecting human rights online.

Denmark is a strong voice for human rights and fundamental freedoms online. Raising the bar for human rights in a digital age happens at both the multilateral level, as well as in multistakeholder coalitions where democratic governments must stand firm to defend a values-based approach to technology. That is why Denmark is actively involved in the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), in which 38+ governments seek to advance freedom online and shape global norms for a human rights-respecting digital future.

Key Achievements & Results

  • The Digital Democracy Initiative: Initiated a development program aimed at supporting civil society in the Global Majority, focusing on using digital technologies to widen the civic space and promote democratic governance. 

  • New FOC Task Force: Transitioned a key Action Coalition from the Tech for Democracy Initiative into the FOC by establishing a new Task Force on Trustworthy Information Online, to continue the work of the Action Coalition. Denmark now leads this new Task Force with the Netherlands and the Wikimedia Foundation, striving to promote a more positive and holistic vision for the online information environment with a focus on plurality, diversity, inclusion, access, agency, and reliability.

  • General Contributions: Actively engaged with governments within the FOC to promote online freedom and establish digital standards respecting human rights. Since 2021, served on the FOC’s Steering Committee, shaping strategic objectives and bolstering the coalition's Program of Action.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Coordinated closely with the FOC and leveraged the coalition to seek input and quality outputs from Tech for Democracy workstreams. The Danish study on "Digital Development & Human Rights" has formed the basis for the FOC’s Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age.