The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a new era of our digital lives. Work, education, and socialization moved online, as did political protest. Many social movements temporarily stalled, but many others adapted, broadening their reach by organizing online. Pandemics are often followed by periods of social and political unrest, and this pandemic is no exception. Globally, authoritarianism and nationalism are on the rise. The International Press Institute has found over 675 press freedom violations linked to the pandemic, in the form of legal action and verbal or physical harassment. Increased reliance on technology post-pandemic makes digital rights an essential part of protecting global freedom of expression. But, as internet freedoms have declined for over a decade, and authoritarian leaders seize the opportunity to enforce new restrictions online, human rights are at risk.
