We are fighting for a free internet

Many see the fight for internet freedom as being against censorship and surveillance – but as Billy Bragg sang, "Freedom is merely privilege extended unless enjoyed by one and all". Freedom of Expression and control of the means of communication are two sides of the same coin.

Friends of a Free Internet are committed to both free online expression as well as universal access to communication commons that is user owned and controlled, decommodified, free/affordable, safe and secure.

We are committed to economic, social and ecological justice and envision a communications system that enables a world where all the resources required for life are produced democratically in harmony with the biosphere by each according to their ability and shared according to their needs.

We believe in a multi-faceted approach to achieving digital freedom and internet accessibility:

Advocacy & Policy

Engaging with policymakers, regulators, and government bodies to ensure digital rights are protected and affordable access becomes a reality for all communities.

Community Organising

Building grassroots movements and empowering local communities to advocate for their digital rights and access needs.

Education & Awareness

Providing resources, workshops, and information to help people understand their digital rights and how to protect them.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with like-minded organisations, technologists, and activists to amplify our impact and reach.

Friends of a Free Internet operates as a collective, bringing together diverse voices and expertise to advance our shared mission.

Organisational Partners

This campaign is an initiative of the Yetu Infotech Collective and the People's Media Consortium, who provide strategic direction and operational support.

Individual Friends

Our network includes activists, technologists, researchers, and concerned citizens who contribute their skills, time, and energy to our campaigns.

Community Supporters

Local communities and organisations across South Africa and beyond who stand with us in the fight for digital rights and internet freedom.

67.3% of South Africa has access to the Internet and the potential to access information and publish at very low cost. There are many alternatives to for-profit networks.

But the vast majority have no access to broadband/fibre and rely on slow profiteering mobile networks to access the internet. Access mirrors and reproduces broader racial and gender inequalities.

The Internet can offer activist organisations a platform for their own internal democracy, organising efforts, and amplify their voice. However, surveillance and lack of privacy make on-line organising efforts vulnerable to repression.

Historically around the world network access has expanded, the cost of data has decreased, and network speeds have increased.

SA's networks are dominated by commercial interests that put profit before people and the Government has consistently missed their connectivity targets.

ICASA has recently published regulations obligating networks to over 97% of SA and connect public buildings (schools, clinics, etc). Commercial networks in the past have chosen to pay minimum fines rather than cover the cost of building networks in "uneconomical" areas.

ICASA's new regulations also obligate networks to zero-rate PBO mobile content. The conditions of zero-rating will be highly contested by network/internet profiteers.

South Africa's Bill of Rights protects free expression and technology is making expression increasingly easy. However, the newly enacted Internet Censorship Act gives the Film and Publication Board teeth to regulate and take down online content. Hate speech law is in the pipeline.

The Bill of Rights also protects privacy and the Information Regulator has been set-up to defend privacy. The Constitutional Court has ordered parliament to amend RICA and the Mufamadi Report has recommended reform of State Security.

Despite these protections, surveillance capitalism collects and commodifies personal information (in exchange for "Free Services"). The SA government has not amended RICA or implemented the Mufamadi recommendations.

Information technology (Infotech) is increasingly shaping our lives and the Covid pandemic has accelerated the need for online interaction.

This process has the potential to enable greater access to information, openness and transparency, greater freedom of expression, solidarity, as well as stronger and more democratic forms of organising. But the digital age is reproducing the inequality and injustice of the society it is emerging in.

We see not only an increasing divide between the power of those who have decent internet access and the majority, but also new forms of domination. Rising authoritarianism (including surveillance, censorship and propaganda) is transforming our public spaces into open air prisons where we are constantly watched and trained to police ourselves.

The right to communicate is emerging as a critical freedom to defend and advance in response to a digital feudalism where governments and a handful of large corporations control networks, platforms, technology and can shape content.

The purpose of the Stop Thief! campaign is to ensure that the government and network companies stick to the promises they made two years ago. We want to make sure they don't forget what they said they would do. To achieve this, we are educating people about these promises and asking communities to stand with us. One of our largest actions was gathering outside the ICASA office in Centurion on May 17, 2024, to show that we are serious about holding them accountable and want to see real action taken to keep these promises. Our campaign continues to engage all stakehloders to ensure free internet in South Africa.

We are dedicated to making sure the government keeps its promises, which include:

• Providing 10GB of free data to households every month
• Ensuring that 97% of South Africa has internet access
• Installing high-speed internet in schools and clinics
• Granting free access (zero-rated) to non-profit websites

Friends of a Free Internet is pushing for accountability because we have a vision of a community-built Internet that is collectively managed and accessed by all South Africans. The first step is opening up internet use for all. The concept of a free internet is crucial as it creates job opportunities, improves access to education, and fosters democratic participation and information sharing. These aspects are essential for building a fair and informed society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.

The ICASA 2022 spectrum auction imposes coverage and connectivity obligations to mobile network companies. These obligations require companies to expand their network coverage to a certain percentage of the population within 5 years. Network operators of certain levels must cover at least 97% of the population, these requirements aim to improve internet and communication access, particularly in underserved areas across the country.

The government promised 10GB of free data monthly to households, but implementation has been slow and inconsistent. Here's the current situation:

• The promise was made to help bridge the digital divide during and after the pandemic
• Implementation has been patchy, with many communities still waiting
• We're monitoring rollout and holding authorities accountable
• Our campaign demands transparent timelines and equal access for all communities

This free data is essential for access to education, healthcare information, job opportunities, and government services.

Zero-rating means that certain websites or online services don't count against users' mobile data limits. This is crucial because:

• It makes essential information and services accessible to people who can't afford data
• Non-profit websites providing education, health information, and community services become freely available
• It helps bridge the digital divide while we work toward completely free internet access
• ICASA regulations now require networks to zero-rate public benefit organisation content

We're fighting to ensure these zero-rating provisions are implemented fairly and benefit the communities that need them most.

When you join our campaign as a Friend here and join our Whatsapp channel you will be informed on ways to get involved. By working together and cooperating, we can make important changes and build a fairer and more equal society.

You can sign up as a Friend on our website, share our resources and updates, participate in our campaigns and events, advocate for digital rights in your community, and connect with us on social media.

As a Friend of a Free Internet, there are several meaningful ways you can contribute:

• Spread awareness: Share our campaign materials and updates with your networks
• Participate in actions: Join our protests, sign petitions, and attend community meetings
• Engage decision-makers: Contact your local representatives about digital rights issues
• Organise locally: Start conversations about internet access in your community
• Share expertise: Contribute your skills in technology, organising, or communications
• Document issues: Report internet access problems in your area to help build our case