Protecting critical voices: guidance for human rights impact assessment on digital platforms

The document "Protecting Critical Voices: Guidance for Human Rights Impact Assessment on Digital Platforms" outlines strategies for companies to assess and address the risks to human rights on digital platforms, particularly in protecting journalists and human rights defenders. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and digital platforms to create a responsible digital ecosystem that safeguards freedom of expression. The guidance includes steps such as identifying risks, assessing their impact, implementing mitigation measures, and ensuring transparency, particularly during high-risk periods like elections or conflicts. The focus is on creating a framework that allows for the effective protection of critical voices online, addressing online harassment, doxxing, disinformation, and surveillance, and aligning with international human rights standards.