Virtual Presentation by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo at the Media, Human Rights, Citizenship and Development Forum
02 December 2024, Maputo, Mozambique.
Chairperson, esteemed members of the diplomatic community, MISA Mozambique Governing Council, the media and our stakeholders.
I wish to start by conveying our condolences to the families and people of Mozambique following the loss of lives in the post-election conflict engulfing the country to date.
As a country Mozambique and its people sacrificed its national and personal prosperity by hosting several liberation movements until the entire southern African region was free.
Therefore, allow me to express my gratitude and pay homage to the peoples of Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia for bearing the burden of hosting and supporting the liberation movements that led to the liquidation of colonial rule in Southern Africa.
The last frontier of colonial rule was South Africa’s freedom in 1994.
Today, more than ever, Mozambique requires the continent’s solidarity and support to return to peace and amicable existence as they define their pathways towards a country responsive to its citizenry’s needs as an integral strategic player in the region and the continent.
Secondly, I congratulate the MISA Mozambique Chapter on the successful convening of this timely forum, a testament to your admirable efforts in addressing societal challenges.
This aligns with the MISA Regional Strategy 2021-2026, which the Chapter aptly contributed to and the convening of meaningful conversations that impact the people of Southern Africa and Africa at large.
Media challenges in the digital age: From global challenges to regulation experiences in Mozambique
The digital age has transformed the content production landscape, making creating, distributing, and accessing information easier than ever. While this shift has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for innovation and inclusion, it has also introduced significant threats and risks that require collective effort to address.
Misinformation and Disinformation
- Scale and Speed: The digital environment allows false information to spread faster than ever before, often reaching millions within minutes.
- Erosion of Trust: The prevalence of fake news undermines trust in credible institutions, such as governments, media outlets, and public health systems.
- Manipulation of Public Opinion: Bad actors exploit digital platforms to influence elections, promote propaganda, or sow division within communities.
- Deepfakes: Advances in AI have enabled the creation of highly realistic but fabricated audio and video content, which can mislead and manipulate audiences.
Cybersecurity Threats
- Ransomware Attacks: Hackers may target creators, organisations, or platforms, locking them out of their data and demanding payment for its return.
- Phishing Scams: Fraudulent attempts to access sensitive information through deceptive communications continue to evolve in sophistication.
- Reputational Damage: Cyberattacks can expose private content or sensitive data, tarnishing reputations or causing personal harm.
- Threats to Media Organisations: Journalists and media outlets are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, jeopardising press freedom.
Copyright Infringement
- Unauthorised Distribution: Digital platforms facilitate the unauthorised sharing and reproduction of copyrighted works, depriving creators of deserved revenue.
- Challenges in Enforcement: Jurisdictional complexities and technological advancements make enforcing intellectual property rights globally difficult.
- Impact on Creators: Small and independent creators are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to combat copyright violations.
Digital Divide
- Access Inequality: While technology has become more widespread, significant disparities in access to digital tools persist, especially in rural areas and among marginalised communities.
- Gender Gap: Women and girls, especially in developing regions, face systemic barriers to accessing digital platforms, further entrenching gender inequality.
- Challenges for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Inadequate digital accessibility tools exclude PWDs from full participation in the digital ecosystem.
- Educational Disparities: Unequal access to technology limits opportunities for digital literacy and education, widening socio-economic gaps.
Online Harassment and Abuse
- Cyberbullying: Digital platforms have become breeding grounds for targeted harassment, particularly affecting youth, women, and marginalised groups.
- Trolling and Hate Speech: The anonymity of the internet enables harmful speech that can perpetuate discrimination and violence.
- Doxing and Stalking: The unauthorised publication of personal information puts individuals at risk of physical harm, harassment, and emotional distress.
- Chilling Effect on Expression: Harassment deters individuals, particularly vulnerable groups, from participating in digital spaces, silencing critical voices.
The Opportunities
Global Reach and Audience
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Content creators can collaborate across geographies, sharing diverse experiences and creating globally resonant works.
- Breaking Barriers: Digital platforms democratise access, allowing creators from under-represented communities to reach global audiences.
- Localised Content: The global reach enables creators to highlight and preserve local cultures, traditions, and languages in a globally accessible format.
Diverse Voices and Perspectives
- Empowering Marginalised Groups: The internet provides a platform for individuals from historically marginalised communities to share their experiences and advocate for change.
- Cultural Exchange: Digital content fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation by making diverse stories and perspectives widely available.
- Advancing Advocacy: Activists can leverage digital tools to raise awareness, mobilise support, and drive social change on critical issues.
Data-Driven Insights
- Personalised Content: Analytics allow creators to tailor content to specific audience preferences, enhancing engagement and relevance.
- Predictive Trends: Insights from big data enable creators to anticipate emerging trends, ensuring their work remains timely and appealing.
- Measurement of Impact: Tools for monitoring audience reactions provide valuable feedback to refine strategies and improve content quality.
Collaborative Tools and Technologies
- Cloud-Based Platforms: Tools like Google Workspace and Asana streamline collaboration and project management across continents.
- Interactive Media: Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow creators to develop immersive, interactive experiences.
- Knowledge Sharing: Online communities and forums enable creators to exchange ideas, seek advice, and share best practices.
New Business Models
- Influencer Economy: The rise of influencers has created new avenues for monetisation through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales.
- Subscription Services: Platforms such as Substack and YouTube Premium offer creators recurring revenue through subscriber-only content.
- The use of blockchain technology allows creators to tokenise their work, enabling direct sales and royalties.
Conclusion
Content production in the digital age offers immense creativity, advocacy, and economic growth opportunities. However, the accompanying risks, including misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and unequal access, must be actively mitigated.
By fostering ethical practices, promoting inclusivity, and investing in digital literacy, stakeholders can harness the digital age’s transformative potential while safeguarding against its threats. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and creators themselves to build a robust and equitable digital ecosystem.
