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Cyberactivism is the process of using Internet-based socializing and communication techniques to create, operate and manage activism of any type. It allows any individual or organization to utilize social networks and other online technologies to reach and gather followers, broadcast messages and progress a cause or movement.

Many human rights defenders have used their social media communication networks to report, document, write about or call attention to human rights issues that are often ignored by traditional media outlets or censored by the authorities. The use of the Internet plays an important role in exposing injustice, disseminating information that is otherwise difficult to access or blocked, or to mobilize audiences to take action around key issues. In the information age, bloggers and other cyberactivists have carved out new space in the human rights movement, while technology has enabled many who were previously marginalized to have a platform for their voices.

However, HRDs, journalists and bloggers are often arrested and charged for publishing human rights-related information on websites, blogs or social networking sites, or for criticising authorities or government policies, both online or offline. Charges under cyber crime or defamation laws are often used against online expression.


16 Days to End Violence Against Women - WHRDs Speak 2015