SFLC.in Unveils The 2nd Cohort Of Digital Defenders Network
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
16 Jan 2024 11:22 AM IST
Digital Defenders Network is a pro-bono, nationwide network of lawyers committed to defending digital freedoms online. With the first cohort of 25 lawyers from across the country, DDN shall be a wholly virtual network to overcome geographical limitations. SFLC.in is launching the 2nd cohort of Digital Defenders Network ("DDN"). DDN is a unique initiative launched by SFLC.in aimed at establishing a network of lawyers throughout the country for protecting citizens' Fundamental Rights and constitutional freedoms. It is completely pro-bono. DDN ensures that citizens are provided timely and effective legal redressal facing Fundamental Rights violations by lawyers located in various states.
Kinds of Cases:
The first cohort of Digital Defenders was active on many fronts. Several cases have been filed in this regard. The first case pertained to a legal challenge against imposition of Internet services in Jharkhand without publication of orders in 2022. The Jharkhand High Court passed final order directing the State Government to publish previous orders within 48 hours on the official website and future orders to comply with Anuradha Bhasin judgment. (Software Freedom Law Center, India vs. State of Jharkhand, WP(C) 3947/2023). Another case filed was before the Kerala High Court on arbitrary blocking of Free and Open Source software applications, Element and Briar, by the Central Government under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, in absence of publication of orders. The case is pending before the High Court presently. (Pravin Arimbrathodoyil vs. State of Kerala, WP(C) 15766/2023)
Wide Representation:
DDN has wide representation across India. At present, 25 lawyers across 14 states have joined the Network.
Training Sessions:
To train the members, SFLC.in will be providing technical and legal training over a period of 5 weeks through February-March '24. The syllabus will address tackling of online gender-based violence, data protection, search and seizures of devices, digital security trainings, and intermediary liability. No fees shall be charged for the training sessions.
Benefits of Membership:
Membership to the Network gives the Digital Defenders access to the network of other lawyers within the Network as also to the resources available with SFLC.in, including assistance in filing cases/complaints, online grievance redressal form and opportunities to collaborate with academics, and policy experts in software, technology, data privacy and surveillance. Members can host physical and online events in collaboration with SFLC.in on digital rights.
Eligibility:
SFLC.in employs an inclusive selection criterion to identify the ideal candidates for the Digital Defenders Network. We are looking for lawyers with minimum litigation experience of 1 year, who are collaborative, earnest and passionate about safeguarding digital rights of the common people. We encourage participation from all sections of society.
Invitations Open!
SFLC.in has opened applications for the 2nd cohort of Digital Defenders Network. Last date – Jan 25, 2024.
Those interested can apply at: https://ddn.sflc.in/
For more details, refer to the brochure here
