Civil Society Highlights the Importance of Online Space for Access to Information

In a joint press release by the Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM), Save Maldives, Zero Waste Maldives, and Zinmaadhaaru, the members of civil society came together to underscore the pivotal role of the online realm in fostering universal access to information.

Their statement came on the occasion of International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is celebrated today.

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The statement further read, “as the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s imperative that the online information spaces are protected, nurtured, and enhanced to ensure that it serves the interests of every global citizen.”

The civil society members further wrote that the Internet has broken barriers and democratized knowledge, enabling everyone, regardless of their location or background, to tap into a reservoir of human understanding. As such, safeguarding the integrity, security, and openness of this digital space becomes crucial not just for the present but for future generations.

Additionally, they also emphasised the need for increased awareness and mechanisms to protect our information spaces from the abuse of new technologies such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, which is being manipulated around the world for the spread of disinformation.

The members stressed that Maldivian authorities must step up to ensure that authentic and true information is available to all and in line with the principles of open governance. They also urged all Maldivian media stakeholders to observe media ethics and to use this valuable technological resource responsibly to increase information accuracy and build public trust in online spaces and content.