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From February 24 to 27, 2025, Human Rights Online Philippines (HRonlinePH) proudly took part in RightsCon 2025 the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age. Held at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), this landmark gathering brought together more than 3,000 changemakers, human rights defenders, advocates, tech experts, and policy leaders from across the globe to tackle the most pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology.
RightsCon 2025 set a new record for in-person participation, with over 3,000 attendees gathering in Taipei. The vibrant energy throughout the halls and rooms of the TICC was a powerful reminder of our community’s deep need for face-to-face connection and collaboration. This enthusiasm was especially evident in the Community Village, where more than 100 organizations proudly showcased their work, sparking meaningful conversations and new partnerships within the RightsCon community.
Photo courtesy: Human Rights Online Philippines Organized by Access Now, a U.S.-based nonprofit committed to defending digital civil rights and fighting global internet censorship, RightsCon provided a dynamic space for knowledge-sharing, coalition-building, and movement-strengthening.
HRonlinePH’s presence at this prestigious summit was made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) and Southeast Asia Collaborative Policy Network (SEA CPN)—a coalition of civil society organizations working across Southeast Asia to advance internet freedom, push back against censorship, and build bridges with tech companies, ISPs, and telecom providers. Their support highlights the power of cross-border solidarity in navigating complex digital rights challenges.
Photo courtesy: South East Asia Collaborative Policy Network (SEA CPN)This year’s hybrid format made the event more inclusive than ever, combining in-person interaction with virtual engagement. Participants from all over the world joined over 550 sessions ranging from lightning talks and hands-on workshops to technical demos and high-level roundtable discussions.
RightsCon 2025 embraced a powerful hybrid format, welcoming both on-site attendees and online participants from across the globe. Whether physically present in Taipei or tuning in virtually, participants had access to a vibrant lineup of over 550 sessions—from thought-provoking dialogues and lightning talks to hands-on workshops, technical demos, and interactive roundtable discussions.
This global gathering tackled some of the most urgent and complex issues of our digital era: from fighting political censorship and equipping NGOs with cybersecurity tools, to safeguarding digital evidence, documenting human rights violations, and advocating for digital freedoms in shrinking civic spaces. Topics such as decolonizing data, collaborative archiving, and the use of digital platforms for justice also took center stage—highlighting the growing intersection of human rights and technology.
Photo courtesy: Human Rights Online PhilippinesOne of the standout sessions at RightsCon 2025 was led by the SEA CPN, and spearheaded by FMA from the Philippines, which empowers communities through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, and Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) from Indonesia, a vocal advocate for internet freedom and digital rights—this session made waves. Titled “Civil Society and Tech Engagement to Enhance Content Moderation in Southeast Asia,” the session sparked deep discussions on how grassroots movements can collaborate with tech companies to ensure more transparent, inclusive, and accountable content moderation systems across the region. The panel underscored the urgency of civil society’s role in shaping safer and rights-respecting online spaces amid growing digital repression.
Photo courtesy: RightsConMeanwhile, DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, an organization of artists, activists, and professionals in the Philippines driving social transformation through creative advocacy, hosted one of the most compelling sessions of the summit: “Emotional Activism: Re-Humanizing Digital Spaces and Narratives for Collective Care Action.” This thought-provoking discussion explored how empathy, emotional resilience, and collective care can reshape online activism and challenge the toxic narratives often found in digital spaces. DAKILA’s innovative approach resonated deeply with participants seeking more human-centered advocacy strategies. Both DAKILA and FMA have long stood as vital partners of HRonlinePH, working hand in hand to uphold freedom of expression and advance digital rights. Together, they have launched numerous conferences, workshops, and creative platforms that empower the next generation of human rights defenders—nurturing courageous voices at both the grassroots and national levels.
Photo courtesy: RightsCon2025From RightsCon
RightsCon 2025 served as a powerful catalyst for HRonlinePH’s ongoing mission to defend freedom of expression and promote human rights in both digital and physical spaces. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Taipei, the summit brought together advocates, technologists, and changemakers from over 90 countries, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for collaboration, innovation, and solidarity. For HRonlinePH, it was more than a global gathering—it was a reaffirmation of purpose and a launchpad for future advocacy.
The choice of Taipei as the host city was particularly symbolic, marking only the second time RightsCon has convened in Asia since its groundbreaking 2015 summit in Manila, Philippines. That historic convening gave birth to the Manila Principles on Intermediary Liability a landmark framework that continues to shape conversations on digital rights across the globe. The legacy of Manila—where 600+ participants from 40 countries charted a bold new course for Southeast Asia’s digital landscape—echoed through the halls of RightsCon 2025, fueling the momentum for deeper, more coordinated regional action.
As the summit came to a close, HRonlinePH emerged more energized and resolute than ever in its commitment to advancing human rights in the digital age. Bolstered by the continued support of long-standing allies and the momentum of new global partnerships, we reaffirm our dedication to defending freedom of expression—both online and offline. With renewed passion and strengthened solidarity, HRonlinePH will continue to Inform, Inspire, and Take Action- empowering communities to speak out, stand up, and shape a more just and equitable future.
