Calls for improved cybersecurity training and more robust legal protection for journalists were central themes at the recently ended RightsCon Summit in Taipei, Taiwan. These discussions emerged from the session "Battling Shadows: The Global Struggle Against Attacks on Journalists," moderated by Theorose Elikplim Dzineku of Digispace Africa.

The panel unanimously highlighted the critical need to safeguard journalists, acknowledging the significant risks they face in their work. It also emphasised the importance of enforcing effective laws and policies on digital rights, particularly those addressing crimes like journalist impersonation, harassment, and doxxing—cyber-bullying that exploits private information for harassment, exposure, financial harm, or other forms of exploitation.

An appeal was made for newsrooms to train journalists and media staff on digital threats, emphasising their reality.

The panel emphasised that in the digital era, journalism faces significant challenges. While technology and social media provide new opportunities for news gathering, storytelling, and audience engagement, they also introduce serious risks, including harassment, surveillance, and issues with deepfakes. The session explored the various ways technology is being used to undermine journalistic integrity and personal safety while also discussing strategies to counter these threats.

The panel featured notable experts including Jeanne Elone, Manager at Facebook; Zoe Darme, Senior Manager of Knowledge and Information at Google; ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative; Jonathan Rozen, Senior Africa Researcher at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); and Doreen Raheena Sulleyman, Editor of Techpreneur Magazine.

Doreen urged that newsrooms implement mandatory cybersecurity training for journalists, conducted annually or biannually, due to the ever-evolving nature of technology.

"Newsrooms should adopt mandatory cybersecurity training for journalists and ensure it is conducted annually or biannually, as technology is dynamic,” Doreen added.

‘Gbenga highlighted that Paradigm Initiative has been offering digital security training for journalists and has developed two digital toolkits—Ripoti and Ayeta—to help users report digital rights violations and protect themselves online.

He mentioned that Paradigm Initiative will soon release the "Londa" report on digital rights and inclusion in Africa, which will shed light on the rising surveillance of journalists.

The report is scheduled to be launched at the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), which will be held in Lusaka, Zambia, from April 29 to May 1, 2025. Additionally, PIN is expected to host a digital security training session in Kenya this March, further demonstrating its commitment to media safety and enhancing digital resilience.

Jonathan Rozen from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) shared that the organization offers both financial and non-financial support to journalists, along with resources to help them prepare for internet shutdowns and smear campaigns. CPJ also provides checklists for editors and risk assessment tools to help journalists protect themselves.

PIN delegation at RightsCon included ‘Gbenga Sesan, Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagement, Judith Ogutu, Communications Manager, and Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru, Programmes Officer for East Africa.

PIN delegation joined hundreds of global stakeholders at the RightsCon event, held from February 24th to 27th, 2025. They took part in various panel sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, and private meetings, offering thought leadership on critical topics such as emerging technologies, content moderation, data protection, encryption, internet shutdowns, digital inclusion, journalism, surveillance, and online accountability.