Katherine Maher

The Wikimedia Foundation’s executive director reflects on the past, present, and future of Wikipedia, informed by Wikimedia 2030, the vision and strategy project by the global Wikimedia movement and free knowledge partners.

“Freedom and Accountability: A Transatlantic Framework for Moderating Speech Online,”
is the culmination of a yearlong investigation by members with diverse perspectives, including legislators,
government officials, tech executives, civil society leaders, and academics from North America and
Europe.

Machine learning applications are already being used to make many life-changing decisions – such as who qualifies for a loan, and whether someone is released from prison. A new model is needed to govern how those developing and deploying machine learning can address the human rights implications of their products. This paper offers comprehensive recommendations on ways to integrate principles of non-discrimination and empathy into machine learning systems.

This White Paper was written as… Show more

Machine learning applications are already being used to make many life-changing decisions – such as who qualifies for a loan, and whether someone is released from prison. A new model is needed to govern how those developing and deploying machine learning can address the human rights implications of their products. This paper offers comprehensive recommendations on ways to integrate principles of non-discrimination and empathy into machine learning systems.

This White Paper was written as part of the ongoing work by the Global Future Council on Human Rights; a group of leading academic, civil society and industry experts providing thought leadership on the most critical issues shaping the future of human rights. Show less

Digital media and online social networking applications have changed the way in which dissent is organized with social movement leaders using online applications and digital content systems to organize collective action, activate local protest groups, network with international social movements and share their political perspectives. In the past, authoritarian regimes could control broadcast media in times of political crisis by destroying newsprint supplies, seizing radio and television… Show more

Digital media and online social networking applications have changed the way in which dissent is organized with social movement leaders using online applications and digital content systems to organize collective action, activate local protest groups, network with international social movements and share their political perspectives. In the past, authoritarian regimes could control broadcast media in times of political crisis by destroying newsprint supplies, seizing radio and television stations, and blocking phone calls. It is much more difficult to control media in the digital age though there have certainly been occasions when states have successfully shut down their digital networks.

What causes state-powers to block internet access, disable digital networks or even shut off internet access? How is it done, what is the impact and how do dissidents attempt to fight back?

In this timely and accessible volume a collection of high profile, international scholars answer these key questions using cases from Israel, Iran, Russia, Morocco, Vietnam and Kuwait and assess the political economy of the actors, institutions and regimes involved and effected by the state-management and control of digital networks.

Chapter: Information Infrastructure and Social Control: Origins of the Tunisian internet, Katherine Maher and Jillian C. York Show less

This new report, the third in the World Bank’s series on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Development, analyzes the growth and evolution of mobile telephony, and the rise of data-based services, including apps, delivered to handheld devices. Governments are beginning to embrace the potential for mobile technology to put public services literally into the pocket of each citizen, create interactive services, and promote accountable and transparent governance. Chapter 6… Show more

This new report, the third in the World Bank’s series on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Development, analyzes the growth and evolution of mobile telephony, and the rise of data-based services, including apps, delivered to handheld devices. Governments are beginning to embrace the potential for mobile technology to put public services literally into the pocket of each citizen, create interactive services, and promote accountable and transparent governance. Chapter 6 identifies a range of uses for mobile technology in government that supplement public services, expand their user base, and generate spinoff services. Show less