We're back! This week in Tech for Good...
What's up in #techforgood this week!
Hi again! 👋
After a refreshing six-week hiatus, we're back in action! I took this time to visit the US, reconnecting with loved ones and recharging my batteries. In our four-year journey of curating these weekly newsletters, this has been the longest pause. But rest assured, the break has only fueled my enthusiasm to bring you the latest in #techforgood. Plus, stay tuned for our Funding Friday newsletter, spotlighting the newest funding opportunities.
There's a lot in store for the latter half of 2023, and I'm thrilled to share it all with you. If you find value in our content, I'd be grateful if you'd share it within your circles.
Here's to a fantastic week ahead!
Jesse
This week in #techforgood…
Staying Online During Internet Shutdowns
The Engine Room recently highlighted the growing concern of internet shutdowns, especially during elections. In 2022, 187 such shutdowns were recorded in 35 countries. These intentional disruptions, often lasting from hours to weeks, are used to control information and suppress dissent. Such actions compromise transparency, democracy, and violate fundamental human rights. The article emphasizes the importance of digital resilience and shares resources and strategies to counteract these shutdowns. Activists in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria are making commendable efforts to combat these challenges.
Generational Giving: Who's Leading the Charge? 🎁
Dive into the fascinating world of philanthropy across six generations! From the Silent Generation's unwavering loyalty to Gen Z's tech-driven activism, discover who's donating the most and their unique giving methods. Are Baby Boomers still dominating the donation scene? How are Millennials and Gen Z reshaping charitable landscapes? Unravel these insights and more to tailor your nonprofit strategies.
👉 Uncover the giving trends here.
Unlocking Financial Opportunities for PNG's Vanilla Farmers 🌱
Ever wondered how mobile technology can transform agriculture? The GSMA AgriTech programme has piloted a game-changing "Rural loan" service in Papua New Guinea. With the backing of trusted local entities, vanilla farmers are now accessing financial tools previously out of reach. From leveraging trust to boosting financial literacy, discover the insights and feedback directly from the farmers' fields. Dive in to explore the potential of localized financial initiatives.
Digital Democracy Meets Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Elections 🛡️🗳️
As the digital age transforms elections worldwide, cybersecurity emerges as a paramount concern. From biometric voter verification in Kenya to internet voting in Norway, the digitization of elections brings both opportunities and threats. Dive into a comprehensive five-part briefing series, shedding light on the critical resources to bolster election cybersecurity. Learn about the risks, mitigation strategies, and the role of international partners in ensuring the integrity of digital elections.
👉 Explore the full insights here.
Start-ups & Public Sector: Powering Utility Services in APAC 🌏💡
The Asia-Pacific region is booming, and with it comes an urgent need for improved utility services. Enter the innovative partnerships between start-ups and the public sector! From energy optimization in Islamabad to sustainable energy solutions in Nepal, discover how these collaborations are revolutionizing utility services in APAC. Dive into the success stories, challenges, and the immense potential of these partnerships. Ready to explore the future of utilities?
👉 Dive into the full insights here.
The Meta Studies: Beyond the Headlines 🌐🔍
The digital realm buzzes with discussions on Meta's influence on societal polarization. A groundbreaking collaboration between Meta and external researchers has unveiled nuanced findings, challenging oversimplified media narratives. While some studies suggest limited impact of algorithm tweaks on polarization, the bigger picture is complex. Dive into a deep dive that unravels corporate spins, media oversimplifications, and the intricate dance of digital democracy in the age of social media.