Bytes for All, Pakistan

Description

Bytes for All (B4A), Pakistan is a human rights organization and research think tank focused on information and communication technologies (ICTs). It promotes the use of technology for sustainable development, democracy and social justice.

Its strategic plan covers securing digital rights and freedom of expression for civil liberties, and strengthening the holistic security of human rights defenders and media professionals. It also spans using technology for human-rights-based data collection, management and reporting, ending technology-driven gender-based violence, and building networks at national, regional and global level. B4A pursues these goals through research for evidence-based policy advocacy, field projects and capacity building for citizens and civil society organizations.

Its research covers usage patterns and penetration of ICT tools, develops indicators and metrics, identifies best practices, and analyzes or monitors regulatory policy issues, drawing on both primary and secondary, qualitative and quantitative methods. It supports innovation by offering in-kind fellowships, logistics and research support to young researchers, and provides a platform for young human rights defenders, researchers and technology developers to track and analyze ICT trends. It organizes capacity-building events, training workshops, seminars and webinars, and runs research-based advocacy campaigns that include mobilizing opinion, organizing forums and lobbying for policy change.

B4A is a member of networks including the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), Forum-Asia, the Innovation for Change Network, CIVICUS, the Pakistan Human Rights Defenders Network, the Association of All Pakistan Citizens Journalists, and the Non-commercial Users Constituency at ICANN.