Tech Accountability & Press Freedom

Welcome to the Second Edition of Digital 50.50 in 2025

We’re excited to bring you the second edition of Digital 50.50, with a special focus on tech accountability and press freedom. This edition comes at a critical moment, as tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, not only on the ground but also across digital platforms. We have witnessed how state actors now extend control beyond borders, weaponizing geo-blocking and content takedowns to suppress dissent and restrict access to information.

These developments set alarming precedents for press freedom, especially in already hostile environments for journalists. What we’re seeing is not just political conflict, but a broader attack on free expression, one that erodes rights across digital spaces.

This edition not only examines the current crisis but also challenges tech platforms to take greater responsibility. From algorithmic bias to opaque moderation policies and surveillance-driven frameworks, platform inaction has deepened threats to journalist safety and human rights. The past few weeks have made this painfully clear.

As platforms continue to fall short, it is up to us, as media, civil society, and digital rights advocates, to reclaim and protect these spaces. This means building cross-border solidarity, pushing for transparency and reform, and demanding a digital ecosystem that upholds press freedom and protects those who report in times of crisis.

We hope you find this edition thoughtful and timely as we collectively navigate these difficult times.

With solidarity and love, 
Seerat Khan
Co-editors: Sara Imran, Maria Nazar, Ahsan Zahid, and Fariha Yasir
Illustrator: Emil Hasnain

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in Digital 50.50 are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Digital Rights Foundation. While we value the diversity of perspectives presented, the content has not been independently verified or fact-checked in full. Readers are encouraged to engage critically with the material.