Bread & Net 2022

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the fifth edition of the Bread & Net conference in Beirut. This conference is an important platform for activists, technologists, journalists, researchers, lawyers, academics, entrepreneurs, and human rights defenders from around the world to come together and discuss issues related to digital rights and freedoms, with a particular focus on Arabic-speaking countries.

I was fortunate to be able to participate in several sessions organized by the Annir Initiative, where we discussed various cyberspace issues in Libya and the efforts we are making to address them with our local and international partners. These sessions reminded me of the incredible work being done by so many people in the region to defend digital rights and freedoms.

At times, it can feel like we are fighting these battles alone. But events like the Bread & Net conference are a powerful reminder that we are not alone. There are hundreds of individuals and organizations around the world who are committed to these issues and working tirelessly to make a positive difference.

I am grateful to SMEX for organizing the Bread & Net conference and keeping this important initiative alive for the past five years. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds and the progress we will continue to make in the fight for digital rights and freedoms.