We believe that the public sphere should be a place of equal participation. As the internet, and social media especially, becomes an increasingly influential public space, these digital media have greater implications for political equality, both online and offline. In some regards, the rise of social media has created new ways for people to participate in public life, to overcome long-standing disadvantages. In other regards, however, it may pose threats, especially through the flourishing of harmful online content.
The report presents 10 Principles, which seek to build on the Christchurch Call and the compassion that characterised the response to the March 15 attacks. The project was presented as part of the Paris Peace Forum, with support from Dr David Hall from The Policy Observatory and from Wellington-based ‘think and do’ tank the Workshop.