When we talk about free expression, we tend to think about rights and laws. We tend to forget that the limits to freedom of expression can also be set by how hard logistically it is to make a voice or fact heard by lots of people.
This is exactly what
CGNet Swara (Voice of Chhattisgarh) changed for millions of Indians who lack basic access to news. CGNet Swara lets people freely upload their reports to a voice portal that is moderated by trained journalists. These reports then become available for playback to anyone. All that is needed to record and listen to the reports is a mobile phone; no smartphone or Internet access is required.
We congratulate Shubranshu Choudhary who founded CGNet Swara for winning the
Google Digital Activism Award at this year’s
Index Freedom of Expression Awards, along with all the champions who shine a light on their ongoing struggle to have their voices heard around the world. This award was presented following a public vote.
You can learn more about CGNet Swara in Shubranshu’s TED Talk and tune in to the news reports uploaded to the portal
here.
Posted by Lokman Tsui, Public Policy and Government Relations Manager, Open Internet, Google Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Russia.
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