As part of our volunteering program, EFA is excited to introduce Maya Layish to you. Maya comes to us from Cambridge University in the UK and will help us in a range of public facing and back office activities as part of their placement.
Meet Maya Layish.
I’m Maya Layish, an undergraduate studying Politics and Sociology at the University of Cambridge in the UK. I’m currently in Melbourne as part of the Laidlaw Scholarship, a two-year international research and ethical leadership programme. As part of the scholarship, my first summer entailed conducting an independent research on a topic of my choice and producing a research report. Now, I’m developing this project further through an international internship intended to translate my findings into tangible action.
Why am I interested in digital rights?
As a Politics and Sociology undergraduate, my studies are largely informed by the principle that flourishing democratic systems of governance must ensure and protect human rights for all. Yet digital rights are not referenced nearly often enough as a crucial extension of this principle. My interest in digital rights began outside of my university curriculum, when I was given the opportunity to conduct independent research. Within my research, I was able to explore the impact of social media on war reporting and civilians’ experiences of constant exposure to distressing information. In particular, interviewing individuals on their experience navigating the digital world allowed me to see first hand the way in which digital technologies and information dissemination has become integrated into the everyday life of civilians. It was ultimately these conversations and experiences that truly led me to believe that digital rights should be recognised and protected as fundamental human rights.
Since then, I have become increasingly passionate about the relationship between state power and online platforms. My current interest lies in the role digital activism, researchers, and digital rights organisations have in advancing stronger protections for digital rights. In an increasingly global world complicated by corporate interests, it is pertinent that digital rights are legislated as an extension of human rights within a democratic system. Otherwise, governments can exploit digital technologies for political gain, enabling unchecked power and creating less accountable and responsible institutions. Digital advocacy is crucial for creating a system of responsible regulation and independent oversight where adults can make informed decisions about the digital technologies that they use. Digital technologies have become vital tools within modern life, so it is my belief that we must fight for a world in which digital rights are ensured for all; a world in which digital rights are treated as deserving of the same legal protections and fundamental freedoms afforded to other domains of human rights.
What do I hope to achieve here?
Whilst at EFA, I look forward to broadening my understanding of the challenges, as well as opportunities, facing digital rights advocacy in Australia. My aim is to gain insight into how EFA as a digital rights organisation engages with policymakers, industry, and the public to influence meaningful change. Through this experience, I hope to develop practical skills and knowledge in policy and advocacy that I can draw upon once in return to the UK; the fight to protect privacy and freedom of expression is international, and I am sure that the lessons I learn here will help me greatly. More generally, I look forward to living in Melbourne, having the opportunity to travel Australia, and learning more about Australian life!
Are you interested in volunteering too? Click here.