Recs 3. Encourage companies and government to engage in multistakeholder discussion on human rights, social and environmental issues within the ICT sector. There are no existing multi-stakeholder initiatives in Myanmar that will bring together companies, government and civil society into a common framework for discussion on ICT issues. The ICT Sector Working Group 6 involves only government and international donors. The US Embassy has initiated the US ICT Council for Myanmar with support from the Myanmar Computer Federation. Under the Open Government Partnership, the government must consult civil society on its action plan. However OGP does not cover all the issues relevant to building appropriate safeguards into the ICT sector. At this stage, there are still opportunities to shape the long-term direction of the sector, learning lessons from elsewhere. Developing a multi-stakeholder discussion on the ICT sector could help further focus the Government’s commitment to implement a people-centred approach, in line with growing international developments on a balanced approach to Internet governance. 7 The Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) stands ready to support such dialogues. 4. Initiate and support efforts to educate the Myanmar public about safe and peaceful behaviour online, including counter-speech. There is a clear role for civil society in helping to educate users on the dangers and opportunities of accessing ICTs in Myanmar. Given the wide range of languages in the country, it would be particularly useful for civil society organisations to make available information in Burmese and other languages, including clear and accessible explanations, training, awareness raising campaigns, etc. There is also a clear role for civil society in responding to and countering “hate speech”, and providing concrete examples where online communities can support efforts around peaceful expression. 5. Increase media reporting on ICT sector. Given the importance of the ICT sector to Myanmar, media outlets should increase informed reporting on the sector and its impacts to improve transparency, company and Government accountability, and public understanding. This should include reporting on complex and hidden areas such as the Government’s lawful interception policies and practices. 6 7 See “Sector working groups dashboard”. See for example the Global Commission on Internet Governance. 30 PAGE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CSO’S, HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS & MEDIA