resistance and setting important precedents, even if its effectiveness is increasingly curtailed by political interference. Self-regulatory mechanisms led by CSOs is another promising approach. In Sri Lanka, for instance, a network of CSOs has developed a community of practice that fosters accountability by coordinating joint messaging across conferences, panels, and public forums. This ensures a united stance against misaligned donor agendas and state-imposed restrictions while promoting equal representation across cultures and demographics. Digital rights violations affect populations differently within and across countries, making such networks vital for localized advocacy. This model need not be confined to South Asia—many Global Majority countries face similar challenges, including eroding trust in governments, limited engagement with tech companies, and restrictive regulatory environments. A stronger coalition, grounded in regional realities, could reduce reliance on Western-driven agendas and enable civil society actors to push for digital rights on their own terms. Several mechanisms within the network can further empower civil society. These could include an advisory body composed of subject-matter experts skilled in navigating funding mechanisms, engaging with Big Tech public policy directors, maneuvering through economic crises, recruiting private sector allies beyond the tech industry, organizing legal petitions, or drafting self-regulatory accountability frameworks. Additionally, the network could provide an avenue to coordinate international pressure on country-specific digital rights violations, as well as a collaborative platform for civil society actors to strategize against common challenges, share knowledge, and push back against digital authoritarianism. Each of these approaches has been effective but remains largely confined within national borders. To amplify their impact, a regional coalition is necessary—one where civil society can collaboratively tackle digital rights challenges. While alliance-building itself is not novel, a structured South Asia-specific coalition focused on tech policy is. The following key tenets would be essential for such an initiative: 1.​ Transparency: A fundamental goal of this coalition may be to enhance transparency in digital governance. Many critical decisions affecting digital rights—such as those made by internet service providers, telecommunication operators, and intergovernmental organizations—remain opaque to CSOs. The coalition should work toward gaining greater visibility into 27

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