Executive Summary This white paper explores the digital rights challenges in South Asia, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and the influence of frameworks from Global North on regional technology policy. It examines how global governance standards intersect with the socio-political realities of the Global South, where civil society faces dual pressures: state overreach and the imposition of external regulatory agendas. The paper argues that South Asia’s digital rights landscape is shaped by a series of tensions and structural misalignments that not only put vulnerable populations at risk but also undermine effective governance. A key issue discussed is the widening gap between international regulations and the political realities of South Asian states. International regulatory models often disregard the institutional capacities of local governments, resulting in policies that are either overly ambitious or unenforceable. Years of state control over digital spaces have exacerbated the erosion of trust between governments and civil society, making it increasingly difficult for digital rights regulations to gain legitimacy. This widening trust deficit underscores the need for tech policies that are context-specific, locally informed, and responsive to the region’s unique socio-political challenges. Effective digital rights policies must also foster greater accountability and collaboration between governments and civil society actors. When global frameworks are imposed without consideration of local complexities, they risk exacerbating governance challenges rather than resolving them. Addressing these issues requires embedding technology governance within existing institutional frameworks. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes a series of policy recommendations, emphasizing the importance of civil society engagement, adaptive governance frameworks, and the strengthening of local accountability mechanisms. To ensure these efforts extend beyond national borders and have a broader impact, there is an urgent need for a South Asian digital rights coalition. Such a coalition would facilitate regional collaboration, enabling civil society to collectively advocate for a more equitable, locally relevant approach to digital rights. Given the increasing use of emerging technologies to suppress dissent and consolidate state power, this coalition is not just necessary but urgent. Cross-border cooperation would empower South Asian countries to assert their own governance priorities, strengthen protections for digital freedoms, and build resilience against 4