In this episode, we talk to Shubha Kayastha, a queer feminist affiliated to Body&Data, an organization that works in the area of internet freedom and digital rights. We asked Shubha what a feminist internet might mean or look like in the context of Nepal. We also talk about state surveillance (and other forms of surveillance) and how it almost always puts marginalized communities more at risk. How can we protect our privacy and our freedom of speech when the state begins to encroach upon our liberties, especially during the time of a pandemic that requires varying degrees and forms of surveillance in order to contain the contagion.

Earlier this month, right after we recorded this episode, the Upper House endorsed Bill on Special Service allowing phone tapping without a court order. Legal experts say the provision could be misused by the government to silence dissidents. https://bit.ly/2B8fNce

Please see links to websites recommended by Shubha Kayastha, in case you might have any questions about what we have discussed in this episode:

www.takebackthetech.net

www.genderit.org

www.pointofview.in

www.deepdives.in

www.securityinabox.org/en

www.bodyanddata.org/privacy-in-the-pandemic

Our podcast has always been about pushing for space and creating space for women in the Nepali public sphere, and if you like what we do, please subscribe to our podcast on @bojubajai

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