Pirate Party Australia has re-joined Pirate Parties International!

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Hi Pirates,

In case you missed the celebration across our social media, I’m proud to announce that we’ve rejoined Pirate Parties International. Last Saturday, a brave delegation of 5 intrepid (sleep deprived) pirates attended the PPI’s online General Assembly from about 11pm to 4am where our application to join was formally accepted.

Highlights of the GA include an opening address by Rick Falkvinge, one of the pivotal figures of the early Pirate movement in Sweden and a Q&A from the head of the Russian Pirate Party Alexander Isavnin on the undemocratic situation within Russia.

Other items discussed include an update on PPI’s subcommittees to the United Nations, who have sent delegates to the UNODC Cybercrime Convention in New York, COP28, and the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto. The reborn Pirate Party UK also applied for and received observer member status.

Several elections were held, of note is the new chair of PPI (Gregory Engels, PPDE), myself to the Court of Arbitrations and Board member Owen Richardson (Young Pirates of Australia).

I’m more than happy to encourage Australian pirates or pirate supporters to participate and contribute to the international movement. An exciting item to note is that through PPI, we can now obtain United Nations groundspasses for in-person events in Geneva, New York and the Hague, and a PPI application is being prepared for us to join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, for insider access to future COPs.

Full minutes here: https://etherpad.pp-international.net/p/r.d25a6a61c53266fa340e03fcdf609863

My full speech to the GA is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zfnbPRecT5Bx7dCMx8bkOoi_mcqu2P6Sn9HG8W3jqZM/edit

Address by the outgoing PPI President Marie Florie (PPFR): https://floriemarie.fr/index.php/2023/12/09/discours-ma-demission-de-la-presidence-du-parti-pirate-international-my-resign-of-the-presidency-of-the-international-pirate-parties/ or the recorded stream:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A_DeTtneP8

Miles Whiticker
President
Pirate Party Australia

Pirate Party Australia Reiterates Stance on Digital Freedoms Following Omegle Shutdown

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In response to the recent shutdown of Omegle, Pirate Party Australia reaffirms its dedication to defending digital freedoms while acknowledging the complexity of safeguarding against online misuse.

Omegle was a platform allowing users to anonymously video chat with strangers, but the site drew criticism due to incidents of child sexual abuse and other criminal activity. Pirate Party Australia acknowledges the gravity of these concerns, emphasising the need to find a balance that both addresses such issues and maintains online freedoms. Leif K-Brooks, Omegle’s creator, cited the struggle and costs associated with combating platform misuse as the main reasons for its closure. While Leif expressed that the site “punched above it’s weight in content moderation” and highlighted that “Omegle worked with law enforcement agencies, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to help put evildoers in prison” it seems that was not enough for it’s detractors. Pirate Party Australia highlights the ongoing battle endured by online platforms in creating safe spaces without stifling critical rights.

Despite acknowledging Omegle’s misuse, Pirate Party Australia stresses the wider implications of closing platforms that promote free, open communication. The party believes a nuanced approach is key — one that deals with concerns, yet maintains the essential right to make new connections online. “Digital freedom is integral to our ethos, and we empathise with the difficulties platforms like Omegle face. Striking a balance between safety assurance and the preservation of an open internet is crucial,” states Pirate Party Australia’s President, Miles Whiticker.

Pirate Party Australia champions responsible online governance that combines robust, preventative action to protect against misuse, rather than resorting to total shutdowns. The party upholds the power of technology to bolster civic engagement, and supports ongoing efforts to find inventive solutions to the challenges spawned by shifting online dynamics. Despite Omegle’s closure, Pirate Party Australia persists in its commitment to cultivate a digital environment that upholds privacy, free speech, and the right to connect with others without unwarranted restriction.

Pirate Party Australia Slams Jordan’s Grindr Ban as Assault on Internet Freedom and Inclusivity

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BRISBANE, 6th Nov 2023 – Pirate Party Australia, a champion of digital rights, has called out Jordan’s recent restriction on the LGBTIQ+ social networking app, Grindr. This blockade amplifies the steadily growing affront to the country’s online freedoms and its commitment to inclusivity.

This move comes amid an apparent surge in intolerance and discrimination against Jordan’s LGBTIQ+ communities. Even though antique colonial-era laws criminalising consensual same-sex relationships have been repealed, religious restrictions in the country still rock the boat for the LGBTIQ+ rights.

Pirate Party Australia’s President, Miles Whiticker, shares: “Our mission is an internet that is both free of censorship and discrimination. The prohibition of Grindr is not a standalone incident, but a grim addition to a troubling pattern that infringes on the digital rights and welfare of the worldwide LGBTIQ+ community. Our stance is unwavering – every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to connect with others and find joy.”

Data from the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) reveals that Grindr’s site and app were blocked in Jordan starting from 8th August, 2023 [1]. According to OONI, the ban is not temporary but enduring. This is more than a mere technological barrier; it’s a blatant affront to universal human rights and health agendas. Grindr has played a crucial role in Jordan’s response to HIV by providing users with necessary resources in Arabic. The ban, thus, not only infringes on public health initiatives but jeopardizes the wellness of Jordan’s entire LGBTIQ+ community.

Confronted by the closure of physical spaces for the LGBTIQ+ community in Jordan, Pirate Party Australia emphasises the necessity to safeguard online platforms. The global community must recognise the potential implications of this clampdown for both Jordanians and the global LGBTIQ+ populace.

Jordan’s government is urged to reconsider the ban on Grindr and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens. Pirate Party Australia reaffirms its resolve to champion an internet unencumbered by censorship – an inclusive online world where self-expression isn’t shadowed by fear.

[1] https://ooni.org/post/2023-jordan-blocks-grindr/

Pirate Party Australia Cautions Against New Proposed Legislation to Curb Misinformation

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BRISBANE, 1st July 2023 – The Pirate Party Australia today voiced its concern over the newly proposed legislation which aims to combat misinformation online by imposing fines on tech platforms.
“Our view is that the best disinfectant for misinformation is sunlight,” said Pirate Party Australia President, Miles Whiticker. “Instead of burying misinformation, it needs to be brought to public scrutiny and systematically addressed. This way, the Australian public can make informed decisions based on open dialogue.”

The proposed bill, empowering the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose penalties on tech companies for failing to combat misinformation, raises several concerns for the Pirate Party.
“We acknowledge the harm that can result from the spread of false information,” stated Whiticker. “But it is paramount that any measures taken don’t result in an unnecessary clampdown on the free expression of ideas or force misinformation further into the depths of the internet, creating echo chambers that are much harder to dispel.” The Pirate Party Australia also underscores the importance of moderation being a voluntary act. “Consumers should be able to choose communities that match their desired level of regulation,” Whiticker stated. “Many communities lack trust in public figures due to perceived bias against their interests.”

The party also cautions against the potential for government overreach in the new laws. “While we do not favour more regulation in general, we recognise that legal recourse may be necessary when misinformation leads to harmful consequences. It is important that such processes should be handled by the independent judicial system, thereby ensuring impartiality and preventing political misuse,” Whiticker added.

The Pirate Party encourages the government to focus on spreading correct and trustworthy information, with a strong emphasis on education to foster a more discerning and critically thinking population. “The ultimate power lies in an informed public,” Whiticker concluded.

The Pirate Party Australia invites its members and the public to engage in this important debate and provide feedback on the proposed bill before its public consultation stage concludes in August.

National Congress 2023 — You’re Invited!

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G’day Pirates,

Pirate Party Australia’s 2023 Annual National Congress is coming up, and you’re invited!

The National Congress is an opportunity for members to propose and debate new policies and constitutional amendments, hear nominations for Party Officials, and meet Pirates from around Australia.

It is the paramount decision-making body of Pirate Party Australia – what other associations would call an AGM.

Date: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of July, 2023

As befits a digital-rights party, Congress is held entirely online! You can attend from anywhere by video call and text chat.

I urge everyone – this means you – to consider running for National Council. As always – we’re a party for everyone and we want people from all walks of life in our leadership team.

Details of the National Congress, including the agenda, new policies, nominations, constitutional amendments and details on how to participate online are available on the Wiki:
https://pirateparty.org.au/wiki/Pirate_Congress_2023

The National Congress is followed by a seven day online voting period to ratify the substantive motions passed at Congress. This voting is open to all Full Members, who will be emailed ballot information.

Ensure your party membership is up-to-date!

There are a number of dates and deadlines and procedures to follow if you wish to submit items to the National Congress or declare candidacy for positions.

Constitutional Amendments:

  • The deadline for amendment proposals is Saturday 24th June 2023 09:00 am (AEST)
  • Email your proposals to [email protected]

Policies and Policy Amendments:

  • It would be appreciated if policy proposals could be submitted at least 10 days before National Congress so that they can be allowed for in the agenda.
  • Email your proposals to [email protected]

Nominations:

  • Positions up for election are all nine National Councillors, the Policy Development Officer, and one position on the Dispute Resolution Committee.
  • Nominations can be accepted up until the relevant agenda item at National Congress.
  • Nominations for electable positions can be made by following the instructions here: https://pirateparty.org.au/wiki/Pirate_Congress_2023/Nominations

We thank you for your continued support!

Please feel free to discuss National Congress or any other matters in our discussion forums at https://discuss.pirateparty.org.au/ or on our Discord.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Jago
Secretary
Pirate Party Australia