Recommended Actions for Online Platforms on Protecting Human Rights Defenders Online

This document sets out 10 recommendations that online platforms should take in
partnership with stakeholders to improve HRD safety globally. These
recommendations apply to online platforms that operate global cross-border services,
as well as those that operate in specific regions or countries.

The United States and the European Union encourage online platforms to use these
recommendations to determine and implement concrete steps to identify and
mitigate risks to HRDs on or through their services or products. The measures taken
by online platforms should be based on holistic risk assessments that take into
account local circumstances. By implementing the recommended actions, online
platforms will set in place processes to mitigate the risk that their products or
services will compromise access to information or privacy rights or will be linked to
threats and abuses of HRDs, including unjust restrictions on freedoms of expression or
association. The recommendations set out clear actions to enhance HRD safety and
to further respect for the human rights of all individuals online.