Aware of the particular importance of broadcast media in Africa, given its capacity to reach a wide audience due to the comparatively low cost of receiving transmissions and its ability to overcome barriers of illiteracy; Recognizing the role of new digital technologies in the realization of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information and the role of open government data in fostering transparency, efficiency and innovation; Affirming that the same rights that people have offline should be protected online and in accordance with international human rights law and standards; Acknowledging that the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information using the internet are central to the enjoyment of other rights and essential to bridging the digital divide; Conscious that freedom of expression and privacy are mutually reinforcing rights that are essential for human dignity and the overall promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights; The African Commission adopts the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa to replace the Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa of 2002. 9