Foreign Affairs Officer, Democracy, Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State
Niki Masghati serves as Internet freedom policy officer in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. As the U.S. representative to the Freedom Online Coalition, Masghati’s work requires extensive knowledge of technology and human rights and engaging foreign governments and private sector on U.S. digital policies. Prior to her work at State, Masghati worked at the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. Masghati graduated from Johns Hopkins SAIS with a Masters in International Relations with dual concentrations in Middle East Studies and International Political Economy, and a Masters in International Economics with dual specializations in Economic Policy and Emerging Markets. She attended the University of Virginia and received her B.A. in Foreign Affairs.
Sessions
FOC Task Force on Internet Shutdowns and Defending Democracy Online
This event will serve as the launch of the FOC’s Task Force on Internet Shutdowns. It will begin with a brief description of the task force’s structure and mission, led by speakers from the U.S. Department of State, Access Now, and the Global Network Initiative (GNI). These organizations are the task force’s founding chairs. The session will also feature breakout rooms engaging participants in answering two questions: How can well-intentioned governments protect individuals and democratic values online without resorting to Internet shutdowns? And what levers of influence can FOC members and partners use to influence the behavior of states that engage in Internet shutdowns?