As part of its continuous efforts to protect and promote the #OpenInternet globally, Twitter just recently announced the expansion of its #ThereIsHelp notification service and Freedom of Expression Search Prompt in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Twitter is partnering with local civic and government organizations (@idealsorgph, @chrgovph and @nuplphilippines). Hotline numbers of these organizations and links to local partners will be available to those in need of advice. Access to resources related to freedom of expression and digital rights will be available too.

Monrawee Ampolpittayanant - Head of Public Policy and Philanthropy, Southeast Asia at Twitter shares "At Twitter, our mission is to serve the public conversation. We believe that freedom of expression along with access to a free and #OpenInternet is a fundamental human right. The pressures driving internet regulation in Southeast Asia highlight diverse challenges and implications, this is especially so for vulnerable groups. Expanding the #ThereIsHelp search prompt is part of our continued commitment to helping at-risk voices in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Our collaboration with local partners will ensure timely and easy access to important information and essential resources for those who need it most."

As the digital economy in Southeast Asian countries continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for access to free, high quality information via the internet and the right of people to safely express themselves. The future of the internet in Southeast Asia is at a crossroads with increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks potentially restricting freedom of expression and it has never been more important for people - especially activists and journalists - to know their rights and that support is available.

At present, Twitter has launched over 300 #ThereIsHelp prompts with 41 languages available in 106 markets around the world on a wide range of issues; including mental health and suicide prevention, vaccination, child sexual exploitation, COVID-19, gender-based violence, HIV and disaster response. In Southeast Asia, the Freedom of Expression search prompt was first launched in Thailand last year as part of Twitter’s global effort to help connect people in need of legal support when exercising the right to freedom of expression. The launch in Thailand marked an important milestone for Twitter globally as it was the first search prompt developed for Human Rights Defenders.