Rebecca MacKinnon is an accomplished author, researcher, and advocate for Internet freedom, renowned for her extensive work in media and human rights. As a co-founder of the citizen media network Global Voices, she has played a pivotal role in amplifying underrepresented voices and promoting free expression online. MacKinnon’s career began as a journalist at CNN, where she notably led the bureaus in Beijing and Tokyo, providing her with invaluable insights into the complexities of global media landscapes.

Beyond her journalism, MacKinnon is deeply committed to safeguarding press freedom and digital rights. She serves on the board of directors of the Committee to Protect Journalists, where she works to defend journalists under threat around the world. Additionally, as a founding board member of the Global Network Initiative, she champions ethical practices among technology companies regarding user privacy and freedom of expression.

MacKinnon is also the founding director of the Ranking Digital Rights project at the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute, which evaluates corporate commitments to human rights in the digital space. Currently, she holds the position of Vice President for Global Advocacy at the Wikimedia Foundation, where she continues to promote open knowledge and access to information.

Through her multifaceted career, Rebecca MacKinnon remains a leading voice in the fight for digital rights and freedom of expression, striving to ensure that the Internet serves as a platform for empowerment and social justice globally.