Bridging Technology, Human Rights & Global Governance
Lawyer | Digital Rights Advocate | AI Governance Expert
Julie Owono is a French-Cameroonian lawyer and academic researcher at the forefront of digital rights, content governance, and artificial intelligence ethics.
As Executive Director of Internet Sans Frontières and an inaugural member of Meta's Oversight Board, Julie brings a unique perspective spanning civil society, academia, and the private sector. Her work focuses on creating collaborative spaces between technology companies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and governments to address major governance and policy challenges posed by emerging technologies.
With a Master's degree in International Law from La Sorbonne University and experience as a practicing lawyer at the Paris Bar, Julie combines legal expertise with deep understanding of global internet governance. Fluent in five languages and having lived across multiple countries, she brings a truly international perspective to her work advocating for freedom of expression and digital rights, particularly in Africa and the Global South.
Julie's approach emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration and the belief that innovation in technology must safeguard the foundational principles of democratic societies. Her work at the intersection of business and human rights has shaped international standards and influenced policy at the highest levels.
Leading research and policy development on content moderation, platform governance, and freedom of expression in the digital age.
Shaping global standards for artificial intelligence, including UNESCO's first international recommendation on AI ethics.
Championing internet freedom and access across the African continent, combating censorship and digital authoritarianism.
Applying international legal frameworks to emerging technology challenges, with expertise in human rights law and internet governance.
Building bridges between technology companies, governments, civil society, and academia to create inclusive governance frameworks.
Advising governments and international organizations on democracy, content moderation, and emerging technology regulation.
Leading a Paris-based nonprofit organization advocating for freedom of expression and internet access, with particular focus on Africa and the Global South.
Established at Stanford University to study multi-stakeholder approaches to technology governance and help tech companies develop policies that benefit society.
Making binding decisions on complex content moderation cases across Facebook and Instagram, upholding freedom of expression while addressing harmful content.
Conducting research on content governance, digital rights, and ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on marginalized populations and global digital economies.
French-American Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco
Nob Hill Gazette of San Francisco
New African Magazine
Digital Civil Society Lab, Stanford PACS
Berkman Klein Center, Harvard University
Julie regularly contributes to global discourse on technology policy through major media outlets including NPR, CNBC, Al Jazeera, BBC, and France 24. She frequently moderates important tech policy debates, including Socrates dialogues on the Metaverse and AI oversight convened by the Aspen Institute.
For speaking engagements, collaborations, or inquiries about digital rights and AI governance, please reach out through the following channels: