Thayane Guimarães

I was born in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, where social inequalities and state violence are predominant. I understood very early the importance of access to information and freedom of expression as fundamental human rights for the development of fairer societies. My training as a journalist took place not only at universities but also alongside popular communicators who dedicate their lives to telling stories about their communities. I strongly believe that support networks and joint action can transform our realities.

Currently, I am part of the research team at ICFJ, and responsible for researching the phenomenon of disinformation in Brazil.

My background: I'm a journalist with a master's degree in media studies from Fluminense Federal University. I started at ICFJ as a program manager, to oversee programs around the globe in support of local media, freedom of expression and stronger democracies. Previously, I was a senior researcher in democracy and technology at the Institute for Technology and Society (ITS Rio) and a fellow in the Open Heroines program, representing women from Latin America who work with civic technologies, open data and open government.

I also worked for eight years as a campaign manager in civil society organizations, including AfroReggae Cultural Group and Amnesty International Brazil, building mobilization campaigns and managing social impact projects with a focus on Latin America.

I won the "Controversas" journalism award for the special report "Underreporting of homophobic crimes: the invisible face of violence," and I was part of the construction and approval of the Internet Bill of Rights during the period in which I was coordinating the Group for Freedom of Expression of RJ.

I develop research about technology, public security, disinformation, freedom of expression, digital rights and political discourse.

Ask me about: Disinformation, Latin American politics, Brazilian music and Candomblé.

My pronouns: She/her

Contact me: LinkedIn