Murtaza Shaikh, PhD
About Murtaza Shaikh, PhD
Murtaza Shaikh, PhD, serves as the Online Safety Principal for Illegal Harms at Ofcom in London, a position he has held since 2021. His extensive background in international human rights law includes roles at various organizations and a PhD from SOAS University of London.
Work at Ofcom
Murtaza Shaikh has been serving as the Online Safety Principal - Illegal Harms at Ofcom since 2021. In this role, he focuses on the regulatory aspects of online safety, particularly concerning illegal harms. His position in London allows him to engage with various stakeholders to develop policies that enhance online safety standards.
Education and Expertise
Murtaza Shaikh holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Human Rights Law and Islamic Law from SOAS University of London, which he completed from 2008 to 2015. He also earned a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex in 2008. His educational background equips him with a robust understanding of legal frameworks related to human rights.
Background
Murtaza Shaikh has extensive international exposure, having lived in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, France, and Iran. This diverse experience enhances his understanding of various cultural and legal contexts, which is beneficial in his work related to human rights and online safety.
Previous Work Experience
Prior to his current role, Murtaza Shaikh held various positions in human rights and legal advocacy. He worked as a Legal Intern at the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre in 2008, a Legal and Political Officer at the University of Essex from 2009 to 2013, and as a Conflict Prevention and Human Rights Fellow at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from 2012 to 2013. He also served as Co-Director at Averroes from 2013 to 2020, focusing on hate speech and online regulation.
Contributions to Human Rights
Murtaza Shaikh has contributed to significant human rights initiatives, including litigating landmark cases and providing oral evidence to various international bodies. He has advised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on international human rights law and has been involved in discussions regarding the intersectionality of racism and Islamophobia at the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.