Digital Rights Weekly | October 17 - 21

Fri Oct 21 18:23:23 CEST 2022

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
weeks of October 17 - 21. As a reminder, you can submit your news for
the newsletter here:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

###  Upcoming Virtual TCU Events ###

October 25 | Processing Rage 101
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/chv2022_5

October 26 | MENA Meetup
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_26_2022,_MENA_Meetup

October 27 | The Glitterest Glitter Meetup
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_27_2022_GM

October 27 | Your Own Oxygen Mask First: An Intimate Conversation for
Digital Rights Leaders about Burnout
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/chv2022_6

October 28 | Asia Meetup
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_28_2022,_Asia_Meetup

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1. The Next TCU In-Person Global Event is Coming! Find out How You Can
Participate! But be ready for changes :)

More than ever, we need to meet, connect and share in-person. We are
all missing the center of joy we use to share during our global
gathering. TCU will be offering again the global gathering in Fall
2023, but be ready for changes. Right now, we are forced to think in
three year time blocks because the world, travel, and health are still
so unstable, requiring us to build back slowly. There will be ways for
folks to participate, but it will require a new way of thinking about
what “coming together” means. While changes are hard, this also means
new opportunities, even if it may not be apparent at first. Check out
our vision.

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/globalgathering2023

### Digital Rights in the Community ###

1. Partnership Opportunity at the Center for Victims of Torture

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is accepting applications from
Human Rights Defenders living in exile to participate in a dynamic
capacity development and mentoring fellowship. Apply by November 30th.

https://www.cvt.org/HRDapp

2. Call for Proposals at Data Futures Lab

Mozilla is seeking applicants for its third Data Futures Lab cohort:
people and projects building alternative and openly-crowdsourced
datasets. The 2023 cohort will be focused on data donation as a tool
for building a healthier internet. Applications will be open from 10
October to 11 November. To learn more about the criteria and to apply,
check out their website.
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/blog/data-futures-lab-invites-applications-from-organisations-collecting-data-for-the-public-benefit/

3. OTF’s Rapid Response Request for Proposals

Open Tech Fund (OTF) is soliciting proposals to provide organizations
and individuals with services that facilitate responses to digital
emergencies to resolve threats in a timely and comprehensive manner.
Interested applicants can submit their proposals by December 15.
Through this call for proposals, OTF aims to add more partners to its
network with regional and local expertise, who are fully immersed in
the local context of the communities they hope to serve.

https://www.opentech.fund/news/request-for-proposal-otfs-rapid-response-fund/

4. Call for Participation: Feminist Comedy against Corporate Capture

AWID’s Building Feminist Economies (BFE) initiative is calling all
comedians and satirical content creators, meme-makers, tiktokers
and/or stand-up performers who are interested in generating humorous
political content to call out corporations and their abuses of power.
Application deadline is November 13.

https://awid.org/get-involved/call-participation-feminist-comedy-against-corporate-capture

5. Community Call: Biometric in the Humanitarian Sector

In April, the Engine Room kicked off new research on the use of
biometrics within the Humanitarian sector, in partnership with the
Open Society Foundation’s migration initiative. Their  research
explores what’s changed (and what’s stayed the same) in regards to
using biometric data for humanitarian purposes.  It takes a deeper
look at organizational policies on biometrics, in addition to the
benefits, risks, and potential harms of using biometric systems.

The Engine Room is keen to share the initial findings and have a
broader discussion about what changes are needed with the community.
Register for their second community call on 27 October, 9-10AM EST/
3-4 PM CET.

https://www.theengineroom.org/upcoming-community-call-biometrics-in-the-humanitarian-sector-an-update-on-our-research-so-far/

6. The Bread&Net 2022 Program is Out

You can now check out Bread&Net’s detailed program happening from the
15th to the 17th of November. Bread&Net is an annual unconference that
promotes and defends digital rights across Arabic speaking countries.
Hosted by SMEX, Bread&Net is a platform built for and sustained by
hundreds of activists, technologists, journalists, researchers,
lawyers, academics, entrepreneurs, and human rights defenders from
around the world, with a particular focus on digital rights and
digital freedoms in Arabic-speaking countries.

On the 17th of
November, Team CommUnity’s very own Director of the Community Health
Program Selma Zaki will be facilitating a psychosocial group session
for DRD’s to share and process experiences related to their mental and
community health!

https://www.breadandnet.org/en/conference-schedule/

7. Iranian Authorities Must Immediately Release Technologists and
Digital Rights Defenders

Article19 and other human rights
organizations wrote a letter of condemnation of the Iranian
authorities’ ruthless persecution, harassment, and arrest of
technologists and digital rights defenders amid the deadly crackdown
on nationwide protests, and demanded their immediate and unconditional
release.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/10/stop-persecution-iranian-authorities-must-immediately-release-technologists-and-0

8. Alaa Abd El Fattah Surpasses His 200 Day of Hunger Strike

The Electronic Frontier Foundation remains gravely concerned about the
deteriorating health of Alaa Abd El Fattah, the British-Egyptian
activist, technologist, and Amnesty Prisoner of Conscience. Alaa has
now been on hunger strike at Wadi el Natrun Prison in Egypt for more
than 200 days. The UK’s Independent reported him this week as being
“at death’s door”.

The Egyptian government is ultimately responsible for setting Alaa
free. Alaa is a British citizen and the UK government should also
intervene, immediately, to do everything it can to uphold Alaa’s human
rights and secure his freedom.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/10/alaa-abd-el-fattah-surpasses-200-days-hunger-strike-cop27-summit-nears

9. New Campaign Calling for Meta to #LetPalestineSpeak

As the largest social media company in the world, Meta allows billions
of people around the globe to connect with each other, share opinions,
and learn about the world. Unfortunately, Meta is not that place for
millions, including Palestinians. Their content and accounts are
censored and over moderated at disproportionately high rates. Double
standards in content moderation policies are silencing the Palestinian
narrative and violating Palestinian digital rights. How to fix this?
Let Palestinians speak.

https://metahamleh.nqa.nadsoft.co/
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### Digital Rights Resources ###

1 .Reporte Nuevo: “Periodistas y salud mental: cómo cuidarnos y
promover una profesión saludable"

El Knight Foundation ha publicado un nuevo reporte mirando la salud
mental de periodista, y como ellos se pueden cuidar y promover una
profesión saludable

https://journalismcourses.org/es/course/periodistas-y-salud-mental-como-cuidarnos/

2. CPJ Report: When Spyware Turns Phones Into Weapons

The Committee to Protect Journalists released an extended report on
how zero-click surveillance threatens reporters, sources, and global
press freedom.  The challenge to respond to this is whether
legislators and rights advocates can craft an effective global
combination of laws, regulations, awareness, and technological
solutions to prevent abuse of surveillance technology – and whether
they can do it before journalists’ ability to do their jobs is
irreparably damaged by the threats to their safety and sources.

https://cpj.org/reports/2022/10/when-spyware-turns-phones-into-weapons/

3. Why Signal Won’t Compromise On Encryption

Decoder Podcast interviewed Signal’s new President Meredith Whittaker,
where she talks about surveillance today, how the Signal Foundation
responds to the current moment, and explains how Signal messages are
more private than iMessage and WhatsApp,

https://www.theverge.com/23409716/signal-encryption-messaging-sms-meredith-whittaker-imessage-whatsapp-china

4. Digital ID Handbook: Strategies for Navigating Electronic
Identification Systems

The Engine Room partnered with A People’s Guide to Tech (APTG) to
develop A Digital ID Handbook for civil society, a resource based on
their research and APGT’s wealth of experience in popular education
and in translating complex concepts into accessible information. In
the handbook, DRDs will find a primer on digital ID systems, along
with activities to support civil society organizations in developing
their advocacy strategies for dealing with digital ID implementation
and to exercise their ability to visualize what digital ID systems
grounded in justice could look like.

https://www.theengineroom.org/digital-ids-rooted-in-justice-apgt-and-ter-present-a-digital-id-handbook-for-civil-society/

_________________________________________________

### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###

1. How Iran is Using the Protests to Block More Open Internet Access

Amir Rashidi shares with Scientific American how the Iranian
government has been using technology, such as facial recognition and
Internet shutdowns against its citizens. Rashidi left the country in
2019 and is the director of digital rights and security at the Miaan
group,  a Texas based advocacy organization working to improve human
rights in Iran.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-iran-is-using-the-protests-to-block-more-open-internet-access/

Meanwhile, protestors are continuing their resistance against the
regime  in the face of high-tech crackdown. VPN use has been
skyrocketing - increasing over 2,100% on September 22 compared to the
previous 28 days - in Iran as residents navigate internet censorship
in the country.

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/07/vpn-use-skyrockets-in-iran-as-citizens-navigate-internet-censorship.html

2. 39 “Fake antennas” discovered “monitoring” Cell Phones in Nicaragua

According to a study by South Lighthouse, an organization dedicated to
researching technologies in the service of human rights, and the Fake
Antenna Detection Project (FADe Project), irregularities in antennas
around Nicaragua make it possible to capture citizens’ cell phone
information. In a specific location and without realizing it, all
telephone information, text messages and conversations could be
captured by the signals emitted by a “fake antenna” operating in parts
of the capital.

https://www.confidencial.digital/english/39-fake-antennas-discovered-monitoring-cell-phones-in-nicaragua/

3. The Battle for Control Over Ukraine’s Internet

Russia’s attempts to control the flow of information have been
extensive. More than 4,000 base stations belonging to Ukrainian
telecommunications providers have been seized or destroyed by Russian
soldiers since the beginning of the invasion, and more than 60,000
kilometers of fiber-optic lines used for the Internet have been
captured or damaged, according to Ukraine’s Special Communications
Service. Russian forces also destroyed 18 broadcasting antennas that
provided television and radio signal.

https://time.com/6222111/ukraine-internet-russia-reclaimed-territory/

4. India’s Domestic Spy Agency Bought NSO Hardware That Matches
Pegasus Specifications

Indian officials dismissed rumors that it purchased the spyware as
‘sensationalism’, but trade data shows a 2017 hardware shipment to the
Intelligence Bureau. Import documents show that India’s Intelligence
Bureau, the country’s main domestic intelligence agency, bought
hardware from the Israeli spyware firm NSO Group that matches the
description of equipment used elsewhere to deploy the company’s
flagship Pegasus software.

https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/10/20/indias-domestic-spy-agency-bought-nso-hardware-that-matches-pegasus-specifications

5. Turkish Opposition Calls New Media Law “Censorship”

Last week, Turkey's main opposition group said it would ask the top
court to throw out new media legislation that would jail people for
spreading "misinformation", calling the measures unprecedented
censorship. Parliament adopted the law after it was proposed by
President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party (AKP), which says it aims
to regulate online publications, protect the country and combat
disinformation.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/turkish-opposition-calls-new-media-law-censorship-will-appeal-top-court-2022-10-14/

Human Rights Watch called the new law Dangerous and Dystopian. The
timing of the legislation, months before 2023 presidential and
parliamentary elections, also raises concerns that the government
intends to muzzle online reporting and commentary critical of the
Erdogan government in the run up to the elections.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/14/turkey-dangerous-dystopian-new-legal-amendments

6. The Bruce Willis Deepfake is Everyone’s Problem

Last month, Bruce Willis had the strange experience of “appearing” in
an ad where he was tied to a bomb on the back of a yacht, growling
"Mississippi" in a Russian accent. The Telegraph reported the deepfake
was possible because he sold his performance rights. That was not
quite true—a representative for Willis later told reporters the actor
had done no such thing.

It is not just actors who should be paying attention to “who owns our
identities”.

https://www.wired.com/story/bruce-willis-deepfake-rights-law/

7. UN Expert Reports Freedom of Expression as a Vital “Survival Right”

Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on Promotion and Protection of
Freedom of Opinion and Expression, said that State and armed groups,
enabled by digital technology and social media, were weaponizing
information to sow confusion, feed hate, incite violence, discredit
human rights defenders, disrupt humanitarian activities and prolong
conflict. She said this while presenting her report on disinformation
and freedom of opinion and expression during armed conflicts in the
General Assembly earlier this month.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/protect-freedom-expression-vital-survival-right-civilians-armed-conflict-un

_________________________________________________

### Grants, Fellowships, & Awards ###

The following opportunities are open to individual digital rights
defenders and to organizations. If you would like us to include a
grant, fellowship or award in this newsletter, please email details to
team at digitalrights.community
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/Fundraising_Opportunities

Racism and Technology Center
Deadline: October 31, 2022
https://racismandtechnology.center/2022/09/03/do-you-want-to-work-on-anti-racism-and-technology/

Working Group on Pluralism of News and Information
Forum on Information & Democracy
Deadline: October 31, 2022
https://informationdemocracy.org/2022/09/29/launch-working-group-pluralism-of-information/

Data Futures Lab
Mozilla
Deadline: November 11, 2022
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/blog/data-futures-lab-invites-applications-from-organisations-collecting-data-for-the-public-benefit/

Incident Emergency Fund
Digital Defenders Partnership
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.digitaldefenders.org/incident-emergency-fund/

Rapid Response Fund
Open Tech Fund
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.opentech.fund/news/request-for-proposal-otfs-rapid-response-fund/

Digital Freedom Fund
Deadline: Check website, call for proposal will open soon.
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/

Safety Net Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
https://wphfund.org/whrds-safety-net/

Internet Freedom Fund
Open Technology Fund
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/

Rapid Response Fund
Open Tech Fund
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.opentech.fund/funds/rapid-response-fund/

Rapid Response Fund
Derechos Digitales
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.derechosdigitales.org/sobre-el-fondo-de-respuesta-rapida/

Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://urgentactionfund.org/

Open Briefing’s Responsive Assistance
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://www.openbriefing.org/support/referral/

Secure Usability and Accessibility Lab
Open Tech Fund
Deadline: Rolling
https://www.opentech.fund/labs/sua-lab/
_________________________________________________

### Global Events Calendar ###

Community Health Village
October 12 - November 3
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/Community_Health_Village_2022

RIPE 85
October 24 - October 28
Hybrid: Belgrade & Online
https://ripe85.ripe.net/

MENA Monthly Meetup
October 26
6pm CAT / 4pm UTC
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_26_2022,_MENA_Meetup

Engine Room: Biometric in the Humanitarian Sector: An Update on Our
Research so Far
October 27
9-10AM EST/ 3-4 PM CET.
Online
https://www.theengineroom.org/upcoming-community-call-biometrics-in-the-humanitarian-sector-an-update-on-our-research-so-far/

The Glitterest Glitter Meetup
October 27
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_27_2022_GM

Digital Discourses: Science/Fiction
October 27 - 28
2pm - 8pm UTC+7
Online
http://goethe.de/digitaldiscourses

Asia Meetup
October 28
6:30am EDT / 10:30am UTC
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/October_28_2022,_Asia_Meetup

Glitter Meetup: Introducing Ijeruka, a digital learning platform
centering African knowledge
November 3
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/November_3_2022_GM

Check out a list of our virtual events here:
https://internetfreedomfestival.org/wiki/index.php/Calendar_of_Events
_________________________________________________

### NEW Job Opportunities  ###

Below is a short list of jobs we have been sent in the last week.

Want to see more jobs? OR Have a job opening you want us to promote?
Check out the Team CommUNITY Job Board:
https://www.digitalrights.community/job-board

✎ Community Support Coordinator (RightsCon) | Access Now
+ Remote (USA & LATAM preference)
https://accessnow.bamboohr.com/careers/152?source=aWQ9MjA%3D

✎ Software Engineer Intern Program | Wikimedia Foundation
+ Remote
https://grnh.se/a2fa4ca21us

✎ Data Engineer | Wikimedia Foundation
+ Remote
https://grnh.se/0c9e1d311us

✎ Program Coordinator (RightsCon) | Access Now
+ Remote (Africa & MENA preference)
https://accessnow.bamboohr.com/careers/153?source=aWQ9MjA%3D

✎ Campaign Director, Tech Justice | Color Of Change
+ Local Options and Remote in USA
https://jobs.lever.co/colorofchange/5d5e2a64-5374-457c-a83e-e510430d747e

✎ Talent Acquisition Manager | Color Of Change
+ New York or Washington, DC, USA
https://jobs.lever.co/colorofchange/ca0a32ce-6b7e-45e6-8f1a-e6603c26c43d

✎ Press Manager | Color Of Change
+ New York or Washington, DC, USA
https://jobs.lever.co/colorofchange/17c267c0-15c4-4716-a35e-22e859d5524c

✎ Project Administrator Our Voices Our Futures | Association for
Progressive Communications
+ Remote
https://www.apc.org/en/node/38309/

✎ Senior Program Manager, Finance | Wikimedia Foundation
+ Remote
https://grnh.se/cea82a5d1us

✎ Senior Director, California Policy | Common Sense Media
+ Sacramento, CA, USA
https://commonsense.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk02ok6

If you feel like sending some digital glitter our way, or need further
assistance, feel free to reply to this message.
_________________________________________________

### Know someone that wants to subscribe to our newsletter? ###

They can sign up here:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

### Want to partner with us?###

If you have any questions or want to learn more about partnerships,
get in touch at team at digitalrights.community. We are always looking
for like-minded organizations and people.

(((Hugs & light)))

--
Team CommUNITY at ARTICLE 19
www.digitalrights.community
Organizers of the Internet Freedom Festival
PGP: 2E1D CC33 A362 0BD6 236E  540A F60A 89AD 6FF9 7A2F

You can now submit your news for the Digital Rights weekly directly.
To post your job opportunities, submit your opportunities to our Job Board.

--
Team CommUNITY at ARTICLE 19
www.digitalrights.community
Organizers of the Internet Freedom Festival
PGP: 2E1D CC33 A362 0BD6 236E  540A F60A 89AD 6FF9 7A2F

You can now submit your news for the Digital Rights weekly directly.
To post your job opportunities, submit your opportunities to our Job Board.