Digital Rights Weekly | June 26 - 30

Fri Jun 30 16:10:24 CEST 2023

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of June 26 - 30. As a reminder, you can submit your news for the
newsletter here: https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

### Team CommUNITY (TCU) ###

1. Digital Rights Regional Briefs of June are Out!!

Our Community Leads from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and MENA, bring
critical information about digital justice issues around the globe,
current opportunities for digital rights defenders, community news,
regional developments, and more! This month, in Africa, you will
navigate the histories, presents and futures of technology’s
connectivity paradoxes. We are also exploring questions and solutions
for inclusivity and anti-casteism in the digital rights movements in
Asia. From Latin America, you will read what the Colombian digital
rights organization, Karisma, recommends for the delivery apps’
algorithms in order to improve platforms workers’ well-being. The MENA
brief delves into AI and how it is unfolding in the region’s various
surveillance systems. Check all this and more on the link below:

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/regionalbriefsjune2023

2. How we are Approaching Safety, Security and Challenges for the
Global Gathering

Find out how we are approaching the 2023 Global Gathering to address
real challenges that impact safety and security of participants. This
year’s edition is part of a  3-year vision to grow the GG in a
sustainable way. The event is less than three months away, and will be
used to collectively brainstorm not just how the GG will evolve, but
also the standards we want to see in our field of practice.

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/2023-global-gathering-how-we-are-approaching-safety-security-and-challenges

2. RSVP for “The Wellbeing Monthly” series: Once a month join a
psychosocial educational workshop designed for digital rights
defenders!

Join "The Wellbeing Monthly", a monthly virtual educational workshop
series led by diverse mental health professionals. The online series
will run from June to December and are free of charge, and  focus on
psychoeducation and coping mechanisms on diverse topics including
anxiety and fear, guilt and survivors guilt, defeat and hopelessness,
trauma, and burnout and stress. Each month we will be announcing new
speakers, so check regularly! RVSP for the July and August workshops:

July 18, “Survivor Guilt, Regret Rumination, and How to Cope with them
as an Activist”:
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/wellbeingmonthly2

August 8, "Responding to Defeat and Creating Communities of Hope":
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/wellbeingmonthly3

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### Digital Rights in the Community ###

1. Webtunnel Released

The Tor Anti-censorship Team is soft-releasing Webtunnel, a new
pluggable transport (PT) for Tor bridges based on HTTPT. Read more
here:

https://twitter.com/0xggus/status/1673313906616401921

2. Around the World, Threats to LGBTQ+ Speech Deepen

Globally, an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ intolerance is impacting
individuals and communities both online and off. The digital rights
community has observed an uptick in censorship of LGBTQ+ websites as
well as troubling attempts by several countries to pass explicitly
anti-LGBTQ+ bills restricting freedom of expression and privacy.

The following post highlights just six countries where limitations on
LGBTQ+ expression are on the rise. This Pride—and all year round—EFF
urges to join in taking a stand to support the freedom of LGBTQ+
individuals and communities everywhere.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/06/around-world-threats-lgbtq-speech-deepen

Read other articles highlighting this years work at the intersection
of digital rights and LGBTQ+ on EFF’s issue page:

https://www.eff.org/issues/lgbtq

3. First <AI & Equality> Library Video: Data Feminism in Action by Lauren Klein

The new < AI & Equality> Library will feature global talks from
professors, colleagues and thinkers on how to concretely put the
principles of a Human Rights-based Approach into action in AI
development and deployment. The first talk is by Lauren Klein on Data
Feminism in Action, an introduction and update on the foundational
thinking found in Data Feminism co-authored by Lauren and Catherine
D’Ignazio.The video explores the theoretical framework of Data
Feminism and dives deeper into new examples of Data Feminism in
action.

https://aiequalitytoolbox.com/library/

4. Accountability Infrastructure: How to Implement Limits on Platform
Optimization to Protect Population Health

Attention capitalism has generated design processes and product
development decisions that prioritize platform growth over all other
considerations. To the extent limits have been placed on these
incentives, interventions have primarily taken the form of content
moderation. While moderation is important for what we call “acute
harms,” societal-scale harms – such as negative effects on mental
health and social trust – require new forms of institutional
transparency and scientific investigation, which we group under the
term accountability infrastructure.

https://www.platformaccountability.com

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### Digital Rights Resources ###

1. What is Secure? An Analysis of Popular Messaging Apps

>From September 2022 through May 2023, Convocation Research + Design
and Tech Policy analyzed popular messaging apps–including Signal,
WhatsApp, Telegram, Messages by Google, Apple Messages and Meta’s
Messenger–across a range of dimensions, including technical security,
user experience, how the apps engage with users and developers, and
their policies, terms and conditions. They sought to understand how
people form mental models of their own digital security and
corresponding threats. In addition, the ways in which the technical
and design decisions that the developers of apps make can leave users
vulnerable, and potential adjustments and solutions

https://techpolicy.press/what-is-secure-an-analysis-of-popular-messaging-apps/

2. Does ChatGPT Compromise Privacy?

Like many AI platforms, OpenAI’s text generation tool ChatGPT, works
by hoovering up vast amounts of data to train its algorithms for
optimum performance. As it scoops up information, personal data comes
along with it, whether that’s in a transparent way via social media
pages, blogs and websites, or in a more covert form through an
internet protocol (IP) address.

https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/does-chatgpt-compromise-privacy/

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

1. The Internet Freedom Foundation on the 50+ days of Manipur’s
Internet Shutdown

June 22 marked 50 days of Manipur's ongoing state-wide internet
shutdown. In wake of this shutdown, IFF have written to Manipur's
local authorities highlighting our concerns. The state-wide internet
shutdown has been in place since May 3, 2023. Since the second day of
the shutdown, all internet services have been suspended through
templated orders issued every five days.

https://internetfreedom.in/manipur-letter-50-days-internet-shutdown/

2. An Iraqi Historian was Slain after Being Labeled a Spy on Facebook.
Exclusive Emails Show Catastrophic Delays in Removing Threatening
Posts.

In the months leading up to his murder, viral posts on Facebook and
other social-media sites accused al-Hashimi of being a spy for US,
Israeli, or British forces, as well as conspiring to further
destabilize Iraq. Al-Hashimi and his friend in Tech did what they
could to get Facebook to take down those posts, but the company was
inconsistent.

https://www.businessinsider.com/metas-moderation-is-failing-and-people-are-getting-killed-2023-6

3. Hong Kong: Tech Firms Should Oppose Protest Song Ban

Tech companies should oppose the Hong Kong government’s application
for an injunction to ban broadcasting and distribution of the 2019
protest song, “Glory to Hong Kong,” Human Rights Watch said last week.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/20/hong-kong-tech-firms-should-oppose-protest-song-ban

More than 24 overseas human rights and digital rights groups issued an
open letter urging international tech firms, including Apple, Google,
Meta, Twitter, and Spotify, to “intervene and oppose the injunction”.
They stressed that it would have a “disastrous effect” on freedom of
expression and information access, with global implications.

https://globalvoices.org/2023/06/24/digital-rights-activist-groups-urge-tech-giants-to-defend-against-hong-kongs-injunctions-against-protest-anthem/

4. China Dissent Monitor

Despite increasingly repressive rule under the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP), dissent in China occurs regularly and is geographically
widespread. The China Dissent Monitor features interactive research on
collective action in public spaces and cases of online dissent,
filling a critical information gap in a country with severe media
restrictions and risks associated with exposing dissent. Explore the
data here:

https://freedomhouse.org/report/china-dissent-monitor

You can check out the interview with the head of the China Dissent monitor here:

https://globalvoices.org/2023/06/28/chinese-citizens-find-ways-to-dissent-despite-the-risks/

5. Digital Dissent in Iran: How Social Media Changed the Movement

Despite state-imposed internet restrictions, popular social media
platforms such as Instagram, are used widely by lifestyle bloggers,
women-led businesses, and public figures to promote their activities.
Millions of Iranians use VPNs to circumvent internet censorship.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/26/unveiling-resistance-struggle-womens-rights-iran

6. Malaysia to Take Legal Action Against Meta Over Harmful Content

Malaysia said it will take legal action against Facebook parent Meta
Platforms for failing to remove "undesirable" posts, the strongest
measure the country has taken to date over such content.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/malaysia-take-legal-action-against-meta-harmful-content-2023-06-23/

7. Automating Social Media Content Moderation

A content moderator in Germany was fired for speaking about working conditions.

https://twitter.com/San_amd/status/1671864385462231043

This published article on content moderation automation in a Berlin
firm found very high labor control, surveillance and deskilling.

https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/view/journals/wge/2/2/article-p176.xml

8. Australia Says Twitter is Top Platform for Online Hate

Last week, an Australian cyber regulator said it has demanded Twitter
explain its handling of online hate as the microblog has become the
country's most complained-about platform since new owner Elon Musk
lifted bans on a reported 62,000 accounts.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/australia-says-twitter-is-top-platform-online-hate-demands-explanation-2023-06-21/

9. Post-pandemic Lockdown on Rights Persists in the Philippines

Digital technologies, policies, and other measures of control were
enacted during the pandemic. The justification was to increase public
safety and guard a so-called ‘new normal’ of mandatory vaccinations,
mask-wearing, and physical distancing. Today, the majority of the Asia
Pacific has returned to the ‘old normal’, but the surveillance
mechanisms – technological, regulatory, and ideological – remain.

https://engagemedia.org/2023/pandemic-control-Philippines/

10. UniAbuja Student’s Expulsion Sparks a Debate on Digital Rights

What followed a student’s complaint tuition hikes on Whatsapp was a
letter signed by the University’s deputy registrar accusing the
student of circulating an “inciteful press release.” Journalists,
lawyers and other observers say the University’s actions breached
digital rights.

https://techcabal.com/2023/06/22/university-of-abuja-students-expulsion-sparks-a-debate-on-digital-rights/

11. Internet Shutdowns in Algeria: A Blow to Human Rights & the National Economy

Algerian authorities have resorted to internet blackouts for the past
seven years to “prevent cheating” during the national baccalaureate
exams. In 2016, the government began restricting internet access after
exam questions were leaked on social media immediately after they were
distributed to students.

https://smex.org/internet-shutdowns-in-algeria-a-blow-to-human-rights-and-the-national-economy/

12. UN Health Rapporteur Warns of Rights Challenges Posed by Digital Healthcare

Real challenges exist in improving human rights within the digital
world of health, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right
to health, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, addressing a UN Human Rights Council
(HRC) last week. Shortly after submitting her report on “Digital
innovation, technologies and the right to health” to the HRC, Mofokeng
said: “We will need to ensure that rights holders know their rights.
They understand that digital technologies are not just a safe space.”
https://healthpolicy-watch.news/un-health-rapporteur-warns-of-rights-challenges-posed-by-digital-healthcare/

13. AI: UNESCO & EU Partnership to Speed Up the Implementation of Ethical Rules

UNESCO and the European Commission have just signed an agreement to
accelerate global implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on the
ethics of artificial intelligence adopted in November 2021 by the 193
Member States of the Organization. A budget of €4 million will be
dedicated to supporting the least developed countries in the
establishment of their national legislation.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/artificial-intelligence-partnership-between-unesco-and-eu-speed-implementation-ethical-rules

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### 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

Strategic Litigation to Advance Digital Rights in Europe Support
Digital Freedom Fund
Deadline: July 20, 2023
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/

European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund
Ecosystem Grants Programme
Deadline: July 31, 2023
https://europeanaifund.org/newspublications/our-ecosystem-grants-programme-is-now-open/

The CYRILLA Collaborative: Call For Proposals
Deadline: July 31, 2023
https://smex.org/the-cyrilla-collaborative-call-for-proposals/

Lacuna Fund
Deadline: Multiple Depending on Topic
https://lacunafund.org/apply/

Digital Rights Research Grant
PrivacyCo
Deadline: Rolling
https://www.top10vpn.com/research-grant/

Sovereign Tech Fund
Deadline: Rolling
https://sovereigntechfund.de/en/applications/

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

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

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/

Urgent Action Fund - Asia & Pacific
Deadline: Rolling
https://www.uafanp.org/our_grants

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

### Events Calendar ###

Glitter Meetup: How to Tame the Algorithm - Recommendations to Improve
the Wellbeing and Context of Delivery App Workers
Team CommUNITY
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
July 13, 2023
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_13_2023_GM

The Wellbeing Monthly: Survivor Guilt, Regret Rumination and How to
Cope with them as an Activist
Team CommUNITY
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
July 18, 2023
Online
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/wellbeingmonthly2

Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute
July 31 - August 11, 2023
Oxford, USA
http://pcmlp.socleg.ox.ac.uk/oxford-media-policy-summer-institute-2023/

The Wellbeing Monthly: Responding to Defeat and Creating Communities of Hope
Team CommUNITY
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
August 8, 2023
Online
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/wellbeingmonthly3

Freedom Not Fear
September 1- 4, 2023
Brussels
https://freedomnotfear.org

Virtual School on Internet Governance
September 4 - November 25, 2023
Online
https://www.virtualsig.org/2023/05/30/vsig-registration-now-open/

The Global Gathering
Team CommUNITY
September 15 - 17, 2023
Portugal
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/announcing-team-communitys-global-gathering

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 sent to us 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

✎  Fundraising Manager | Transformative Change
+  Remote in USA
https://careers.interviewer.ai/transformative-change/68e2c260-5813-4b14-bb2d-d863388ed20b

✎  Data Security Officer | Civicus
+  Remote
https://www.civicus.org/index.php/get-involved/work-with-us/6422-data-security-officer

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 Global Gathering
PGP: 2E1D CC33 A362 0BD6 236E  540A F60A 89AD 6FF9 7A2F

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