Digital Rights Weekly | August 5 - 9

Mon Aug 12 14:16:56 CEST 2024

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of August 5 - 9. As a reminder, you can submit your news for the
newsletter here: https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

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### Digital Rights in the Community ###

1. Gofundme to Support Open Source Engineer Mohammad Abu Mata Exit Gaza

A Gofundme has been created to help Mohammad Abu Mata and his family
exit Gaza safely. Mohammad is a tireless supporter of free software
and open hardware. He played a crucial role in running OONI probes in
Gaza, and facilitated digital security training for journalists
focusing on tools like Tor and end-to-end encryption. He also has been
working  to manufacture open source medical hardware to distribute to
hospitals around Gaza who lacked essential hardware due to the
blockade. Funds collected will go towards helping Mohammad and his
family exit Gaza safely.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/protect-an-open-source-engineer-and-his-family

Here's an article on Global Voices about Mohammad's work on open
source medical hardware:
https://globalvoices.org/2024/03/27/to-get-a-stethoscope-into-gaza-you-needed-to-buy-a-tv/

2. Engine Room’ Matchbox Support for Organizations Based in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Matchbox program application is now open for organizations based
in Sub-Saharan Arica for partnerships beginning in October 2024. The
program offers 6-9 months of support to selected organizations,
helping them design, develop and implement projects that leverage data
and technology to tackle social justice issues or advocate for rights.
Deadline to apply: August 12, 2024.

https://www.theengineroom.org/services-support/intensive-support/

3. Digital Security Clinic for Filmmakers

Field of Vision continues its partnership with Freedom of the Press
Foundation to host the next installment of the free digital security
clinic for documentary filmmaking professionals, featuring group
training and individual consultations. Available Group Sessions:
Footage Security, August 13; Communication Security, August 20; Device
Security, August 27; Field and Travel Security, September 3. Fill out
their intake form:

https://fieldofvision.org/news-and-resources/digital-security-clinic-2024

4. Proton VPN Doubles Down on its Fight Against Online Censorship

Proton unveiled three major updates designed to better support its
users in navigating the consequences of internet disruptions: discreet
icon, Windows stealth, and more servers in critical areas.

https://www.techradar.com/pro/vpn/top-vpn-provider-doubles-down-on-its-fight-against-online-censorship

5. Dozen of Rights Organizations Sign Open Letter to End
Technology-Enabled Political Violence in Venezuela

The crisis in Venezuela, which recently erupted following presidential
elections, has seen a significant deployment of surveillance and
control apparatus that the state has built up over the years. Dozens
of organizations and members of the global human rights community
urgently call for unfettered access to the internet, social media
platforms, and other communication channels for the people in
Venezuela. They also demand an end to the use of technological tools
and digital platforms for the surveillance and persecution of
political dissent, particularly in the wake of the presidential
elections of July 28.

https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/open-letter-technology-enabled-political-violence-venezuela/
 (Note the letter can also be accessed in Spanish from the link)

6. Spamhaus Project's Urges Cloudflare to Review its Anti-Abuse Policies

The Spamhaus Project is urging Cloudflare to review its anti-abuse
policies. They share that abusive activity is facilitated by
Cloudflare’s various services, and that Cloudflare’s attitude to
abusive management and prevention is a point of contention. The
Spamhaus Domain Blocklist (DBL) covers any domain indicating signs of
spam or malicious activity, and includes domains owned by bad actors
or hijacked domains. Due to the nature of how domains are set up,
suspicious activity can be identified before being seen in the wild,
making this a highly proactive dataset. They state that 10.05% of all
domains listed on Spamhaus’s DBL are on Cloudflare nameservers. They
routinely observe miscreants move their domains, which are listed in
the DBL, to Cloudflare to disguise the backend of their operation, be
it spamvertized domains, phishing or worse.

https://www.spamhaus.org/resource-hub/service-providers/too-big-to-care-our-disappointment-with-cloudflares-anti-abuse-posture/

7. Meta’s Shutdown of CrowdTangle Bad for the Public Interest

A new survey of researchers and journalists reveals that Meta’s
planned shutdown of Crowdtangle will conceal the nefarious acts and
actors on Facebook and Instagram from the public. In the middle of the
biggest election year ever, the data access platform is a crucial tool
to uphold electoral integrity and the public’s right to know. The
survey, conducted by the Coalition for Independent Technology
Research, also reveals that Meta’s proposed replacement Content
Library is not yet a sufficient replacement.

https://independenttechresearch.org/survey-metas-shutdown-of-crowdtangle-bad-for-the-public-interest/

8. IFEX Calls for Legislative Initiatives in Pakistan to Respect Free
Expression and Information Online

IFEX is concerned about Pakistan's increasingly restrictive digital
environment, particularly since the February 2024 general elections
which were marred with internet and telecommunications shutdowns, and
the online censorship and harassment of journalists.

https://ifex.org/pakistan-ifex-calls-for-legislative-initiatives-in-pakistan-to-respect-free-expression-and-information-online/

9. Reports from Our Community

a) 21 Internet Restrictions Recorded in the First Half of 2024

In the first half of 2024, 9 countries witnessed internet restrictions
imposed by their own governments, according to Surfshark’s Internet
Shutdown Tracker. All of these cases were attempts by the government
to silence the public in times of political unrest, most commonly
during protests. India took the lead again with 7 cases. Most of the
cases took place amid protests across different Indian cities and
regions. Pakistan had a turbulent election period, resulting in five
different internet restrictions imposed by the government. Senegal’s
election was due to take place on February 25th but ended up being
postponed, sparking protests and subsequent internet restrictions.

https://surfshark.com/research/chart/internet-shutdowns-first-half-2024

b) DigitalReach’s Annual Report 2023-2024: Digital Rights in Southeast Asia

DigitalReach launched their annual report this week to explore digital
rights in Southeast Asia in 8 countries in the region - Cambodia,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and
Vietnam, as well as the regional overview. The report explores
developments of digital rights from January-December 2023 in the
region. In order to more systematically present the developments
observed, the report is organized into three key areas: Legal and
Policy Developments; Information Control and Manipulation; and Threats
Against Critics and Political Opposition.

https://digitalreach.asia/news/annual-report-2023-2024-digital-rights-in-southeast-asia

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### Community Resources ###

1. To Fight Surveillance Pricing, We Need Privacy First

Surveillance pricing analyzes massive troves of your personal
information to predict the price you would be willing to pay for an
item—and charge you accordingly. Retailers can charge a higher price
when they think you can afford to spend more—on payday, for example.
Or when you need something the most, such as in an emergency.
Increasingly, companies exploit this information to set individualized
prices based on personal characteristics and behavior.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/08/fight-surveillance-pricing-we-need-privacy-first

2. Análisis Forense Automatizado: Cómo Funciona la Intrusión de los
Estados en Nuestros Dispositivos y Algunas Recomendaciones

Cuando se trata del entorno digital, las herramientas de análisis
forense son las más utilizadas para este fin; y las comercializadas
por la empresa israelí Cellebrite han tenido particular adhesión,
principalmente la herramienta UFED (Universal Forensics Extraction
Device). Considerando posibles usos abusivos desde la perspectiva de
derechos humanos, Derechos Digitales examinó el funcionamiento de
dichas herramientas y exploró algunas recomendaciones de cómo
protegerse contra la eventual intrusión maliciosa.

https://www.derechosdigitales.org/24168/analisis-forense-automatizado-como-funciona-la-intrusion-de-los-estados-en-nuestros-dispositivos/

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

1. Bangladesh Protesters Defy Shutdown With VPNs

The Sheikh Hasina government, which fell on August 5 following an
uprising, frequently used internet shutdowns to thwart political
protests during its 16-year-rule. For 10 days, starting on July 17,
the government enforced a complete internet shutdown. Even after
lifting the restrictions, platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and
Telegram remained blocked. The mobile internet suspension and blocking
of specific sites/platforms did not impact communication between the
protesters the way the government wanted to, as protestors equipped
themselves with pocket routers and VPN apps.

https://www.boomlive.in/decode/bangladesh-protests-sheikh-hasina-flees-internet-shutdown-vpn-26110

2. Eighty-one Apps Sign Up to Pilot China’s Facial Recognition and
Real Name Digital ID System Before Public Consultation Closes

At least 81 Chinese app developers have signed up to beta test a new
national digital ID system that will use facial recognition technology
and the real names of users, just days after draft regulations was
released for public comment, which will run until August 25. Apps
include 71 privately-owned internet apps and 10 government apps,
including WeChat, online marketplace Taobao, and social commerce and
lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu. Tencent's instant messaging service QQ
and online ticketing platform China Railway 12306 were also said to be
involved. The beta test has users log in with a virtual number issued
by an app after they provide ID verification, facial recognition, link
their mobile phones and set an eight-digit password.

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202408/china-starts-national-digital-id-trial-barely-a-week-after-releasing-draft-plan

3. In-depth Investigation on How Tech Giants are Storing and Using
Mass Data and AI tools for Israel’s War

Checkout an in-depth investigation from 972 Magazine into how the
Israeli army is using Amazon’s cloud service to store surveillance
information on Gaza’s population, while procuring further AI tools
from Google and Microsoft for military purposes,

https://www.972mag.com/cloud-israeli-army-gaza-amazon-google-microsoft/

4. After Instagram, Turkey Blocks Access to At Least 16 Popular VPN Apps

Turkey has reportedly banned at least 16 VPN services in yet another
wave of internet disruptions. Pundits say the goal of the ban is to
prevent access to already blocked news websites in the country that
were only accessible by using VPN services. The Information
Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) can block sites
without a court order, according to Article 8A of the infamous
Internet Bill 5651, when it poses a danger to national security,
public order, etc. Rights defenders are concerned the ban was
introduced just months ahead of local elections, scheduled to take
place in March 2024, and suspect the list of banned VPNs will likely
increase in coming months.

https://globalvoices.org/2023/12/26/turkey-bans-access-to-16-vpn-providers/

5. Malaysia Tightens Screws on Internet Access Amid Growing Concerns
About Online Freedom

Watchdog group Internet Monitoring Action Project (iMAP) reported that
two of Malaysia’s internet providers had blocked alternative DNS
servers – the internet’s “phone book” – and diverted traffic back
through their own, effectively blocking certain websites deemed
improper by the government. Move to block alternative DNS servers
means a slower and less secure connection for users, exposing them to
data collection, analyst says.

https://stockholmcf.org/turkey-blocks-access-to-27-popular-vpn-services-amid-tightening-internet-restrictions/

6. Russia Reportedly Begins Slowing YouTube Speeds Amid Censorship
Spat with Google

Russian authorities have informed the country's telecom operators that
YouTube will be slowed down to 128 kilobytes a second, the independent
Russian media outlet Meduza reported on Aug. 6, citing sources.
Widespread YouTube outages have already been reported across Russia
starting earlier in August.

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-begins-slowing-youtube-speeds/

7. Proposed Law in India may Censor Online Content

In India, draft Broadcasting Bill, 2024 aims to extend the regulations
currently applied to traditional television and radio to the Internet.
Expansive in its remit, the bill covers all large influencers, content
creators, and political commentators online, and tries to regulate
speech. If introduced and passed in Parliament, the Bill could
significantly undermine creative independence and stymie online
freedom of expression. This is because digital media can serve as a
critical alternative space for creators and commentators to scrutinize
government policies and demand accountability, and help organize
counter-narratives around critical issues — all vital for a
well-functioning and vibrant democracy.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/big-brother-binge-watching-proposed-law-censor-online-content-9497704/

8. Social Media Sites Are Failing to Avoid Censorship, Curb Hate
Speech and Disinformation

Since the start of the war, numerous groups have been documenting the
take down and other suppression of content created by Palestinians and
their supporters. In a December report by Human Rights Watch, Meta was
accused of “systematic online censorship” and “inconsistent and opaque
application of its policies.” Platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and
Telegram have promised to create a safer, less toxic online
environment, and have publicly outlined policies designed to mitigate
hate speech and incitement to violence in relation to the conflict.
However, many critics feel that the process lacks transparency and
investment into content moderation.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2562046/middle-east

Meanwhile, eruption of racist violence in England and Northern Ireland
raises urgent questions about the responsibilities of social media
companies, and how the police use facial recognition technology. Live
facial recognition can seem like a solution to criminality. But it
magnifies injustice, and violates our civil liberties.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/07/big-tech-disorder-riots-surveillance-live-facial-recognition

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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://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Fundraising_Opportunities

Matchbox Support for Organizations Based in Sub-Saharan Africa
Engine Room
Deadline: August 12, 2024
https://www.theengineroom.org/apply-now-for-intensive-strategic-tech-and-data-support-in-sub-saharan-africa/

Public Interest Technology Fund
Deadline: Rolling
https://pitg.network/fund/

Digital Rights Fund for WANA Region
Deadline: Rolling
SMEX
https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund/

FOSS United
Deadline: Rolling
https://fossunited.org/grants

Open Tech Fund
Deadline: Rolling
https://apply.opentech.fund

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 Feminist Activism
Deadline: Rolling Basis
https://urgentactionfund.org /

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

Apoyos de Respuesta Rápida
Fondo Acción Urgente
Deadline: Rolling
https://fondoaccionurgente.org.co/es/que-hacemos/apoyos-de-respuesta-rapida

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

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### Events Calendar ###

Escuela Virtual de Gobernanza de Internet (Español)
2 de agosto - 25 de septiembre, 2024
Fecha límite para postular: 28 de julio, 2024
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdK-10SQo99_xoTX_dAKe1kyw-wbSmVj5ol02SuHxi6YigH1Q/viewform

Digital Security Clinic for Filmmakers
Field of Vision and Freedom of the Press Foundation
August 13, 20, 27, and September 3, 2024
https://fieldofvision.org/news-and-resources/digital-security-clinic-2024

Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific Assembly
EngageMedia
August 18 & 19, 2024
Taipei, Taiwan
Deadline to apply: June 15, 2024
https://engagemedia.org/2024/drapac24-taipei/

2024 Digital Rights Summer School
August 25 - 31, 2024
Perast, Montenegro
https://www.sharefoundation.info/en/apply-for-the-2024-digital-rights-summer-school/

FIFAfrica24
September 25-27, 2024
Dakar, Senegal
https://internetfreedom.africa/now-open-call-for-session-proposals-and-travel-support-applications/

4D European Conference
Fundacio Cat & XNet
October 9th, 2024
Barcelona, Spain
https://4d.cat/en/conference/

13th Edition of RightsCon
Access Now
February 2025
East Asia and online
Deadline to apply: June 2, 2024
https://www.rightscon.org/program/

Check out a list of our virtual events here:
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=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

✎ Head of Communications | Chayn
+ Remote (UK)
https://c.chayn.co/hiring

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

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get in touch at team at digitalrights.community. We are always looking
for like-minded organizations and people.

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www.digitalrights.community
Organizers of the Global Gathering
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