Digital Rights Weekly | August 12 - 16

[Team CommUNITY]

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of August 12 - 16. As a reminder, you can submit your news for
the newsletter here:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

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### Team CommUNITY (TCU) ###

1. Upcoming Digital Rights Weekly Town Halls:

September 5 | Is There HOPE for Phone Privacy? CalyxOS and
Privacy-Focused FLOSS Phone Solutions
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_5_2024_GM

September 12 | The Digital Rights Monopoly: Discussing Gamification as
a Tool for Digital Literacy
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_12_2024_GM

September 19 | What is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World?
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_19_2024_GM



### Digital Rights in the Community ###


1. Sept 12: NEW Outline Community Hub Meetup

Join us on September 12 at 9am EDT / 1pm UTC to learn about the NEW
Outline Community Hub and what it can offer you. If you are a user of
Outline or Outline SDK, we want to hear from you on what you need from
the hub!

To improve community support for Outline and Outline SDK, Jigsaw is
joining forces with Team CommUNITY, who will be hosting the hub and
facilitating monthly meetups.

The Sept 12 meetup is a great opportunity to meet other Outline users!
In addition, if you are registered for the 2024 Global Gathering, we
want to hear from you on what sessions, training, or support you would
like to see in the Outline Village at the Global Gathering. RSVP to
reserve your spot:

https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/outline_community_hub_kick_off_meetup


2. Signal Has Been Blocked by Venezuela and Russia

According to media and users reports, Signal, a popular encrypted
messaging app, is being blocked in Venezuela and Russia - part of a
crackdown on internal dissent in both countries. In Venezuela, the
blockage follows the disputed results of the country’s presidential
election last month, which have led to protests and arrests. In
Russia, the country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, says
that Signal violated Russian legislation.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/9/24217008/signal-blocked-venezuela-russia

Signal has confirmed that several countries have blocked its services.
It provides advice on how to help others and recommends that those
affected turn on its censorship circumvention feature:

https://signal.org/blog/proxy-please/


3. The 2024 Tech-influenced Elections, Through the Youth’s Eyes

2024 stands out as a pivotal moment for democracies, with over 80
countries around the world preparing to cast their votes – a crucial
test for democratic resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism
and threats to electoral integrity. Recent electoral outcomes in
various South and Southeast Asian nations highlight these pressing
issues. This article takes a look at Cambodia, Bangladesh, and
Indonesia as they conduct their respective elections in 2023 and 2024
to illustrate how the youth reacts to distinct challenges to democracy
and fair elections in the digital era.

https://engagemedia.org/2024/elections-technology-youth/


4. Caught on the Net: Russia-linked Phishing Campaigns Ensnare Russian
and Belarusian Civil Society, as Well as International NGOs

Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline and the Citizen Lab at the
University of Toronto, in collaboration with First Department, Arjuna
Team, and RESIDENT.ngo, have uncovered at least two separate
spear-phishing campaigns targeting Russian and Belarusian nonprofit
organizations, Russian independent media, international NGOs active in
Eastern Europe, and at least one former U.S. ambassador.

https://www.accessnow.org/russian-phishing-campaigns/


4. UK: Prime Minister Must Rethink Plans for Facial Recognition Surveillance

ARTICLE 19 has joined 26 human rights, racial justice, migrants’
rights and civil liberties organisations in calling on the United
Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider plans to expand
the use of facial recognition surveillance in response to recent
public disorder across the country.

https://www.article19.org/resources/uk-pm-rethink-plans-for-facial-recognition-surveillance/

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### Community Resources ###

1. Surveillance Watch Map - They Know Who You Are. It's Time to
Uncover Who They Are

Surveillance Watch is an interactive map that documents the hidden
connections within the opaque surveillance industry -  between
surveillance companies, their funding sources and affiliations.
Founded by privacy advocates, most of whom were personally harmed by
surveillance tech, their mission is to shed light on the companies
profiting from this exploitation with significant risk to people's
lives.

https://www.surveillancewatch.io/


2. How Journalists Can Protect Themselves While Covering Protests

This Freedom of the Press Foundation’s updated and quick guide focuses
on how U.S. journalists can manage the security of their devices and
reporting materials when covering protests. Digital security is only
one consideration, alongside both physical threats and your rights as
a citizen and journalist.

https://freedom.press/training/blog/how-journalists-can-protect-themselves-while-covering-protests/

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


1. Venezuela: Amid Election Unrest, Internet Outage, and 70 Press
Freedom Violations

After disputed presidential elections in the country, the Venezuelan
government has restricted internet access in an attempt to contain
information in the midst of continuous protests and electoral fraud
allegations. Several platforms have been put under a 10 day long
Internet blockade by the government, citing attempts to destabilize
the nation digitally. Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) found
at least 70 violations of press freedom committed by the authorities
since the presidential elections on July 28, 2024. Both national and
foreign journalists face a climate of hostility and repression, marked
by arbitrary arrests, threats, physical attacks, censorship and
restrictions on information access.

https://rsf.org/en/venezuela-rsf-counts-70-violations-press-freedom-15-days

VE sin Filtro has been providing updates on the Internet situation, as
well as suggestions on how to circumvent blocks.

https://x.com/vesinfiltro


2. Bangladesh: Crackdown on Media & Pressure on Interim Government to
Restore Freedom of Expression and Repeal Cyber Security Act

Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday issued a stern warning to
media organizations, stating that they would be shut down if they
publish or broadcast false or misleading news, in a move aimed at
curbing the spread of misinformation. This is following an Internet
shutdown in July/August 2024 that left 170 million people offline for
10 days.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/crackdown-on-bangladesh-media-interim-govts-closure-threat-over-fake-news/cid/2040391

Meanwhile, groups such as Amnesty, are pushing the interim to
government to repeal the Cyber Security Act (CSA) 2023 - a
continuation of successive repressive legislations in Bangladesh that
have repeatedly facilitated the state’s crackdown on civic space and
human rights, including during the student-led quota-reform protests,
said Amnesty International in a new briefing.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/bangladesh-interim-government-must-restore-freedom-of-expression-in-bangladesh-and-repeal-cyber-security-act/


3. The ‘Unsettling,’ Nearly Normalized Surveillance Tech Monitoring
the USA - Mexico Border

An interview with Francisco Lara-García, a sociologist at Hofstra
University, explores how surveillance technology has evolved and its
impact on people living in the towns, cities, and municipalities along
the southern border between the USA and Mexico.

https://themarkup.org/hello-world/2024/08/10/the-unsettling-nearly-normalized-surveillance-tech-monitoring-the-u-s-mexico-border


4. Pakistan: Petitions Filed Challenging Installation of Firewall

A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC)
challenging the implementation of firewalls and the nationwide
internet shutdown. The petitioner contends that these actions have
caused widespread difficulties for users attempting to access social
media platforms across the country. The application argues that the
installation of firewalls violates fundamental rights and demands an
immediate cessation of such measures.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/08/16/internet-shutdown-petitions-filed-in-ihc-and-lhc-challenging-installation-of-firewall/


5. West Bank: New Biometric Checkpoints, Israel Intensifying
Surveillance of Palestinians

Israel has rolled out new AI-driven biometric checkpoints in the West
Bank, intensifying its surveillance over Palestinians. Palestinians
who hold permits to enter Israel are now required to scan their
biometric ID cards and faces upon returning.

https://www.newarab.com/features/israels-new-ai-checkpoints-escalate-west-bank-dehumanisation


6. Authorities in Equatorial Guinea Must end Internet Shutdown

The government of Equatorial Guinea plunged Annobón into an internet
and cellular blackout following recent demonstrations against
environmental exploitation, restricting people’s ability to exercise
their human rights. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition is calling
on authorities in Equatorial Guinea to immediately restore internet
and telecommunications services in Annobón.

https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/keepiton-in-annobon-equatorial-guinea-authorities/


7. Meta Struggles With Moderation in Hebrew, According to Ex-employee
and Internal Documents

Meta, the company owner of the platforms Facebook, Instagram and
WhatsApp, has a system for evaluating the effectiveness of its own
moderation for Arabic language content but not Hebrew. Internal policy
guidelines shared with the Guardian by a former Meta employee who
worked on content moderation outline a multilayered process for
moderating content related to the conflict, but the documents indicate
the company does not have the same processes in place to gauge the
accuracy of moderation of Hebrew content and Arabic content.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/15/meta-content-moderation-hebrew


8. Jordan Using Cybercrime Laws 'Against Pro-Palestine' Sentiment, Amnesty Says

Amnesty International has found that Jordanian authorities are using
the country’s new cybercrimes law to stifle expression, particularly
pro-Palestine sentiment. They reported that at least 15 individuals
have been prosecuted under the law after criticising authorities
online. The scope of crimes is also deemed broad, as people can be
prosecuted for accusations such as “spreading fake news”, “provoking
strife”, “threatening societal peace” and “contempt for religions”.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/amnesty-warns-jordan-using-cybercrimes-law-stifle-free-expression


9. Russia: YouTube Crackdown Threatens Press Freedom and Expands
Online Censorship

Russian internet monitoring services reported widespread slowdowns of
online platform YouTube on 8 August, making it nearly inaccessible
without using virtual private networks (VPNs). YouTube has remained
one of the few platforms of free expression in the country, amid the
government’s crackdown on independent media. The International and
European Federation Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) strongly condemn Russia's
slow down of YouTube as a severe act of censorship and urges
authorities to revoke the restrictions.

https://www.ifj.org/es/sala-de-prensa/noticias/detalle/category/comunicados-de-prensa/article/russia-youtube-crackdown-threatens-press-freedom-and-expands-online-censorship


10. As India Revises Broadcast Bill, Online Creators Fear Crackdown

India's government to bring a fresh draft of the broadcast bill. Tech
experts saw state overreach, red tape in the last draft. However,
campaigners urge strict vigilance on future bill

https://www.context.news/digital-rights/as-india-revises-broadcast-bill-online-creators-fear-crackdown


11. Iranian Tech Industry Faces Mass Exodus Amid Censorship and
Internet Restrictions

Iran’s technology sector is grappling with a severe crisis as reports
suggest that up to 80% of companies are considering emigration from
the country. This trend, as reported by Iran’s state-run media,
highlights the impact of ongoing censorship and internet restrictions
on businesses.

https://irannewsupdate.com/news/general/iranian-tech-industry-faces-mass-exodus-amid-censorship-and-internet-restrictions/


12. These 3 Providers are the Most Used VPNs in North Korea

According to a new report by Recorded Future’s Insikt Group, people in
North Korea are increasingly turning to the best VPN apps to bypass
strict local censorship and avoid domestic surveillance. The three
most used tools are Hotspot Shield (63.2% of users), ExpressVPN
(16.1%) and Private Internet Access (10.6%).

https://www.techradar.com/pro/vpn/these-3-providers-are-the-most-used-vpns-in-north-korea


13. The 2024 Paris Olympics Are Gone, but AI Surveillance May be Here to Stay

France beefed up its surveillance system on the occasion of the Games,
rolling out AI-powered CCTV cameras across the capital, which has
attracted strong criticism - and now experts fear such a system is
here to stay. The experiment is set to continue until March 2025.

https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/the-2024-paris-olympics-are-gone-but-ai-surveillance-may-be-here-to-stay


14 UK Surveillance State

The UK's potential extension of police power and surveillance
technologies is no substitute for tackling the root causes of
far-right unrest — and risks violating the rights of us all.

https://tribunemag.co.uk/2024/08/the-surveillance-state-wont-save-us-far-right


15. Art Project Turns New York's Dystopian Traffic Surveillance
Cameras Into Cutesy Photo Booths

New York’s tremendous grid of traffic cameras are always watching. Why
not make something fun (and a little bit punk rock) out of the
experience by repurposing these cameras into a streetside photo booth?
That’s exactly what Brooklyn’s Morry Kolman did when they launched
their project, Traffic Cam Photo Booth, last week. Using existing DOT
live streams, folks can get unique images of themselves straight from
the Government.

https://jalopnik.com/art-project-turns-new-yorks-dystopian-traffic-surveilla-1851619333

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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

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/

__________________________________________

### Events Calendar ###

Escuela Virtual de Gobernanza de Internet (Español)
2 de agosto - 25 de septiembre, 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
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/

Is There HOPE for Phone Privacy? CalyxOS and Privacy-Focused FLOSS
Phone Solutions (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
September 5, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_5_2024_GM

The Digital Rights Monopoly: Discussing Gamification as a Tool for
Digital Literacy
Team CommUNITY (Glitter Meetup)
September 12, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_12_2024_GM

What is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World? (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
September 19, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=September_19_2024_GM

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
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

✎ Executive Director | Stop Killer Robots
+ Geneva
https://www.stopkillerrobots.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ExecutiveDirector_StopKillerRobots_JobDescription2024.pdf

✎ Communications Associate | African Communities Together (ACT)
+ Hybrid in USA
https://africancommunitiestogether.applytojob.com/apply/FYjLuvt6o9/Communications-Associate

✎ Localization Manager | Localization Lab
+ Remote
https://www.localizationlab.org/careers-localization-manager

✎ Senior Application Security Engineer | Wikimedia Foundation
+ Remote
https://grnh.se/61c15ee01us

✎ Security Officer | Access Now
+ Remote
https://accessnow.bamboohr.com/careers/213

✎ Public Policy & Digital Justice Initiatives Counsel/Advisor | The
Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
+ Washington, DC, USA
https://lawyerscommitteeforcivilrightsunderlaw.applytojob.com/apply/1AcwhJiQIx/Policy-CounselAdvisor-Public-Policy-Digital-Justice-Initiatives

✎ Major Gifts Officer | Brigid Alliance
+ Remote in USA
http://recruitcrm.io/apply/17229746994270060944tPn

✎ Grants Manager | Brigid Alliance
+ Remote in USA
http://recruitcrm.io/apply/17229748523480060944wqY

✎ Database Coordinator | Brigid Alliance
+ New York City, USA
https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17229749842440060944rkt

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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