Digital Rights Weekly | August 19 - 23

Fri Aug 23 18:14:13 CEST 2024

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of August 19 - 23. 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. Sept 12: Outline Community Hub Kick-Off

To improve community support for Outline and Outline SDK, Jigsaw is
joining forces with Team CommUNITY.

Calling all Outline service providers and circumvention app developers
who are using Outline SDK (or want to). On September 12 we are
kicking-off the Outline Community Hub, and we want to hear from you on
how the hub can support you in coming months. In addition, we will be
collecting feedback from those of you going to Global Gathering on
what conversations and training you want to see at the Outline Village
@ GG.

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

2. Upcoming Meetups and Town Halls:

Sept. 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

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

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

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### Digital Rights in the Community ###

1. Call for Participants | Digital Investigation Residency

Apply for the in-person "Digital Investigation Residency" hosted by
Tactical Tech on 18-22 November 2024, in Berlin, Germany. In the
highly collaborative, week-long event you will learn, share skills and
knowledge, as well as leverage a wide range of innovative methods for
your investigation projects! The event will focus on three major
topics: “Critical Climates”, “Political Influence” and “AI and Us”.
Deadline to apply: 30 August 2024 midnight CET (Central European
Time).

https://exposingtheinvisible.org/en/news/call-investigation-institute-2024/

2. August 26 Deadline for Future of Work Event Happening in Sept.

Will ChatGPT take my job? Perhaps you’ve been asking yourself this
question. Most likely, you’ve come across worries about AI threatening
to replace human work, leaving us without income, purpose or sense of
meaning. What is a vision we should be striving towards when it comes
to the future of work? Apply to join the Sept.9 interactive workshop
about what a flourishing vision for the future of work could look
like. Registration on this form by August 26, 2024:

https://www.about.hunome.com/calendar/92v5m6aqzva6l9pekm3hha263im66o

3. Human Rights Organization Request Urgent Action from UN to Monitor
& Investigate in Bangladesh

Thirteen different organizations, including Amnesty International,
Human Rights Watch, and CIVICUS, sent a letter to the UN Human Rights
Council, requesting urgent support to establish an independent,
international justice and accountability mechanism to investigate
recent human rights violations during protests in Bangladesh. The
letter outlined concrete steps the UN should take. This summer,
Bangladesh witnessed the deadliest crackdown in its history, with at
least 440 people killed and thousands injured, as Bangladeshi security
forces and supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party quashed
student-led protests.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/08/19/joint-letter-requesting-urgent-action-towards-un-human-rights-monitoring-and

4. Russia Blames Social Media Outage on Cyberattack. Digital Rights
Folks Say the State is Full of Baloney

Access to a whole host of popular online services, including the
messengers WhatsApp and Telegram, suddenly crashed in Russia on
Wednesday, August 21. The federal government’s media regulator,
Roskomnadzor, immediately commented on the outage, claiming that the
cause was a massive distributed denial-of-service attack, but Internet
experts aren’t impressed with the agency’s explanation. This is at
least the third major disruption to Russians’ Telegram access since
the start of the month, following similar outages reported on August
12 and 19. Then as now, experts argue that the state authorities are
likely testing their capacity to block Telegram. Meduza spoke to a
member of the Internet freedom project Roskomsvoboda (on the condition
of anonymity) to find out what could be behind Russians’ increasingly
wobbly Internet access.

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/08/22/why-russia-s-state-censor-is-full-of-baloney-when-it-blames-ddos-attacks-for-widespread-disruptions-to-social-network-access

5. Joint State to Breton: DSA Should be Guided by Evidence Not
Political Sentiment

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), ARTICLE 19, and Access Now wrote
a joint statement to the European Commissioner Thierry Breton. The
digital rights organizations urge him to ensure that the enforcement
of the Digital Services Act (DSA) be guided by evidence, and not
political sentiment. The organizations also emphasized the need for
human rights-based enforcement that considers the impacts of the DSA
outside European Union borders.

https://www.article19.org/resources/eu-political-posturing-vs-human-rights-bretons-flawed-vision-for-dsa-enforcement/

6. 2024 Budgets & Digital Rights in India: A Tech-onomic Survey

Internet Freedom Foundation in India released a piece analyzing the
last economic survey, which is an annual document presented to by the
Indian government ahead of the country’s annual budget. The analysis
looks at the survey from a digital rights perspective, looking at what
the survey has to say about digital public infrastructure, India’s AI
mission, tech in agriculture, and more.

https://internetfreedom.in/2024-budget-economic-survey/

7. Register for RightsCon 2025 Early Bird Prices

The 13th edition of RightsCon will take place in Taipei and online
from Monday, February 24 to Thursday February 27, 2025. RightsCon is
home to numerous movements, like the fight for an end to internet
shutdowns with the #KeepItOn coalition to campaigning to #FreeAlaa
from Egypt’s prisons, and many others. Read more and check out their
early bird prices tickets:

https://www.rightscon.org/registration/

8. Reports from Our Community

a) Study on Digital Security Among Palestinian Youth

7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media published
a new study titled "Digital Security Among Palestinian Youth: A Study
on Threats and Challenges in Light of the War on Gaza". This study
highlights the digital security landscape for Palestinian youth in the
West Bank and Jerusalem by tracing the digital experiences of
Palestinian youth aged 15 to 30. It outlines in detail how the Israeli
occupation, digital platforms, Palestinian authority, along with
private individuals and companies, all violate digital rights and pose
threats.

https://7amleh.org/2024/08/19/study-youth-digital-security-wb-jerusalem-en

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### Community Resources ###

1. “Tor Bridges,” a Way to Keep Using Tor in Countries That Block It

In highly-censored regimes, circumvention tools like Tor — a browsing
system which provides anonymity and unrestricted internet access — are
often targeted by censors. In this article, Reporters Without Borders
(RSF) introduces Tor bridges and explains how this technology can be
used by journalists to access Tor.

https://safety.rsf.org/tor-bridges-a-way-to-keep-using-tor-in-countries-that-block-it/

2. Think Piece: Expanded Police Surveillance in the USA Does Not Make
Communities Safer.

US cities are buying and deploying surveillance technology, from
cameras and A.I.–enhanced microphones, automated license plate
readers, drones, robots and more. Cities are responding to  cries for
more safety with security theater, which does little to create
sustainable safety. It forces residents in neighborhoods with higher
crime rates to live under constant, all-seeing digital scrutiny will
neither make people safer from the systematic harms they face.

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/08/police-surveillance-wont-make-us-safer-broken-windows-on-steroids.html

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

1. Kim Dotcom to be Extradited to the USA

Kim Dotcom, the founder of file-sharing website Megaupload, will be
extradited from New Zealand to the United States. US authorities have
said he made his fortune from digital piracy on his now-defunct
file-sharing website. Although users did share pirated films and music
on the site, Dotcom has denied he encouraged this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y363lw204o

2. Internet Slows to a Crawl in Pakistan, Stoking Fear of a Firewall

Internet speeds in Pakistan have greatly slowed over the past few
days. Many believe that the crash is caused by the Pakistani
government testing a new firewall-like system. The system would allow
the government to survey and control Pakistan’s internet. Millions of
users and businesses are currently affected by the slowdown. The
government is denying any involvement. However, digital researchers
and analysts believe that the slow speeds are a result of the
government’s meddling. Internet speeds are at half of their typical
rates, and the Pakistan Software Houses Associated warned that
Pakistan’s economy could lose up to $300 million.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-suffers-snail-speed-internet-accusing-government-setting-112945992

(Paywall) https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/world/asia/pakistan-internet-government-surveillance.html

3. Starlink in Sudan: A Lifeline or War Facilitator?

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe disruption in
internet services, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leveraging the internet as a tool of war.
The RSF has seized control of Internet Service Providers in Khartoum,
causing a nationwide blackout, while also profiting from selling
Starlink access in the areas it controls. Despite some restoration
efforts, the situation remains dire, with both sides blocking each
other’s communication channels to cripple financial resources. The
widespread use of Starlink in conflict zones raises ethical concerns,
highlighting the need for SpaceX to ensure its technology is not
misused.

https://advox.globalvoices.org/2024/08/20/starlink-in-sudan-a-lifeline-or-war-facilitator/

4. India: Censorship for Digital Content?

A new draft bill in India has drawn sharp criticism for attempting to
regulate independent news content creators on social media as well as
streaming services. The second draft of the bill, shared this July,
expands its scope with a new category “digital news broadcasters.” In
essence, this means the bill would apply to every content creator -
whether a Youtuber discussing video games or an Instagram blogger
talking about a trip. The bill has sparked public outcry, with many
journalists, activists and rights groups expressing fear over possible
government overreach, as well as potential censorship.

https://www.dw.com/en/india-censorship-for-digital-content/a-69931954

5. ACLU Accuses Oregon Police Department of Spying on Progressive Activists

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon filed a suit
against the city of Medford, alleging the city’s police department
illegally collected and stored information on social justice groups
and activists. The suit claims the Medford Police Department (MPD)
kept “tabs” on these groups in violation of Oregon state law, which
prohibits law enforcement agencies from collecting or maintaining
information “about the political, religious, or social views” and
“associations or activities of people who are not reasonably suspected
of criminal activities.”

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4839591-aclu-sues-medford-police-surveillance/

6. Russian Internet Pioneer Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

Last month, Russian Internet pioneer Alexey Soldatov was sentenced to
two years in a labor colony on charges of “abuse of power.” Soldatov,
the co-founder of Russia’s first Internet service provider, Relcom,
was convicted for his role as a co-founder and director of the Russian
Institute for Development of Public Networks (RIPN). RIPN was founded
in 1992 to support research and education networking. One of its
functions was the “registration of IP numbers for the customers from
the blocks delegated RIPN by the Europe coordination body RIPE.

https://circleid.com/posts/20240821-russian-internet-pioneer-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison

7. Balkans: Crypto Scams & Cyber Attacks Cause Disruption

Over the past month, across the Balkan region, fake articles using
logos similar to those of legitimate media were used as part of a
cryptocurrency scam. Croatia was also subjected to widespread
cyberattacks affecting critical infrastructure.

https://balkaninsight.com/2024/08/15/digital-rights-review-crypto-scams-and-cyberattacks-cause-disruption-and-alarm/

8. Musk’s ‘Fun’ AI Image Chatbot Serves Up Nazi Mickey Mouse & Taylor
Swift Deepfakes

The latest edition of Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok debuted a new image
generation tool last week that lacked most of the safety guardrails
that have become standard within the artificial intelligence industry.
Grok’s new feature, which is currently limited to paid subscribers of
X, led to a flood of bizarre, offensive AI-generated images of
political figures and celebrities.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/14/musk-ai-chatbot-images-grok-x

9. Bassem Youssef's X Account 'Vanishes' Following Pro-Palestine Post

The X account of Bassem Youssef, the Egyptian-American comedian,
became inactive early this week. This move led to criticism of the
social media platform with allegations of censorship over Youssef’s
pro-Palestine views.

https://www.newarab.com/news/bassem-youssef-x-account-vanishes-following-pro-palestine-post

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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

Privacy Supreme 2024
Internet Freedom Foundation
August 22, 05:30 PM IST, 2024
New Delhi, India
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/privacy-supreme-2024-tickets-959460110017

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

The Future of Work: Making AI Work for the Many
Registration deadline: 26 August 26, 2024
September 9, 2024
15:00-17:00 CEST 9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=m1hzOUCetU6ADrC2OD0WIWbZ2GcbgkFFlRVuw8Im5JpUNUxZUFBGRE1XSllFSTlZMFo5NzBJVlZBWS4u

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

Outline Community Hub Kick-Off Meetup
Jigsaw, Team CommUNITY
September 12
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/outline_community_hub_kick_off_meetup

The Digital Rights Monopoly: Discussing Gamification as a Tool for
Digital Literacy (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
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/

Digital Investigation Residency
Tactical Tech
November 18-22, 2024
Berlin, Germany
Deadline to apply: August 30, 2024.
https://exposingtheinvisible.org/en/news/call-investigation-institute-2024/

13th Edition of RightsCon
Access Now
February 24-27, 2025
February 2025
East Asia and online
https://www.rightscon.org/registration/

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

✎ Research Analyst at Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program
+ Ann Arbor Campus, University of Michigan, United States (Hybrid)
https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/252828/research-analyst

✎ p5.js Project Fellow or Project Lead
+ Remote
https://processingfoundation.org/employment

✎ Grant Administrator at Guardian Project (part-time)
+ Remote (African/European time zone) or Vienna, Austria.
https://guardianproject.info/2024/08/05/seeking-part-time-grant-administrator/

✎ Newsletter Editor at Freedom of the Press Foundation
+ USA
https://freedom.press/careers/job/?gh_jid=4453444005

✎ Resource Center Researcher at Global Investigative Journalism Network
+ Remote
https://global-investigative-journalism-network.rippling-ats.com/job/838498/resource-center-researcher-remote?s=cw

✎ Technology Lead at Pollicy Data Institute
+ Remote
https://pollicy.org/events/tech-lead/

✎ E-Governance Specialist at National Democratic Institute
+ Kathmandu, Nepal
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/NAT1051NDEM/JobBoard/79dbb2b6-6a4f-4628-a401-e37889b022fc/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=c398b09f-2682-41a3-88c6-bbdabdbfc340

✎ Qualitative Research Consultant at Center for Intimacy Justice
+ Remote
https://docs.google.com/document/d/134BFYxthvROPdaatPhphrnDKbpLg_Fy6lORJFe3CGKU/edit?usp=sharing

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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They can sign up here:
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### 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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