Digital Rights Weekly | June 10 - 14

[Team CommUNITY]

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of June 10 - 14. 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. The Tor Project: Making the Internet Accessible, Without Tracking
and Surveillance

The Tor Project is the next featured organization in our monthly
community series, and one of the most celebrated projects in the
digital rights ecosystem. We talked with Tor’s Executive Director
Isabela Fernandes, and Tor’s Communications Director Pavel Zoneff to
learn more about the project’s work, how to get involved in their
community, and the importance of the project this year when 2 billion
are heading to the election polls:
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/the-tor-project-getting-to-know-the-most-important-project-making-the-internet-accessible


2. Join the Digital Rights Weekly Town Halls on Mattermost (Glitter Meetups)!

June 20: What is Happening with Digital Rights Around the World?
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=June_20_2024_GM

June 27: Rosenpass – Securing Cryptographic Applications Against
Quantum Computer Attacks
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=June_27_2024_GM

July 4: The Social Networking (Glitter Meetup)
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_4_2024_GM

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### Digital Rights in the Community ##

1. Ford Foundation Seeking Program Officer

The Ford Foundation’s Technology and Society Program seeks a dynamic,
strategic and collaborative Program Officer to join a team working
together to ensure that the Internet and digital technologies are
increasingly equitable and designed and governed to advance social and
economic justice, particularly for those experiencing persistent
discrimination. For more information or to apply (by July 12, 2024):

https://fordfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FordFoundationCareerPage/details/Program-Officer_R1140


2. Iran: Call to Immediately Release Activist Hossein Shanbehzadeh

ARTICLE 19 calls for the immediate release of activist Hossein
Shanbehzadeh, who was arrested by Islamic Republic of Iran
intelligence forces on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Iranian authorities
accuse Shanbehzadeh of ‘espionage’ and ‘insulting sanctities’ in
connection with posts on Facebook and X. The charges brought by the
prosecutor’s office in Ardabil not only target Hossein Shanbehzadeh,
they represent the government’s broader efforts to extend internet
censorship and further suppress the use of social media in Iran,’ said
Mahsa Alimardani, Senior Programme Officer at ARTICLE 19.

https://www.article19.org/resources/iran-hossein-shanbehzadeh-targeted-social-media-crackdown-continues/


2. Plans to Use Facebook & Instagram Posts to Train AI Criticized

Digital Rights groups attacked plans to use peoples' public posts and
images on Facebook and Instagram to train artificial intelligence (AI)
tools belonging to parent company Meta. Meta has been informing users
that, under privacy policy changes taking effect on 26 June, their
information can be used to "develop and improve" its AI products.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw99n3qjeyjo

noyb, a digital rights group in Europe, filed complaints in 11
European countries, asking the authorities to launch an urgent
procedure to stop this change immediately, before it comes into force
at the end of the month.

https://noyb.eu/en/noyb-urges-11-dpas-immediately-stop-metas-abuse-personal-data-ai

The Norwegian Consumer Council also strongly objects and is filing a
legal complaint against the company for violating the General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR).

https://www.forbrukerradet.no/siste-nytt/digital/klager-inn-metas-bruk-av-personlig-innhold-til-ki-trening/legal-complaint-against-metas-use-of-personal-content-for-ai-training


3. Reports from our Community

a) Obstacles to Autonomy: Post-Roe Removal of Abortion Information Online

In the U.S., reproductive health and rights organizations are
experiencing the removal of their abortion-related content from social
platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. There has been a
reported spike in such content removal following the overturn of Roe
v. Wade. As the U.S. states have restricted abortion and individuals
have turned to the Internet for information about abortion, content
related to abortion has been systematically removed from various
social media platforms.

https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/obstacles-to-autonomy-post-roe-removal-of-abortion-information-online/

Removal of abortion-related content on social media platforms with
inadequate or unclear justification can contribute to the increasing
challenges in accessing abortion care and threatens the right to
health and bodily autonomy.

https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/social-media-companies-removal-of-abortion-related-content-may-hinder-access-to-accurate-health-information/


b) The Digital Border: Migration Technology & Inequality

2023 recorded the highest ever number of forcibly displaced people –
an estimated 110 million. Amnesty International outlines how uses of
new technology are central to a trend of violations of human rights at
borders around the world, and provides a broad outline of forms of
technology used by states and non-state actors in migration management
and asylum systems.

https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/the-digital-border-migration-technology-and-inequality/


c) IFF Report on India’s Compliance with International Covenant on
Civil & Political Rights

India’s Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) submitted a report to the UN
Human Rights Committee ahead of the country’s periodic review. Check
out the submission summary where IFF analyzes the state of privacy,
dignity, free speech, and other constitutional guarantees in India
between 2019 and 2024

https://internetfreedom.in/un-periodic-review/

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### Community Resources ###
1. Protest Guide: Surveillance Defense for Campus Protests

The recent wave of protests against the Israel’s genocide of
Palestinians have been met with suppression from law enforcement,
universities, and political actors. Surveillance on college campuses
exacerbates the dangers faced by protestors, and only serves to
suppress lawful speech. Until these practices come to an end,
activists should take precautions to protect themselves and their
communities. Check out some ways to help guide campus activists:

https://www.eff.org/fr/deeplinks/2024/06/surveillance-defense-campus-protests


2. FIRE’s Free Speech Dispatch’s Regular Series

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) launched
the Free Speech Dispatch, a regular series covering new and continuing
censorship trends and challenges around the world. Their goal is to
help readers better understand the global context of free expression.

https://www.thefire.org/news/free-speech-dispatch

Read their latest dispatch which covers censorship issues from
Israel’s genocide in Gaza to Hong Kong to Uzbekistan.

https://www.thefire.org/news/blogs/free-speech-dispatch/media-censorship-israel-tiananmen-memorials-criminalized-and-perils


3. Invisible Rulers: New Book on Actors Who Manipulate Attention Online

A new book titled Invisible Rulers by Stanford Observatory researcher
Renee DiResta examines and contextualizes how bad information became
so powerful and prominent online. DiResta maps out how the rumors and
propaganda on social media helped to form a relationship between
influencers, algorithms, and crowds. These factors catalyze and
promote pseudo-events and conspiracy theories. Check out a review of
the new book:

https://www.vox.com/technology/353958/online-lies-invisible-rulers-book-successful-misinformation

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

1. South Korea Still Blocking Abortion and Website Providing
Information on Sexual and Reproductive Health

In 2019, South Korea’s Constitutional Court overturned the country’s
abortion ban and in 2021, it became decriminalized. However, women and
girls in South Korea are still unable to get this necessary sexual and
reproductive service. For example, a website providing information on
sexual and reproductive health and rights is still blocked and the
South Korean court rejected an appeal to unblock the website.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/06/11/south-korea-still-blocking-abortion


2. Member of Smuggling Network Accused of Using AirTags to Stalk His Ex-wife

AirTags, developed by Apple, are small tags made to keep track of
personal items like keys and wallets. There have been several cases
involving people using the tiny Apple tracking devices to keep tabs on
their exes. Consumers and officials have repeatedly raised concerns
that AirTags and connected vehicles can be used to stalk survivors of
domestic violence.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/5/24172169/russian-smuggling-network-airtag-stalking


3. Duolingo to Vlogs: Russia's Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Content Online

In 2022, Putin signed a law widening Russia's ban on "LGBT propaganda"
outlawing public discussion of LGBTQ+ issues. This has been impacting
online content. The most recent example is with the language learning
app Duolingo. Duolingo removed LGBTQ+ references from its classes in
Russia after a warning from authorities, the latest step in a state
crackdown on online references to what Moscow calls "non-traditional
sexual relations".

https://www.context.news/digital-rights/duolingo-to-vlogs-russias-crackdown-on-lgbtq-content-online


4. Apple is Promising Personalized AI in a Private Cloud. However, not
Everyone is Convinced

Apple announced its vision for using artificial intelligence for its
products and the key feature is Apple Intelligence. The program of
AI-based capabilities claims to deliver personalized AI services while
keeping sensitive data secure. Apple says that it will analyze
incredibly sensitive data—photos, messages, and emails that contain
intimate details of users—and deliver automated services based on what
it finds there, without storing the data online or making any of it
vulnerable.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/06/11/1093577/apple-is-promising-personalized-ai-in-a-private-cloud-heres-how-that-will-work/

Not everyone is convinced with its promises to its security boosts:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/11/apple-ai-promises-big-security-not-everyone-is-convinced/


5. Commentary: The Silence of Media in Times of War

Israel’s High Court of Justice heard a petition challenging new
legislation allowing a ban on foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to
national security. “There is no doubt that there is a violation of
freedom of expression here,” the High Court panel’s head, Justice
Yitzhak Amit, told the hearing. National security arguments cannot
become a tool to control free expression in democratic societies.

https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/06/the-silencing-of-media-in-times-of-war/

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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

Digital Democracy Initiative Call for Proposals
Deadline to submit concept notes: June 17, 2024
https://digitaldemocracyinitiative.net/

Digital Rights & Commons Initiatives
Deadline: June 28, 2024
https://4d.cat/convocatoria/en/home/

Global Fellowship Program on AI & Market Power
European Artificial Intelligence & Society Fund
Deadline: July 8, 2024
https://europeanaifund.org/newspublications/call-for-proposals-global-fellowship-programme-on-ai-market-power/

Digital Freedom Fund
Grant for strategic litigation to advance digital rights
Deadline: July 15, 2024
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/

Female EdTech Fellowship Europe
Deadline: July 22, 2024
https://www.edtech-fellowship.eu/

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

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

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

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

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### Events Calendar ###

What is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World? (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
June 20, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=June_20_2024_GM

Reviewing SCOTUS
Electronic Frontier Alliance
June 26, 2024
1pm PT / 8pm UTC
Online
https://www.eff.org/event/efa-video-conference-fighting-bad-laws-litigation-0

Rosenpass – Securing Cryptographic Applications Against Quantum
Computer Attacks (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
June 27, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=June_27_2024_GM

#DataFestAfrica2024
Create-a-thon
Deadline: June 30, 2024
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfX_zyWndL9S_Xk5AAfvqZol-V7AFw4ChxewDWmMqhfA7NUZQ/viewform

Social Networking (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
July 4, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_4_2024_GM

Digital Rights Asia Meetup
Team CommUNITY
July 17, 2024
8am EDT / 12pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_17_2024,_Asia_Meetup

Digital Rights Francophone Africa and MENA Meetup
Team CommUNITY
July 17, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Julliet_17_2024,_Digital_Rights_in_Francophone_Africa_and_MENA_Meetup

What is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World? (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
July 18, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_18_2024_GM

Digital Rights MENA Meetup
Team CommUNITY
July 24, 2024
10am EDT / 2pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_24_2024,_MENA_Meetup

Digital Rights LATAM Meetup
Team CommUNITY
July 24, 2024
5:30pm EDT / 9:30pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=24_de_Julio,_2024_LATAM

Butter Box - Life Without Internet Made Smoother (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
July 25, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_25_2024_GM

Digital Rights Africa Meetup
Team CommUNITY
July 25, 2024
11am EDT / 3pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=July_25_2024,_Africa_Meetup

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 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: Call for Session Proposals and Travel Support Applications
September 25-27, 2024
Deadline to apply: June 17, 2024
https://internetfreedom.africa/now-open-call-for-session-proposals-and-travel-support-applications/

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

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### 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

✎ Program Officer, Technology & Society | The Ford Foundation
+ New
York, NY, USA
https://fordfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FordFoundationCareerPage/details/Program-Officer_R1140

✎ Security Analyst | The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting
Project (OCCRP)
+ Amsterdam, Sarajevo, or remote within CET +/- 3
https://www.occrp.org/en/occrp-jobs/security-analyst

✎ Associate Editor in Russian | GIJN
+ Remote
https://gijn.org/jobs/job-opening-gijn-russian-associate-editor/

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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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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