Digital Rights Weekly | September 9 - 13

Wed Sep 11 22:49:45 CEST 2024

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of September 9 - 13. 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. This newsletter will be on pause from September 23 to October 4. We
will resume the week of October 7.

2. Conexo - Getting to Know Their Work Fostering Security and Advanced
Tech Skills in LATAM and Beyond

We interviewed Mario Felaco, Conexo’s executive director, to gain
insights into their amazing work and their track record of helping
build a community of practice in the digital rights field. Part of our
Community Series which highlights notable individuals and projects in
the digital rights field, read how Conexo got started, and their work
doing security audits and trainings to high-risk groups.

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/community-series-conexo

3. Next Digital Rights Town Halls in September!

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

Oct. 10 | The Social Networking Glitter Meetup
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=October_10_2024_GM

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### Digital Rights in the Community ###

1. Palestinian Journalist Fellowship

The Arab Reform Initiative and Logic(s) is offering 4 fellowships to
Palestinian journalists to investigate and report on how technology is
being used to shape Palestinian lives. The purpose of this program is
to support community-led storytelling on Palestine and its
relationship to technology, to strengthen the magazine’s contributions
to Palestine reporting, and to redistribute resources to Palestinian
journalists. Priority Deadline: October 16, 2024. Final Deadline:
November 27, 2024.

https://logicmag.io/palestinian-journalist-fellowship/

2. Meta’s Moderation Board Backs Decision to Allow ‘From the River to
the Sea’ in Posts

Meta’s content moderation board has backed the company’s decision to
allow Facebook posts containing the phrase “From the River to the Sea”
after ruling that a blanket ban on the pro-Palestine slogan would
hinder free speech.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/04/metas-moderation-board-backs-decision-to-allow-from-the-river-to-the-sea-in-posts

3. Reports from Our Community

a) The VPN Epidemic in Iran: A Digital Plague Amid Global Isolation

Read about the widespread use of VPNs in Iran, a direct result of the
country's increasing global isolation and stringent internet
censorship. The report explores how sanctions and the lack of advanced
antivirus software exacerbate the digital challenges faced by
Iranians.

https://www.stimson.org/2024/the-vpn-epidemic-in-iran-a-digital-plague-amid-global-isolation/

b) Opinion on Digital Piracy: A New Golden Age?

How are people consuming digital media in the absence of affordable
options? And how is piracy evolving to deliver digital media to the
masses? The future could present a novel and unique media consumption
ecosystem in the digital age. On the other hand, it could bring us
closer to our near past, embracing more analog technologies or
retro-digital tech.

https://smex.org/a-new-golden-age-of-digital-piracy-opinion/

c) Automating (In)Justice: An Adversarial Audit of RisCanvi

Eticas Foundation released a report auditing the AI for RisCanvi, a
tool designed to assess inmates' risk of reoffense in Catalonia. The
report’s findings raise serious questions about the system’s
reliability, including the lack of awareness and trust among inmates
and staff, reliability and fairness concerns in risk assessment, and
lastly opacity and non-compliance with Spanish AI regulations.

https://eticasfoundation.org/?audit-spotlight=the-adversarial-audit-of-riscanvi

4. Statements from Our Community

A) Slovakia: Use of Pegasus is a Threat to Democracy & Human Rights

ARTICLE 19 expresses grave concern regarding recent allegations about
the Slovak Information Service, the national intelligence agency,
acquiring Pegasus spyware. This is particularly alarming given the
deteriorating situation for democracy and protection of human rights
in Slovakia, in addition to the historical context of Pegasus’s use in
other countries, where it has been employed to surveil journalists,
human rights activists, and political dissenters.

https://www.article19.org/resources/slovakia-use-of-pegasus-a-threat-to-democracy-and-human-rights/

a) Sudan has Suffered in Silence for Over 500 Days

More than 10.7 million people in Sudan have been displaced since the
start of the civil war in April 2023. In addition, the country’s
telecommunications infrastructure has also been severely damaged by
warring parties. After more than 500 days of brutal conflict, numerous
organizations reiterate their previous call to reactivate
telecommunication services, amplify the voices of victims and their
advocates, and hold those who perpetrate atrocities accountable.

https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/joint-statement-sudan-500-days/

b) Free Detainees Ahead of Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia must free all individuals arbitrarily detained solely for
their online expression ahead of hosting the United Nations Internet
Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, which will take place from 15 to 19
December 2024. In addition, it is counter to the IGF’s stated values
for Saudi Arabia to host the IGF.

https://www.article19.org/resources/saudi-arabia-free-detainees-ahead-of-internet-governance-forum/

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### Community Resources ###

1. Digitalisation Ignoring Socio-Economic Rights?

In today’s increasingly digital world, access to the internet and
digital devices has transformed from a luxury to a necessity – and
this shift is deeply connected to socio-economic rights. Without
measures to tackle this issue, the digital divide will continue to
exacerbate existing inequalities, further marginalizing those who are
already vulnerable

https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/09/09/digital-neglect-is-digitalisation-ignoring-socio-economic-rights

2. Two-factor Authentication Woes (from “Ask a Security Trainer” Column)

What happens if you lose the phone where you store your two-factor
authentication codes? Freedom of the Press answers this question in
the latest installment of Ask a Security Trainer Column.

https://freedom.press/training/blog/advice-column-2/

3. Venezuela: Digital ID As a Tool of Oppression

Venezuela’s digital ID system is a surveillance apparatus in disguise,
with every transaction and interaction with the government leaving a
digital footprint. In a country with no transparency or safeguards, no
data protection law, and that uses sophisticated surveillance
technologies to spy on its population, the digital ID system’s
unchecked data collection is a recipe for disaster.

https://www.techpolicy.press/venezuela-digital-id-as-a-tool-of-oppression/

4. Digital Security Guide for Activists in the MENA Region

Check out this recently published Arabic-language digital security
guide for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region providing
practical steps to protect digital privacy and security. The guide is
tailored to address the specific risks in the region, offering advice
on how to stay safe while navigating censorship, surveillance, and
threats to freedom of expression.

https://www.accessnow.org/guide/digital-security-guide-mena-arabic/

5. Podcast Episode: Could AI & Deepfakes Sway the US Elections?

On the most recent episode of Wired’s podcast, Politics Lab, they
discuss AI potential impact on the US election, and why its so hard to
regulate nationwide.

https://www.wired.com/story/deepfake-porn-election/

6. Radio Farda Episode (in Farsi): Iran & Internet Startups

The most recent episode of Radio Farda looks at the Iranian
government's approach to the problem of the Internet and startups in
different eras. The episode discusses how the government has taken a
linear and progressive process in limiting free access to information
in the past years, in addition to connecting it to the country’s new
president and government in Iran.

https://www.radiofarda.com/a/33104143.html

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

1. Indian State Shuts Down Manipur Internet & Imposes Curfew

Indian authorities cut internet access for five days and imposed an
indefinite curfew in three districts of Manipur, in northern India,
following days of clashes between protesters and the police. The state
of Manipur has been the scene of violent clashes between the
predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki
community. The conflict escalated on September 1 when fighting resumed
and drones were used to drop explosives.

https://www.dw.com/en/indian-state-shuts-down-manipur-internet-and-imposes-curfew/a-70182884

2. Telegram to Drop ‘People Nearby’ Feature and Improve Moderation

Telegram’s Pavel Durov, has announced the messaging app will improve
moderation on the platform and has removed some features that have
been used for illegal activity.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/06/telegram-to-drop-people-nearby-feature-and-improve-moderation

3. In five-year Deal with Spy Tech Firm Palantir, British Petroleum
Extends Use of AI

British Petroleum (BP) is to use artificial intelligence to speed up
the decision-making of its engineers, after signing a five-year deal
with the US spy technology company Palantir. The company plans to use
large language models to automatically analyze data from its sites and
produce advice to help humans come to conclusions.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/sep/09/bp-ai-deal-palantir-oil-gas-artificial-intelligence

4. The UK, US, EU, and Israel Signs First International Treaty to
Implement AI Safeguards

Various world powers have signed the first treaty regulating the use
of artificial intelligence (AI). Developed by the Council of Europe,
the goal is to ensure AI systems respect human rights, support
institutions, and uphold the rule of law.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/05/uk-signs-first-international-treaty-to-implement-ai-safeguards

Numerous reports have outlined how diverse entities use AI to violate
human rights, with Human Rights Watch, most recently, documenting how
the Israeli military is using four digital tools in Gaza that risks
violation of international humanitarian law because of faulty data and
inexact approximations to inform military actions.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/10/questions-and-answers-israeli-militarys-use-digital-tools-gaza

5. Australia Plans Social Media Minimum Age Limit, Angering Youth
Digital Advocates

Australia plans to set a minimum age limit for children to use social
media citing concerns about mental and physical health, sparking a
backlash from digital rights advocates who warn the measure could
drive dangerous online activity underground.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/australia-plans-social-media-ban-children-2024-09-09/

6. Elon Musk vs. (Parts of) the World

The billionaire’s battles with governments raise tough questions about
digital rights and online speech.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/05/elon-musk-brazil-x-ban-free-speech/

X (former Twitter) has also been reported to be working with a
well-known Republican consulting group called Target Victory to handle
the messaging around the social media platform’s suspension in Brazil.

https://www.wired.com/story/x-elon-musk-public-relations-targeted-victory/

Some make the argument that we are nearer to the end of impunity for
tech titans who have evaded accountability for the offline harms and
societal disruptions wrought by the platforms that built their
fabulous wealth.

https://english.elpais.com/technology/2024-09-09/no-more-free-pass-regulation-starts-to-crack-down-on-social-media-platforms.html

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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 Public Infrastructure Journalism Fellowship
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Deadline: September 24, 2024
https://mfwa.org/call-for-applications-mfwa-dpi-journalism-fellowship-phase-ii/

MyData Awards
Deadline: September 30, 2024
https://mydataglobal.typeform.com/nominate

Palestinian Journalist Fellowship
Priority Deadline: October 16, 2024
Final Deadline: November 27, 2024
https://logicmag.io/palestinian-journalist-fellowship/

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 ###

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 9, 2024
Barcelona, Spain
https://4d.cat/en/conference/

The Social Networking Glitter Meetup
Team CommUNITY
October 10, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=October_10_2024_GM

What is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World? (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
October 24, 2024
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=October_24_2024_GM

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

✎ Legal Fellow (Spring 2025) | Wikimedia Foundation
+ Remote
https://grnh.se/13d15a9a1us

✎ Communications Designer | Access Now
+ Hybrid in different locations
https://accessnow.bamboohr.com/careers/217?source=aWQ9MjA%3D

✎ Policy and Research Officer (Security, Surveillance and Human
Rights) | CDT Europe
+ Brussels
http://cdt.org/job/cdt-eu-policy-and-research-officer-security-surveillance-and-human-rights-2024

✎ Legal and Advocacy Officer (Equity and Data) | CDT Europe
+ Brussels
https://cdt.org/job/cdt-eu-legal-and-advocacy-officer-equity-and-data-2024/

✎ Head of Platform Team | One Project
+ Remote within the US (preference for San Francisco, CA)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CEFzYuQc7gr_UHXvVrhSxQK0xjFzIjAe/view

✎ Legal Officer | Privacy International
+ London, UK
https://privacyinternational.org/opportunities/5363/legal-officer

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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