Digital Rights Weekly | April 14 - 18

[Team CommUNITY]

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the 
week of April 14 - 18. As a reminder, you can submit your news for the 
newsletter here:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter

What is in this issue:


Team CommUNITY
Community News
NEW Job Opportunities
Community Resources
Digital Rights in the Wider World
Events Calendar
Grants, Fellowships, & Awards

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### Team CommUNITY (TCU News) ###
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1. Applications for the 2025 Global Gathering Are Now Open!

The 2025 Global Gathering will take place on September 8-10 in Portugal. 
Join hundreds of defenders for three days of collaboration around the 
most pressing tech-related issues impacting human rights, civil society, 
and journalists at local, regional, and global levels. This year, we are 
offering organizations more space to host their own events or 
programming. Reach out to us to learn more. Apply:

https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/2025-global-gathering-application


2. RSVP for TCU’s Community Knowledge Share Webinars!

The Community Knowledge Share workshops are designed to deepen your 
knowledge and skills in specific areas and connect you with others 
interested in the same topics. RSVP using the link below:

April 30 | Digital Rights Organizational Analysis: Lessons from Gambia
RSVP: 
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/lessons_from_gambia_april_2025


3. Upcoming Digital Rights Town Halls and the LATAM Regional Meetup:

April 23 | Digital Rights LATAM Meetup
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=23_de_Abril,_2025_LATAM

May 1 | What Is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_1_2025_GM

May 8 | DRAPAC VPN Project Protects Human Rights Defenders From 
Censorship And Surveillance (Glitter Meetup)
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_8_2025_GM

May 15 | The Social Networking Glitter Meetup
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_15_2025_GM


3. JOSA: Getting to Know Their Work on Open Technology and Privacy in Jordan

The Jordan Open Source Association (JOSA) works toward a better Jordan 
through openness in technology, believing that the Internet should 
remain open and accessible to everyone. We spoke with their Senior 
Program Officer in Internet Freedom, Haitham Dahboor, and their Program 
Officer in Digital Social Innovation and Research, Yara Alrafie, to 
learn more about their projects, Aman Raqami and Nuha, as well as the 
key digital rights challenges in Jordan.

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

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### Community News ###
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1. Open Call for Fellowship Applications at Berkman Klein Center for 
Internet & Society

Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society is welcoming 
applications for its 2025-2026 fellowships. Fellows will conduct 
independent work as part of one of the Center’s topical workstreams, in 
collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. 
Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025.

https://cyber.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships/2526Fellows


2. Regional Partnership Fund for the SWANA Region 2025 Now Open for 
Applications

The Regional Partnership Fund for the Southwest Asia and North Africa 
Region supports organisations and collectives that promote online 
freedom and protect human rights defenders through a holistic lens. They 
welcome proposals from applicants based in and working across Algeria, 
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, and 
Yemen. Deadline to apply: May 7, 2025.

https://www.digitaldefenders.org/regional-partnership-fund-for-the-swana-region-2025-now-open-for-applications/


3. Open Call for the Sustainable Protection Fund

Digital Defenders Partnership is calling for applications from Southwest 
Asia and North Africa for their Sustainable Protection Fund. This fund 
aims to help human rights organisations or collectives build their 
long-term digital security capacities. Deadline: May 7, 2025

https://www.digitaldefenders.org/sustainable-protection-fund-open-call-for-applications-from-swana/ 



4. DRAPAC25 Kuala Lumpur

The Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)’s third edition is 
happening on August 26 and 27 this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 
assembly will unite diverse stakeholders to combat rising digital 
authoritarianism in the region by collaboratively shaping rights-based 
digital governance, bolstering the resilience of at-risk human rights 
defenders, and pioneering innovative strategies through cross-sector 
alliances.

https://drapac.net/25/


5. Learn More About the Hong Kong Accountability Archive

Hong Kong Accountability Archive (HKAA) is an independent, searchable, 
and secure database that documents the policing of the 2019 
pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The site consists of a video 
archive and data visualization tool, both of which allow the user to run 
searches based on date, location, actors, and actions, including 
specifics on the use of force by the Hong Kong Police Force during the 
protests.

https://hkaccountability.org


6. Palestine Digital Activism Forum 2025: Registration Now Open with a 
Full Program of Speakers and Sessions

The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media announced the launch 
of the official agenda for the ninth edition of the Palestine Digital 
Activism Forum 2025 (PDAF), under the theme: "Disconnected: The Impact 
of War on Internet Access and Palestinian Digital Rights." The forum 
will take place online on May 20-21, bringing together participants from 
around the world to discuss the growing digital challenges Palestinians 
face, particularly amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

https://7amleh.org/post/7amleh-launches-the-ninth-edition-of-the-palestine-digital-activism-forum-2025:-registration-now-open-with-a-full-program-of-speakers-and-sessions


7. Reports from Our Community

a) Censorship & Digital Repression in Venezuela’s Presidential Elections

Ve Sin Filtro released a report on internet censorship, surveillance and 
digital repression in Venezuela during the recent presidential elections 
up to the inauguration. During Venezuela’s electoral period, the country 
experienced an unprecedented wave of digital censorship, with a total of 
79 blocked websites and Domain Name System (DNS) servers.

https://vesinfiltro.org/noticias/2025-03-26-venezuela-digital-repression-elections/


b) Clicks, Code, and Consequences: Big Tech’s Gamble with Human Lives 
and Election integrity in the 2024 Year of Democracy

The Global Coalition for Tech Justice published a report - Clicks, Code, 
and Consequences: Big Tech’s Gamble with Human Lives and Election 
Integrity in the 2024 Year of Democracy. Last year was the biggest 
election cycle in our lifetimes. The report examines how algorithmic 
amplification and platform policies contribute to digital threats, 
particularly during elections, and advocates for stronger accountability 
and regulation of Big Tech companies to protect democracy and human rights.

https://digitalaction.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Digital-Action-Impact-2024_Final_Interactive-4.3.25.pdf


c) Navigating the Digitalisation of Finance: User Experiences of Risks 
and Harms

Centre for Internet and Society’s report highlights experiences of 
marginalised users with digital and financial divides, exclusions, and 
slow redressal processes when using digital financial services in India. 
The report also discusses users’ experiences of accessing social 
protection, experiences of digital financial fraud, and challenges with 
redressal systems.

https://cis-india.org/raw/navigating-the-digitalisation-of-finance

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### NEW Job Opportunities  ###
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✎ Part-time Accountant | Tactical Tech
+ Flexible in Berlin, Germany
https://tacticaltech.org/news/jobs/part-time-accountant/

✎ Technology for Liberty Policy Counsel | ACLU
+ Hybrid in Boston, MA, USA
https://www.aclum.org/en/jobs/technology-liberty-policy-counsel

✎ Post-Doctoral Fellow, Trustworthy Infrastructures | Data & Society
+ New York, NY, USA
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/datasocietyresearchinstitute/jobs/7910955002

✎ Operations Manager | Plan C Pills
+ Remote
https://www.plancpills.org/jobs#opportunities

✎ Director of Financial Operations | Metagov
+ Remote
https://metagov.org/join/jobs/director-fin-ops

✎ UX Consultant | Open Knowledge Foundation
+ Remote
https://okfn.org/en/jobs/open-data-editor-ux-consultant/

✎ Software Developer for the Ceno Browser project | eQualitie
+ Remote
https://equalit.ie/software-dev-ceno/

✎ iOS/MacOS developer for the decentralized web | eQualitie
+ Remote
https://equalit.ie/ios-macos-developer/

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### Community Resources  ###
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1. Community Partnerships Playbook: How to Create Equitable Partnerships 
Between Technical and Community Experts

The Community Partnerships Playbook: How to Create Equitable 
Partnerships Between Technical and Community Experts is a new 
publication from the University of Michigan’s Science, Technology, and 
Public Policy program (STPP) in collaboration with three community-based 
non-profit organizations: Detroit Disability Power (DDP), Detroit 
Justice Center (DJC), and We the People Michigan (WTPMI). The Playbook 
brings together advice from staff who have had a range of both positive 
and negative experiences with researchers, academics, and technologists, 
along with insights developed from STPP’s Community Partnerships 
Initiative and up-to-date scholarly literature.

https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/research/research-report/community-partnerships-playbook


2. Interview with ARTICLE19 Researchers: How China’s Model of Internet 
Censorship is Getting Traction in Asia

This article discusses how China's model of internet censorship is 
gaining traction in Asia, featuring insights from ARTICLE 19 researchers 
who highlight the increasing adoption of digital authoritarian practices 
in countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand.

https://globalvoices.org/2025/04/12/how-chinas-model-of-internet-censorship-is-getting-traction-in-asia-interview-with-article-19-researchers/


3. How U.S. Funding Cuts Expose Civil Society to Digital Attacks

This post from AccessNow explores why the digital security ecosystem 
that supports human rights defenders is now at risk, and how we can 
regroup and rekindle the ingenuity needed to overcome this challenge.

https://www.accessnow.org/u-s-funding-cuts/


4. Kenya Develops National Guidelines to Tackle Digital Disinformation & 
Hate Speech

Kenya is developing National Guidelines of Practice to combat 
disinformation and hate speech, promoting online integrity and 
protecting rights.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/kenya-develops-national-guidelines-tackle-digital-disinformation-and-hate-speech 



5. Data Localization: A Global Threat to Human Rights Online

As more and more governments turn to data localization, these laws’ 
negative impact on digital rights are becoming increasingly clear. The 
multistakeholder community must come together to devise 
rights-respecting solutions in response.

https://freedomhouse.org/article/data-localization-global-threat-human-rights-online 


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### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###
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1. Kosovo’s Data Privacy Crisis: Systematic Failure in the Digital Age

Kosovo has gone through rapid digitalisation, but its institutions, 
businesses, and public services remain vulnerable to data breaches. From 
government leaks to private sector hacks, sensitive citizen data is 
frequently exposed.

https://balkaninsight.com/2025/04/09/kosovos-data-privacy-crisis-systematic-failure-in-the-digital-age/ 



2. How Starlink Took Over Africa’s Largest Internet Market

Elon Musk’s company is set to become Nigeria's top internet service 
provider. Starlink has become a major internet service provider in 
Nigeria, driven by its reliable, high-speed access. Its success has led 
to local internet service providers losing subscribers and raising 
concerns about unfair competition. Critical institutions have avoided 
using Starlink’s network because of national security concerns.

https://restofworld.org/2025/starlink-nigeria-internet-elon-musk/


3. EU Officials Get Spy-proof Gear for US Visits as Trump-era Tensions 
Heat Up Transatlantic Relations

The European Commission is now providing burner phones and basic laptops 
to senior officials visiting the U.S., mirroring precautions taken for 
trips to China and Ukraine. This unprecedented move reflects growing 
mistrust due to strained transatlantic relations and concerns about 
potential U.S. surveillance.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/eu-officials-get-spy-proof-gear-for-us-visits-as-trump-era-tensions-heat-up-trasatlantic-relations/articleshow/120297194.cms?from=mdr


4. Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns

Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet 
Inspection to enforce the government's TikTok ban – but experts say the 
use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used 
for censorship. Albania’s Prime Minister says TikTok will be suspended 
for one year due to child safety concerns.

https://balkaninsight.com/2025/04/08/albanian-tiktok-shutdown-tool-raises-privacy-concerns/

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### Events Calendar ###
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Social Networking Glitter Meetup
Team CommUNITY
April 17, 2025
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_15_2025_GM

Digital Rights LATAM Meetup
Team CommUNITY
April 23, 2025
5:30pm EDT / 9:30pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=23_de_Abril,_2025_LATAM

The Sound of Independence: Building Your Own Music Streaming Service 
(Glitter Meetup with Horizontal)
Team CommUNITY
April 24, 2025
10am EDT / 2pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=April_24_2025_GM

Digital Rights Organizational Analysis: Lessons from Gambia
Team CommUNITY
April 30, 2025
10am EDT / 2pm UTC
Online
https://digitalrights.formstack.com/forms/lessons_from_gambia_april_2025

What Is Happening in Digital Rights Around the World (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
May 1, 2025
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_1_2025_GM

DRAPAC VPN Project Protects Human Rights Defenders From Censorship And 
Surveillance (Glitter Meetup with EngageMedia)
Team CommUNITY
May 8, 2025
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_8_2025_GM

CyPurr Session: Digital Security for Beginners
Electronic Frontier Alliance
May 10, 2025
Brooklyn, NY
https://www.eff.org/event/nyc-digital-security-beginners-1

Defending Your Organization Against Rage Farming
PWorld
May 15, 2025
Online
https://edri.org/take-action/events/defending-your-organization-against-rage-farming/ 


Palestine Digital Activism Forum 2025
7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media
May 20 - 21, 2025
Online
https://7amleh.org/post/7amleh-launches-the-ninth-edition-of-the-palestine-digital-activism-forum-2025:-registration-now-open-with-a-full-program-of-speakers-and-sessions

2025 Oxford Media Policy Summer Institute
Jesus College, Oxford
July 28 - August 8, 2025
https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oxford-media-policy-summer-institute

HOPE_16
August 15 - 17, 2025
St. John's University in Queens, New York City, and online
https://hope.net/

The Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)
August 26 - 27, 2025
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
https://drapac.net/25/

Hold Before You Send It
Digihub Africa 2025
October 8 - 9, 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa
https://www.digihubafrica.org/events/

Mozilla Festival 2025
November 7 - 9, 2025
In Barcelona, Spain
https://www.mozillafestival.org/en/

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

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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 


Tech + Policy Course Scholarship
FOSS United
Deadline: April 20, 2025
https://forum.fossunited.org/t/technology-policy-course-scholarship-for-foss-devs/1220/43 


Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society
Deadline: April 30,2025
https://cyber.harvard.edu/getinvolved/fellowships/2526Fellows

Sustainable Protection Fund
Digital Defenders Partnership
Deadline: May 7, 2025
https://www.digitaldefenders.org/sustainable-protection-fund-open-call-for-applications-from-swana/ 


Equity-Free Funding Opportunity for Fem Tech Solutions 
UNICEF Venture Fund
Deadline: May 8, 2025
https://www.unicef.org/innovation/FemTechCall

Grants for Democratic Digitalisation Projects
Deadline: May 18, 2025
https://4d.cat/en/award

Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology
The Huo Family Foundation
Deadline: May 23, 2025
https://huofamilyfoundation.org/our-grants/funding-opportunities

Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program
Internet Society
Deadline 2nd window: from 15 July to 27 August, 2025
https://www.internetsociety.org/funding-areas/connecting-the-unconnected

Are you looking for grants, fellowships and funds open on a rolling 
basis? We curate a long list of opportunities on our wiki: 
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Fundraising_Opportunities

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(((Hugs & light)))

--
Team CommUNITY at ARTICLE 19
www.digitalrights.community
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