Digital Rights Weekly | April 21 - 25

Thu Apr 24 15:23:10 CEST 2025

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the 
week of April 21 - 25. 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
Statements from Our Community
Events Calendar
Grants, Fellowships, & Awards

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### Team CommUNITY (TCU News) ###
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1. Apply for the 2025 Global Gathering!

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. Upcoming Digital Rights Town Halls:

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

May 22 | Safety & Responsibility in AI-driven Applications in War and 
Armed Conflict
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_22_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. 4D Award Digital Rights by Design: Grants for Democratic 
Digitalisation Projects

The goal of the 4D Digital Rights by Design Call is to provide support 
for the developments or initiatives focused on action in terms of 
digital commons and rights, such as: technological developments, 
protocols to change institutional and/or general habits, strategic 
litigation, and legislative amendments and advocacy. The 4D Call offers 
two financial provisions of 15,000 euros to implement projects by 
European entities, consortia or individuals, whether already running or 
already partially funded. Deadline to apply: May 18, 2025.

https://4d.cat/en/award/

2. Call for Papers to Support Research that Deepens our Collective 
Understanding of Digital Financial Inclusion

The Interledger Foundation is inviting researchers to explore critical 
questions at the intersection of policy, technology, and societal 
systems. Selected authors will receive an honorarium of USD $5,000 to 
develop full-length papers of 5,000 to 7,000 words, and they will also 
cover travel for one author per paper to present this work in-person in 
Mexico City in November. The call is open to academic contributors and 
researchers from all parts of the world and across all disciplines. 
Deadline to submit abstracts: May 15, 2025.

https://submit.interledger.org/submit/5f500d14-8563-4d7c-87a5-d9f1e11d75d0/2025-interledger-foundation-call-for-paper

3. Applications for the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon 
are Now Open

Applications are now open for the Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy 
Hackathon, taking place virtually on 9-10 May 2025. This is a great 
opportunity for civil society actors, innovators, developers, and 
activists in the region interested in creating and testing 
technology-driven solutions that strengthen democratic participation. 
Five winning teams will receive a US$7,500 grant each to develop and 
pilot their solution over a period of three months, plus mentorship and 
networking opportunities. Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025.

https://hackathon.magambanetwork.com/

4. Nextcloud Awards 2025 - Shaping the Future of Digital Independence

With growing concerns about the resiliency of centralized IT 
infrastructure and data privacy it’s time to recognize those who make a 
real difference in pushing forward digital sovereignty. The Nextcloud 
Awards, which will be presented for the first time at the Nextcloud 
Summit 2025, wants to highlight people, organizations, and projects that 
are actively working towards a future where users – not corporations – 
control their data. Its expert jury will review the submissions and all 
finalists will be notified by April 26. Read the link below to learn 
more about the process:

https://nextcloud.com/nextcloud-awards/

5. Open Society Foundation Call for Proposals: Transformative Peace in 
Africa

The Open Society Foundation is inviting applications for its 
Transformative Peace in Africa grant. The geographic focus includes 
Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 
Northern Mozambique. They are looking for CSOs, Think- Tanks, 
Journalists, Authors, Creatives, Communities and others, working on 
strengthening local peacebuilding initiatives, advancing reparative 
justice and accountability in conflict contexts, inclusive and 
innovative peace solutions that are transforming conflict. Deadline to 
apply: April 30, 2025. Review the registration guide in the following link:

1) First register here: 
https://grantsmithportal.screenstepslive.com/a/1899218-how-to-create-a-new-account-on-the-grant-portal

2) Once registered, fill out the form below with your organization’s 
registered name .
Registration Confirmation Form: https://forms.office.com/e/s0Ts3M8KQv

6. Call for Applicants: Funded Participation in a Training on “AI for 
Non-profit Newsrooms”

Tactical Tech is providing travel and subsistence support of maximum 
1,000 Euro per person to Europe-based journalists and other media 
professionals from independent newsrooms and non-profit media interested 
in enhancing their skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations for 
leveraging AI in journalism. Selected applicants will travel to attend 
an in-person training on “AI for Non-Profit Newsrooms” in Germany on 7-8 
July 2025. Deadline to apply: May 25, 2025.

https://exposingtheinvisible.org/en/news/ai-training-berlin

7. Internet Society's Peering Fellowship

The Peering Fellowship supports individuals making Internet access 
affordable, reliable, and resilient by improving local Internet 
interconnection infrastructure and advocating for an enabling policy 
environment that supports a thriving Internet ecosystem. This engaging 
six-month program is designed to equip 15 peering and interconnection 
professionals with skills, knowledge, and tools to address 
interconnection and peering challenges while maximizing opportunities 
that grow the Internet and develop the community. Deadline to apply: May 
2, 2025.

https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/peering/

7. Webinar | Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics: Digital 
Governance in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwanese Alternative

EngageMedia is hosting a webinar this coming May 5 on "Cybersecurity 
with Chinese Characteristics: Digital Governance in the Indo-Pacific and 
the Taiwanese Alternative" as part of their DRAPAC Series of events that 
aim to generate conversations on human and digital rights in the 
networked society. Guest speakers: Michael Caster, Head of Global China 
Programme at ARTICLE 19; Lulu Kang, Board, Open Culture Foundation; and 
Liu I-Chen, Programme Officer at ARTICLE 19. Register on the link below:

https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-series-15-digital-governance-in-the-indo-pacific/

8. Derechos Digitales, 20 Years Working in Latin America: “Our Region is 
at the Forefront of the Assessment of Impacts Caused by Artificial 
Intelligence and Data Colonialism”

Derechos Digitales is a non-profit organisation that has been working 
for over 20 years to defend, promote and strengthen human rights in the 
digital environment in Latin America. APC spoke with Jamila Venturini 
and J. Carlos Lara, the co-executive directors of Derechos Digitales, to 
learn more about the organization.

https://www.apc.org/en/news/derechos-digitales-20-years-working-latin-america-our-region-forefront-assessment-impacts

9. Reports from Our Community

a) A Battlefield Named Isfahan: Targeted Use of IMSI-Catchers and 
Surveillance Cameras to the Enforce Chastity and Hijab Law

Following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, the Iranian government has 
intensified its efforts to enforce compulsory hijab laws. The 
Filterwatch's report documents how Iranian authorities are using a 
multi-layered system to identify, track, and intimidate women through 
warning text messages. The full report is available in both Persian and 
English:

https://filter.watch/english/2025/04/17/investigated-report-isfahan-targeted-with-imsi-catchers-and-surveillance-cameras/

b) A Long Shadow: The expansion and export of China’s digital repression 
model in Tibet

Recent procurement documents reveal that Meiya Pico, a Chinese 
state-owned digital forensics firm, will provide an offensive cyber 
operations training environment and digital forensic laboratory to the 
Tibet Police College in Lhasa. This report highlights the dual role of 
such technologies in domestic control and transnational repression, 
enabling Beijing to monitor and intimidate Tibetan communities worldwide.

https://turquoiseroof.org/a-long-shadow-the-expansion-and-export-of-chinas-digital-repression-model-in-tibet/

c) Morocco’s Surveillance Infrastructure Expands Ahead of Major Sporting 
Events

As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-host 
the 2030 World Cup, it is rapidly expanding its AI-powered surveillance 
infrastructure across cities like Rabat, Fez, and Marrakesh. This 
article explores these developments and calls for a rights-based 
approach—including stronger data protections, human rights impact 
assessments, and meaningful inclusion of civil society and digital 
rights experts in government-led projects.

https://skylineforhuman.org/en/news/details/816/moroccos-surveillance-infrastructure-expands-ahead-of-the-africa-cup-and-world-cup

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### NEW Job Opportunities  ###
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✎ Researcher | 5Rights Foundation
+ Remote in Belgium or UK
http://5rightsfoundation.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=b6bc32f2-f7c1-40ff-af76-a6572c415248

✎ Senior Data Protection officer | BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation
+ Brussels (Belgium)
http://www.beuc.eu/vacancy/beuc-seeking-senior-data-protection-officer

✎ Software Developer | AI Forensics
+ Remote in Europe (CET Time)
https://www.notion.so/ai-forensics/Remote-Software-Developer-at-AI-Forensics-11496ca0893d80489dbbe667a9033e9a

✎ Social Domain Action Researcher | Bits of Freedom
+ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
https://www.bitsoffreedom.nl/2025/04/22/vacature-actieonderzoeker-sociaal-domein/

✎ Action Searcher Physical Integrity | Bits of Freedom
+ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
https://www.bitsoffreedom.nl/2025/04/22/vacature-actieonderzoeker-lichamelijke-integriteit/

✎ US Development and Communications Officer | 7amleh
+ Remote within US working hours
https://7amleh.org/post/job-vacancy:-u.s.-development-and-communications-officer

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### Community Resources  ###
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1. How to Protect Yourself From Phone Searches at the US Border

Customs and Border Protection has broad authority to search travelers’ 
devices when they cross into the United States. Here’s what you can do 
to protect your digital life while at the US border.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-protect-yourself-from-phone-searches-at-the-us-border/

2. University of Michigan's Science, Technology and Public Policy 
Program Memos

The University of Michigan's Science, Technology and Public Policy 
Program has written policy memos on Automated License Plate Readers, 
drones, tenant screening tools and more. See their publications in the 
following link:

https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/research?page=0

3. Responsible Tech Certificates: A Worthwhile Expense?

In an era where ethical, legal, and social dimensions of tech are more 
critical than ever, professional certifications in responsible 
technology offer structured pathways to expertise. But they are no 
silver bullet. Certifications are costly, may become outdated quickly, 
and often need to be paired with real-world experience, 
interdisciplinary insight, and critical engagement.

https://alltechishuman.org/all-tech-is-human-blog/responsible-tech-certificates-a-worthwhile-expense

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### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###
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1. ICE Is Paying Palantir $30 Million to Build ‘ImmigrationOS’ 
Surveillance Platform

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is paying software company Palantir 
$30 million to provide the agency with “near real-time visibility” on 
people self-deporting from the United States, according to a contract 
justification published in a federal register last week.

https://www.wired.com/story/ice-palantir-immigrationos/

2. Commission Slams Apple and Meta for Breaching the Digital Markets 
Act, Doesn’t Stick the Landing with Fines

The European Commission has shown some teeth with the EU’s digital 
rulebook by slamming tech giants Apple and Meta with fines, and an order 
to stop the infringing behaviour. While we commend the strong stance, 
we're concerned about whether the low fines will actually lead to change 
of behaviour from the tech giants.

https://edri.org/our-work/press-release-commission-slams-apple-and-meta-for-breaching-the-digital-markets/

3. Mark Zuckerberg’s Censorship Rules Were ‘Adjusted Hastily,’ Meta 
Oversight Board Says

Meta’s Oversight Board is not thrilled with the changes CEO Mark 
Zuckerberg made to the company’s censorship policies earlier this year. 
On Wednesday, the board said his decision to ditch the third party 
fact-checking operation was “announced hastily” and “in a departure from 
regular procedure, with no public information shared as to what, if any, 
prior human rights due diligence” was performed.

https://www.thewrap.com/mark-zuckerberg-censorship-rules-announced-hastily-meta/

4. Canada Becomes First Country to Mandate External School Bus 
Surveillance Feeds

The decision to mandate video cameras and monitors on school buses to 
allow improved detection of students at stops, effective November 2027, 
dates back to a 2020 Transport Canada’s Task Force on School Bus Safety. 
And while the so-called perimeter visibility systems are expected to 
improve school bus safety, questions remain.

https://stnonline.com/special-reports/canada-becomes-first-country-to-mandate-external-school-bus-surveillance-feeds/’

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### Statements from Our Community ###

1. Six Years of Dangerous Misconceptions Targeting Ola Bini and Digital 
Rights in Ecuador

Ola Bini, a Swedish software developer, was detained in Ecuador six 
years ago and continues to face prosecution despite a lack of evidence. 
Initially accused of hacking, his case has been marred by shifting 
charges, technical misunderstandings, and misuse of privacy tools like 
Tor as evidence of wrongdoing. Although acquitted in 2023, a flawed 
appeal overturned the ruling. Human rights groups, including the EFF, 
are calling on Ecuadorian courts to uphold digital rights and end this 
unjust, politically charged prosecution.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/04/six-years-dangerous-misconceptions-targeting-ola-bini-and-digital-rights-ecuador

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### Events Calendar ###
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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

Safety & Responsibility in AI-driven Applications in War and Armed 
Conflict (Glitter Meetup)
Team CommUNITY
May 22, 2025
9am EDT / 1pm UTC
Online
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=May_22_2025_GM

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/

Global Gathering 2025
Team CommUNITY
September 8 - 10, 2025
Estoril, Portugal
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/2025-global-gathering-application

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 ###
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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 

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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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
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