Digital Rights Weekly | April 29 - May 2

Mon May 5 15:39:11 CEST 2025

Hello Digital Rights Defenders!

Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the 
week of April 29 - May 2. 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.  < 30 Days to Apply for the 2025 Global Gathering

Are you joining us in Portugal for the 2025 Global Gathering? NOW is the 
time to register - there is less than 30 days left to request a spot. 
Plus, the form takes less than five minutes.

Join hundreds of defenders working on protecting civil society and 
journalists from technology related challenges, and making the Internet 
better for all. Deadline: May 31.

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

2. EngageMedia: Getting to Know Their Work on Digital Rights in the 
Asia-Pacific Region

Check out our recent interview with staff from EngageMedia, a leading 
Asia-Pacific organization offering critical community-driven initiatives 
that advance digital rights and Internet freedom in the region, while 
enhancing digital security for defenders operating in some of the most 
digitally restrictive environments worldwide. Their work has become 
vital in a region where only 3 out of 15 countries are considered 
“free," and digital repression is escalating due to rising 
authoritarianism, disinformation, expanded surveillance and censorship, 
and other challenges.

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

3. Upcoming Digital Rights Town Halls:

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

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### Community News ###
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1. Ceno is now on X in Farsi: Helping Iranians ByPass Filters and Access 
a Free Internet

The Cenu Brower helps users bypass filters and access the free Internet 
even during Internet disruptions and outages. They now have a profile on 
Twitter where they are sharing updates, tips, and tools in Farsi to help 
users in Iran. Help spread the word!

https://x.com/Ceno_Iran

2. Tor User Support Now Available in Farsi

Farsi-speaking users can now get direct support from the Tor Project 
team, including connecting to the network. Support is offered via 
Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, and email, from Monday through Thursday, 
from 19:30 – 01:30 Iran Standard Time (same day to next day). Note, 
support is provided via text only; voice and video are not supported.

https://blog.torproject.org/user-support-farsi/

3. Small Grants for Investigative Stories Covering Current or Aspiring 
EU Countries

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is inviting journalists 
covering either current or aspiring EU member countries to apply for 
grants to produce investigations shedding light on critical social, 
political and economic issues. Selected journalists will receive grants 
of €1,400, as well as receive mentorship from BIRN. Twenty grants in 
total are available and the ongoing call for applications will be closed 
once they are all distributed. The first deadline after which 
applications received so far will be evaluated is June 30th, 2025.

https://birn.eu.com/news-and-events/birn-invites-journalists-to-apply-for-grants-for-investigative-stories/

4. AWDF Launches Call for Proposals for Five Grants: Grassroots and 
Unregistered Groups Encouraged to Apply

African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) launched a new call for 
proposals for five grants aimed to amplify and continue the necessary, 
bold and radical gender justice work being initiated and led by movement 
actors. Focuses will be placed on supporting various movement actors who 
are often excluded from funding opportunities such as nascent or 
grassroots organisations and unregistered groups and movements. Find out 
more about the five grants in the following link:

https://awdf.org/grants/

5. Call for Proposals for Projects Looking at Power Dynamics in the 
SWANA Digital Sphere

The Arab Reform Initiative in partnership with Mozilla Tech has a call 
for proposals for projects that critically examine how digital power is 
exercised, contested, and reshaped across the SWANA region. Submissions 
should explore the roles of governments, corporations, geopolitical 
forces, civil society, and marginalized communities in shaping digital 
landscapes—whether through control, resistance, innovation, or 
governance. Deadline: May 20, 2025.

https://www.arab-reform.net/job/power-dynamics-in-the-swana-digital-sphere/

6. Reports from Our Community

a) 2024 Digital Security Helpline Annual Report: Safeguarding Voices, 
Defending Rights
The Digital Rights Foundation's Digital Security Helpline received 3,171 
incident requests in 2024, reflecting the urgent need for stronger 
digital protections. Their recent report offers in-depth analysis, case 
studies, and insights into how online spaces are becoming both more 
dangerous and more essential for marginalized voices. From gendered 
disinformation campaigns to AI generated images during elections, the 
report highlights the evolving nature of digital threats in Pakistan.
https://digitalrightsfoundation.pk/digital-security-helpline-annual-report-2024/

b) A Hazard to Human Rights: Autonomous Weapons Systems & Digital 
Decision-Making

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report examining autonomous 
weapons systems, also known as lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) 
or "killer robots," which are weapons that can identify and engage 
targets without human intervention.  Their findings reveal that these 
systems violate fundamental human rights by lacking meaningful human 
control, potentially leading to arbitrary killings, unlawful use of 
force, and accountability gaps. HRW is calling for a new international 
treaty to prohibit such systems and ensure human oversight in all lethal 
force decisions.

https://www.hrw.org/report/2025/04/28/hazard-human-rights/autonomous-weapons-systems-and-digital-decision-making 

c) Uyghur Language Software Hijacked to Deliver Malware

A recent Citizen Lab report revealed that Uyghur exiles were targeted in 
a spear-phishing campaign that delivered malware capable of remote 
surveillance. The malware was hidden in a trojanized version of a 
legitimate open-source tool created by a developer trusted within the 
Uyghur community. While the malware itself was not highly sophisticated, 
the delivery method was highly tailored and effective. This incident 
reflects a broader pattern of state-aligned actors—particularly those 
linked to the Chinese government—co-opting tools designed to empower 
marginalized communities to instead surveil and repress them. It also 
illustrates the growing threat of digital transnational repression 
targeting diaspora populations.

https://citizenlab.ca/2025/04/uyghur-language-software-hijacked-to-deliver-malware/ 

d) Surveillance & Censorship Worsening in Western Balkans

A NEW report from Balkan Insight shows how governments in the region are 
increasingly using technology to suppress dissent, filter content, 
restrict access to digital platforms and carry out mass and targeted 
surveillance. Notably, biometric surveillance and facial recognition 
technologies are expanding rapidly across the Balkans. Meanwhile, 
governments are investing in spyware, digital censorship and legal 
harassment to target journalists, activists and minority voices.

https://balkaninsight.com/2025/04/29/surveillance-and-censorship-worsening-in-western-balkans-birn-report/

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### NEW Job Opportunities  ###
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✎ Systems Analyst, Executive Support | New York Times
+ NYC, NY, USA
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/thenewyorktimes/jobs/4558050005

✎ Developer | Kaleidoscope
+ Remote in Europe
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1omlePWI6O9mrQuF3sWvAEuvdpAbOBblxPNoCNH-VN44/edit?tab=t.0

✎ Project Officer – Connect, Defend, Act! | Hivos
+ Ramallah or East Jerusalem, occupied Palestinian territory 
(remote/home-based)
https://hivos.org/vacancy/project-officer-connect-defend-act/

✎ Program Manager, Middle East and North Africa | WITNESS
+ Remote
https://witness.bamboohr.com/careers/62

✎ AI Policy Researcher | The Centre for Long-term Resilience
+ Remote (6h within London timezone)
https://www.longtermresilience.org/expression-of-interest-ai-policy-researcher-2/

✎ Research Analyst | International Institute for Strategic Studies
+ Singapore
https://www.iiss.org/careers/jobs/2025/04/research-analyst-for-cyber-power-and-future-conflict-iiss-asia/

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### Community Resources  ###
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1. Elon Musk’s Company is Set to Become Nigeria's Top ISP

In January 2023, Nigeria became the first African market that Starlink 
entered. One year later, by 2024, it became the country’s second-largest 
internet service. Its success has led to local ISPs 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/

2. How Long Can the Internet Survive During an Energy Blackout?

The internet can survive a few hours without power, but not for long. 
Large data centers are protected by their own clusters that can operate 
indefinitely. But the network relies on intermediate clusters that have 
a much shorter lifespan, which could be seriously compromised by a 
massive blackout like the one experienced on the Iberian Peninsula this 
past week.

https://english.elpais.com/technology/2025-04-28/how-long-is-internet-available-during-a-blackout.html 

3. AI & Indigenous Agency in Taiwan

Taiwan's indigenous communities, which account for 2.5% of the 
population, are facing increased marginalisation due to 
misrepresentation, misinformation and disinformation spread through 
AI-generated content. Indigenous communities worldwide are pushing for 
greater involvement in AI design and national policies.

https://eastasiaforum.org/2025/04/25/ai-algorithms-and-indigenous-agency-in-taiwan/ 

4. AI Policies in Africa: Lessons from Ghana & Rwanda

Rwanda and Ghana show that effective AI policy-making requires balancing 
innovation with equity, global standards with local needs, and state 
oversight with public trust.

https://theconversation.com/ai-policies-in-africa-lessons-from-ghana-and-rwanda-253642 

5. Albanian Public Administration, Services Has been Moved Online, 
Leaving Many Vulnerable Groups Behind.

Albania has moved almost all of its public administration online, yet 
the elderly, those with disabilities, and others who lack the necessary 
digital skills risk being locked out if authorities do not step up support.

https://balkaninsight.com/2025/04/25/digital-divide-the-albanians-left-behind-by-move-to-online-public-services/ 

6. Podcast Episode from the ACLU: Know Your Digital Privacy Rights

What is your digital footprint—and how is your data tracked, whether you 
are crossing a US border or at home? This week, the ACLU podcast is 
exploring the right to digital privacy and how protecting our data can 
help protect our freedom of speech and expression.

https://www.aclu.org/podcast/know-your-digital-privacy-rights-with-esha-bhandari-and-daniel-kahn-gillmor 

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### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###
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1. Judge Limits Evidence About NSO Group Customers & Victims in Damages 
Trial, Ruling Strikes at Spyware Vendor’s Strategy

A US federal judge placed strict limits on the kind of evidence NSO 
Group can raise during a trial on damages in the lawsuit WhatsApp 
brought against the spyware vendor over allegations it hacked 1,400 of 
the messaging platform’s users. Under the order, NSO Group is prohibited 
from presenting evidence about its customers’ identities, implying  the 
targeted WhatsApp users are suspected or actual criminals, or alleging 
that WhatsApp had insufficient security protections.

https://cyberscoop.com/whatsapp-nso-group-trial-judge-limits-evidence-2025/

2. Portable Internet Helps Asia's Scam Centres Bypass Regional Internet 
Blackouts and Traffick Victims of Forced Labor

In February, Thai and Myanmar authorities worked together to turn off 
electricity and the internet in an unprecedented operation to free 
thousands of trafficking victims forced to work in cyber-scam centres in 
Myanmar. Notably, some 7,000 people from 29 countries were released, and 
the UN estimates hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in scam 
farms. However, these centers are circumventing regional internet 
blackouts by using portable satellite internet devices like Starlink, 
which are increasingly available despite being illegal in some countries.

https://www.context.news/big-tech/are-asian-scam-centres-using-portable-internet-to-avoid-blackouts 

3. Syria Brief: Internet Disruptions, Threats to Data Sovereignty, & a 
Risky E-Wallet

Internet disruptions in Syria continue to interfere with residents’ 
education, work, communication, and access to their salaries. The 
Minister of Communications has pledged to build a more robust 
telecommunications infrastructure amid growing concerns about the 
country’s data sovereignty and the state’s increasing control over 
digital networks.

https://smex.org/syria-brief-internet-disruptions-threats-to-data-sovereignty-and-a-risky-e-wallet/ 

4. Meta Faces Ghana Lawsuits Over Impact of Extreme Content on Moderators

Meta is facing a second set of lawsuits in Africa over the psychological 
distress experienced by content moderators employed to take down 
disturbing social media content including depictions of murders, extreme 
violence and child sexual abuse. Lawyers are gearing up for court action 
against a company contracted by Meta, after meeting moderators at a 
facility in Ghana that is understood to employ about 150 people.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/27/meta-faces-ghana-lawsuits-over-impact-of-extreme-content-on-moderators

5. Brazil’s AI-Powered Social Security App is Wrongly Rejecting Claims

Brazil introduced AI tools to review welfare benefits in 2018. The 
government aims to have the algorithm review 55% of social security 
petitions by the end of 2025. The tool has led to automatic denials for 
many, with vulnerable Brazilians paying the price.

https://restofworld.org/2025/brazil-ai-social-security-app-rejected/

6. Kazakhstan Targets Anonymous Telegram Channels Over Disinformation 
Concerns

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva, has 
launched a vocal campaign against anonymous Telegram channels, accusing 
them of fueling misinformation and destabilizing public discourse. She 
is calling for stricter controls and accountability from both platform 
administrators and users.

https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-targets-anonymous-telegram-channels-over-disinformation-concerns/ 

7. Microsoft Says Everyone Will Be a Boss in the Future -- of AI Employees

Microsoft is predicting the rise of a new kind of business, called a 
“frontier firm”, where ultimately a human worker directs autonomous 
artificial intelligence agents to carry out tasks. The company says that 
everyone will become an agent boss.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/25/microsoft-says-everyone-will-be-a-boss-in-the-future-of-ai-employees 

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### Statements from Our Community ###

EU: Fines for Breaching Digital Markets Act a Crucial Step in the Right 
Direction

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the European Commission’s decision to issue fines 
for Apple and Meta for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act 
(DMA). After months of investigation and a lengthy dialogue with the 
companies, the European Commission (EC) found that both Apple and Meta 
are in breach of DMA provisions, and fined them 500 and 200 million 
euros, respectively.

https://www.article19.org/resources/eu-fines-for-breaching-digital-markets-act-a-crucial-step-in-the-right-direction/

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### Events Calendar ###
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Digital Rights & Inclusion Forum
Center for Democracy & Technology
April 29, 2025
Online
https://cdt.org/event/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum/

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/

Bread&Net
SMEX
October 29 - 31
Beirut, Lebanon
https://smex.org/breadnet-save-the-date/

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 

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

Grants for Investigative Stories
Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN)
Deadline: June 30, 2025
https://birn.eu.com/news-and-events/birn-invites-journalists-to-apply-for-grants-for-investigative-stories/

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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like-minded organizations and people.

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