Digital Rights Weekly | January 19 to 23
Team CommUNITY
team at digitalrights.community
Fri Jan 23 19:59:11 CET 2026
Hello Digital Rights Defenders!
Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of January 19 to 23. As a reminder, you can submit your news for
the newsletter here:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter
___________________
What is in this issue:
TCU
Community News
NEW Job Opportunities
Community Resources
Digital Rights in the Wider World
Events Calendar
Grants, Fellowships, & Awards
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### TCU ###
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1. Not 100% Sure You can Attend the Global Gathering? Apply Anyway!
The Global Gathering will take place in Portugal on September 4, 5 and
6. Join defenders working at the intersection of technology and rights
in an idyllic setting, just steps away from beautiful beaches. Please
note that all applications go through a vetting and review process for
security reasons, which takes time. For numerous reasons, this year we
will not be accepting applications after the official deadline, so
please apply early even if you’re not sure you can attend. You can
always cancel your ticket at a later date if you decide not to come.
Check out the GG’s homepage, which already has rich information and
resources.
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Global_Gathering_2026
2. The Equity Fund Has Been Relaunched!!
Digital Rights defenders can apply to the Equity Fund to receive travel,
visa and security support to attend the Global Gathering. Applications
will be approved on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as
possible. The fund was briefly paused in 2025 because of historic
funding cuts.
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/equity-fund-for-global-gathering-relaunched
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### Community News ###
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1. Iran Enters a New Age of Digital Isolation
Exclusive intelligence obtained by Filterwatch reveals that the Islamic
Republic has abandoned its traditional model of mass internet censorship
in favor of a new, far darker strategy: "Absolute Digital Isolation."
The findings in this report detail a confidential state
project—orchestrated by high-level figures —to transform the country’s
internet infrastructure into a "Barracks Internet." In this sealed
intranet, access to the outside world is granted only to those with
security clearance via a strict "White List." Filterwatch has confirmed
the punitive dismissal of Irancell’s CEO, reportedly removed for
"treason" after delaying orders to cut connectivity. Simultaneously, as
foreign tech partners quietly exit the country, the regime has tasked
security contractors Yaftar and Doran with deploying Deep Packet
Inspection (DPI) updates designed to fingerprint and flag VPN traffic
specifically routing through Starlink terminals.
https://filter.watch/english/2026/01/15/iran-enters-a-new-age-of-digital-isolation-2/
2. February 19: Monthly Digital Rights Social
Do you want to connect with digital rights defenders from around the
world who are facing similar challenges or working in your area of
focus—all in an informal, nurturing environment?
Maybe you have questions about digital security or other issues at the
intersection of technology and human rights. Join us on February 19 for
TCU’s Monthly Digital Rights Socials, held on the third Thursday of
every month. These socials bring together community members to connect,
learn, and exchange ideas. Socials will also feature guest experts, and
offer a welcoming space for participants to share their work and
experiences.
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=January_22,_2026_Digital_Rights_Social
3. Aspen Policy Academy Summer 2026 Science and Technology Policy
Fellowship - Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for Aspen Policy Academy’s summer 2026 Science
and Technology Policy Fellowship. The training program equips experts,
from AI engineers to ecologists, with the tools they need to impact
policy. The fellowship will run full-time from June 1-26 in a hybrid
format – virtually from June 1-12 and in-person in San Francisco from
June 15-26. Applicants must be based in the US and have science,
environment or tech expertise. Deadline: Feb 5,
https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/program/science-and-technology-policy-fellowship/#informational-webinars
4. All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions
The All Things Moderation is an annual conference for humans who
moderate across context and cultures. The event will take place on June
25 to 26, online and on demand. This year’s theme is care — recognising
that moderation is fundamentally about care work including protecting
people, responding to harm, sustaining participation, and navigating
boundaries across platforms, policy, and organisational contexts.
Whether your work touches moderation practice, governance, product,
policy, or community labour — submit your idea and help shape a global
conversation about care in moderation.
https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions
5. Global Media Forum: Call for Proposals
The Global Media will take place on June 23 and 24, 2026 in Bonn,
Germany, and explores how journalism can stay bold, credible and
democratic in an age of disinformation, polarization, and rapid
technological change. This year’s theme is “Journalism out loud" and
they are accepting proposals until February 15th.
https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151
6. Convocatoria de Becas del Sur Global 2026 - DeJusticia
Esta oportunidad permite a defensores de derechos humanos desarrollar
sus proyectos y participar de un intercambio académico y cultural en un
espacio seguro. Aplica antes del 21 de enero.
https://www.dejusticia.org/becas-para-defensores-del-sur-global-2026/
__________________________________________
### NEW Job Opportunities ###
__________________________________________
These are new jobs we have received in the past week. You can access
these and other jobs by visiting our job board:
https://www.digitalrights.community/job-board
+ RFP for Strategic Planning Consultant, Tech Equity
- US
+ Associate for Engagement and Support Latin America, Engine Room
- Remote
+ Digital Protection Editor for Security in-a-Box guide, Front Line
Defenders
- Remote
+ Head of Legal Compliance, 5Rights Foundation
- Belgium
+ Technical Product Manager (Consultant), Syria Justice and
Accountability Centre (SJAC)
- Remote
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### Community Resources ###
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1. You’ve Been Targeted by Government Spyware. Now What?
Mohammed Al-Maskati, the director of Access Now’s Digital Security
Helpline, a 24/7 global team of security experts who investigate spyware
cases against members of civil society, shared with TechCrunch the
advice that the helpline gives people who are concerned that they may be
targeted with government spyware.
https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/29/youve-been-targeted-by-government-spyware-now-what/
2. Apple Spyware Warning—Turn Your iPhone Off And On Again Now
You have been warned. If your iPhone is not running one of two versions
of iOS, you’re now at serious risk from new attacks targeting Apple’s
devices. And Apple’s confirmed attack warnings keep coming at users..
For most iPhone users, this means you must upgrade to iOS 26
immediately, if you have not done so already.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/01/18/yes-you-need-to-turn-your-iphone-off-and-on-again-now/
3. French Response, the Foreign Ministry's X Account for Trolling
Disinformation
Since 2025, the unconventional X account French Response has delivered
sharp English-language retorts and headline-grabbing moments on the
social network. Experts call it an effective way to counter attempts at
foreign interference, though it raises questions about its long-term
usefulness.
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2026/01/18/french-response-the-foreign-service-s-account-for-trolling-disinformation-targeting-france_6749540_8.html
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### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###
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1. Iran Plans Permanent Break from Global Internet, Say Activists
Iran plans permanent break from global internet, say activists. Report
claims unrestricted online access will be a ‘government privilege’,
limited to individuals vetted by the regime. Under the plan, Iranians
who had security clearance or passed government checks would have access
to a filtered version of the global internet. All other Iranians would
be allowed to access only the national internet: a domestic, parallel
internet cut off from the broader world. Iran’s ongoing internet
shutdown began on 8 January after 12 days of escalating anti-regime
protests. Thousands of people have been killed, although the
demonstrations appear to have slowed under the weight of a brutal crackdown.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/17/iran-plans-permanent-break-from-global-internet-say-activists
2. U.S. Treasury Lifts Sanctions on Three Individuals Linked to
Intellexa and Predator Spyware
In December, the US removed three individuals linked to the Intellexa
Consortium, the holding company behind a commercial spyware known as
Predator, from the specially designated nationals list. The individuals
are Merom Harpaz, Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi, and Sara
Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou. The development came merely weeks after an
Amnesty International report revealed that a human rights lawyer from
Pakistan's Balochistan province was targeted by a Predator attack
attempt via a WhatsApp message.
https://thehackernews.com/2025/12/us-treasury-lifts-sanctions-on-three.html
3. Beijing Tells Chinese Firms to Stop Using US and Israeli
Cybersecurity Software
Chinese authorities have told domestic companies to stop using
cybersecurity software made by more than a dozen firms from the U.S. and
Israel due to national security concerns. As trade and diplomatic
tensions flare between China and the U.S, Beijing has been keen to
replace Western-made technology with domestic alternatives.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/beijing-tells-chinese-firms-stop-using-us-israeli-cybersecurity-software-sources-2026-01-14/
Meanwhile, it has begun enforcing rules more rigorously regarding the
use of Starlink internet connectivity in its waters.
https://maritime-executive.com/article/china-begins-enforcing-its-ban-on-shipboard-starlink
After the Chinese government criticized SpaceX for crowding the skies
with Starlink satellites, China has submitted proposals to launch
several hundred thousand satellites of its own.Over 200,000 satellites
could be launched by the early 2030s if these submissions are approved,
with the largest projects planning for up to 100,000 each. Approval will
depend on which orbital slots and radio frequency bands are available.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/satellites/a70004618/china-satellites/
4. Russia to Launch AI-Powered Internet Censorship System in 2026 to
Strengthen Information Control
Roskomnadzor plans to launch a new internet traffic censorship system in
2026 using artificial intelligence, Center for Countering Disinformation
reported on January 20. According to the statement, the government has
allocated 2.27 billion rubles for the development of this
infrastructure, despite ongoing economic challenges, including the need
to reduce salaries for public sector employees and deliver goods to
remote regions. This is part of the Kremlin’s broader efforts to clear
the internet of any information that could challenge its information
monopoly.
https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-to-launch-ai-powered-internet-censorship-system-in-2026-to-strengthen-information-control-15178
5. Co-Founder of Global Disinformation Index Banned from the US
Check out this recent piece from the co-founder of the Global
Disinformation Index whose visa was revoked in the US for “coercing tech
companies into censoring speech.” A press release was issued by the
State Department regarding the visa ban.
https://www.ft.com/content/c0f705d0-9368-48b7-a6bc-13e6d4a2c9e4
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/12/announcement-of-actions-to-combat-the-global-censorship-industrial-complex
6. AI Surveillance on Wheels: Border Security Goes Autonomous
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is fast-tracking its
Modular Mobile Surveillance System (M2S2), a fleet of AI-powered 4×4
trucks equipped with radar, cameras, and autonomous tracking designed to
patrol remote terrain and detect activity in real time. This marks a
major shift toward mobility and automation in border monitoring,
blending machine vision with defense-grade data networks. As DHS moves
toward deployment, companies like Knightscope, Inc. Kodiak, Palantir
Technologies, Serve Robotics, and Aurora Innovation, stand at the
forefront of AI and robotics integration in national security.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/AUR/pressreleases/36236505/ai-surveillance-on-wheels-border-security-goes-autonomous/
7. New Legislation in the US Would Rein In ICE’s Facial Recognition App
The proposed law would force DHS to only use the app, called Mobile
Fortify, at ports of entry; delete all photos of U.S. citizens taken by
the app; and effectively kill the local law enforcement of the app.
https://www.404media.co/new-legislation-would-rein-in-ices-facial-recognition-app/
_____________________________________
### Events Calendar ###
______________________________________
Did you know you could submit your events for inclusion in our
newsletter? It takes a few minutes to submit:
https://www.digitalrights.community/weekly-newsletter
Additionally, we maintain a calendar of events in our wiki:
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Calendar_of_Events
Strategy Design Festival
January 20, 2026
London
https://www.fabriders.net/strategy-design-festival/
Digital Rights Social
January 22, 2026
TCU's Mattermost
January 22, 2026 Digital Rights Social
Archive and Resist Conclave
January 26-27
Dhaka
https://archivecon.activaterights.org
Gaza’s Digital Economy Under Siege
February 5
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KhfSSNeuReyCPTNGQ508zw#/registration
Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2026
March 30 to 31, 2026
https://pdaf.net/about-theme
International Journalism Festival (IJF)
April 15 to 18, 2026
Perugia, Italy
https://www.journalismfestival.com/
Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum
April 14-16
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
https://sessionize.com/digital-rights-and-inclusion-forum26/
RightCon 2026
May 5-8
Lusaka, Zambia
https://www.rightscon.org/
Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)
June 8 to 10
Manila, Philippines
https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/
Global Media Forum
June 23 and 24, 2026
Bonn Germany
https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151
All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions
June 25 to 26
Online and on demand
https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions
Free and Open Communications on the Internet (FOCI)
July 20, 2026
Hybrid, co-located with PETS in Calgary, Canada
https://foci.community/
Global Gathering
September 4 to 6, 2026
Portugal
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/applications/global-gathering-2026-applications-open
Digital Commons:Infrastructures, Design, and the Ethics of Autonomy
October 8 to 10
Athens, Greece
www.digicommons.org
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### Grants, Fellowships, & Awards ###
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Datafication & Democracy Fund: Deadline January 30
Deadline: January 30th.
https://globalsouthalliance.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GSA-2025-Call-from-the-Datafication-and-Democracy-Fund.pdf
Digital Rights Fund in the West Asia and North Africa
Deadline January 31, 2026
https://smex.org/digital-rights-fund-in-the-west-asia-and-north-africa/
Dr Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards 2026
Deadline: January 31, 2026.
https://mediarightsagenda.org/media-rights-agenda-invites-entries-from-journalists-for-goodluck-jonathan-foi-awards-2026/
Aspen Policy Academy Summer 2026 Science and Technology Policy Fellowship
Deadline: February 5, 2026
https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/program/science-and-technology-policy-fellowship/#informational-webinars
- Carr-Ryan Center Fellowship
- Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Fellowship
- Racial Justice Fellowship
- Technology and Human Rights Fellowship.
Deadline: February 22, 2026
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr-ryan/opportunities/fellowship-opportunities/technology-and-human-rights-fellowship
La Escuela Virtual de Gobernanza de Internet
Deadline: February 8, 2026
https://www.virtualsig.org/2025/12/02/982/
Digital Freedom Fund
Deadline: February 17
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/grants/
InDiCo-Global. Deadline
Deadline: June 30, 2026
https://indico-global-grants.eu/indico-global-third-open-call
__________________________________________
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(((Hugs & light)))
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Team CommUNITY at ARTICLE 19
www.digitalrights.community
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