Digital Rights Weekly | May 4 to 8
Team CommUNITY
team at digitalrights.community
Fri May 8 15:14:12 CEST 2026
Hello Digital Rights Defenders!
Here is your weekly update on digital rights around the world for the
week of May 4 to 8. 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
Digital Rights in the Wider World
Community Resources
Events Calendar
Grants, Fellowships, & Awards
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### TCU ###
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1. Pre-Event Mental Health Workshops for GG Participants
This year, we are expanding the pre-event mental health workshops
offered to Global Gathering participants. If you have already been
verified and approved for attendance, you will be receiving an email
with details and instructions on how to signup.
If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, make sure to apply
soon! You MUST apply before June 30!!
The Global Gathering will take place on September 4, 5 and 6 in
Portugal. It brings together defenders working at the intersection of
rights and technology.
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=2026_Global_Gathering_Programming
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### Community News ###
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1. Londa Report 2025: Winners and Losers in Africa’s Latest Digital
Rights Index Revealed
The recently launched 2025 Londa Report covers the state of digital
rights and inclusion in Africa. According to the report, South Africa
has retained its place as Africa’s leading digital rights-respecting
country for the second time in a row. It is followed by Ghana, Namibia,
Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, and Nigeria.
https://drif.paradigmhq.org/press-release-londa-report-2025-winners-and-losers-in-africas-latest-digital-rights-index-revealed/
2. Sinar Project Civic Tech Fellowship 2026 | Malaysia | May 17
The Civic Tech fellowship is aimed to bridge the gap between
professionals with legal, tech and human rights background through
working on a multi-disciplinary civic tech project with Sinar Project.
Ideally in the long run, it is hoped that the selected Fellows will
contribute and even lead communities to address the issues that formed
their fellowship work. The Fellow, who must be based in Malaysia, will
work for a duration of up to six (6) months and be paid up to MYR3,000
per month. Please apply before May 17, 2026
https://sinarproject.org/projects/enabling-tech/sinar-project-civic-tech-fellowship-2026
3. Become a Knowledge Fellow | May 31
DiploFoundation is pleased to launch a new call for applications for
Digital Watch Knowledge Fellows (2026), who are central to the
observatory’s ability to provide comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date
coverage of specific areas of digital governance. The fellowship is
conducted online, with an expected commitment of at least 8 hours per
week. Deadline is May 31
https://dig.watch/opportunity-become-a-knowledge-fellow
4. Goethe Institute Open Call | African Collectives | May 19
Multidisciplinary collectives across Africa are invited to apply for a
year-long program at the intersection of art, technology, and
governance. This year’s theme, Codes of Conduct, asks how programming
technology reshapes leadership, belonging, and systems of organisation
across African societies. Selected collectives receive a €3,000 grant to
develop prototypes, participate in Labs, and contribute to public
programming. Deadline is May 19
https://www.goethe.de/ins/ng/en/kul/sup/co9/dnw26/dnwoc.html
5. Fight for Us, Not for Them Event | June 23
A strategic convening around the EU's digital deregulation agenda is set
for June 23, and will take place in-person in the Brussels European
quarter, and online. The event will bring together a selection of
European lawmakers and regulators, journalists, and key civil society
voices to explore how to ensure that the EU's digital plans put
communities, democracy, rights and public interest tech at its heart.
Participants will debate the Digital Omnibus, the Digital Fitness Check,
and how to put a stop to digital deregulation. RSVP is required.
https://edri.org/our-work/announcing-the-summit-fight-for-us-not-for-them-a-public-interest-vision-for-eu-tech-policy/
Whether you are attending or not, make sure to check out EFF’s
recommendations for the EU’s Digital Fairness Act. They share that
regulators are already filtering with measures that rely on expanded
surveillance, such as age verification mandates, that undermine
fundamental rights while offering little more than a false sense of
protection. Furthermore, they share that for EFF, digital fairness means
addressing the root causes of harm, not requiring platforms to exert
more control over their users.
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/04/dos-and-donts-eus-digital-fairness-act-effs-recommendation-regulating-digital
6. Launching the Luddite Lab Resource Hub | May 20
The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) is hosting an online event
on May 20 to launch their Luddite Lab Resource Hub, a place where
workers, union leaders, researchers, and others can find resources to
fight automation and AI at work. Registration for the event is required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/launching-the-luddite-lab-resource-hub-registration-1988317489134
7. Report: Governments Using Internet’s Infrastructure to Censor Speech
A new Article 19 report, Damming a River to Catch a Fish, shares that
governments are using the Internet’s underlying infrastructure to
censorspeech. Specifically, governments are weaponising the DNS to
censor content, silence critics, and stifle the free flow of
information. Instead of blocking single pages, they are making entire
domains inaccessible.
https://www.article19.org/dns-must-enable-expression/
8. Report: How Chinese Actors Use Impersonation and Stolen Narratives to
Perpetuate Digital Transnational Repression
In collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative
Journalists (ICIJ), Citizen Lab has identified two distinct actors
aligned with the People’s Republic of China that have been targeting and
impersonating journalists and civil society. Their findings provide
insight into the Chinese government’s practice of digital transnational
repression and its shift to a system of state-sponsored attacks carried
out by private contractors.
https://citizenlab.ca/research/how-chinese-actors-use-impersonation-and-stolen-narratives-to-perpetuate-digital-transnational-repression/
9. Report: Online Violence Impacts, Manifestations, and Redress in the
AI Age
A new UN report, based on a global survey conducted in 2025 across 119
countries, examines how online violence against women in public life is
becoming more technologically sophisticated, more invasive, and more
damaging in the age of artificial intelligence. It finds that many women
are experiencing severe mental health impacts, including anxiety,
depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in connection with their
experience of online violence, while large numbers report
self-censorship on social media and at work.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2026/04/tipping-point-online-violence-impacts-manifestations-and-redress-in-the-ai-age
_________________________________________
### 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
+ Security Analyst, Resilience Technologies
- Remote
+ Program Manager, Human Rights, Heising-Simons Foundation
- San Francisco
+ Movement Communications Specialist, Africa, Wikimedia Foundation
- Based in Sub Saharan Africa region
+ Communications and Advocacy Officer, Momentum
- Remote Canada
+ Senior Manager, Safety and Protection, PEN America
- Hybrid USA
+ Senior Advisor, Canada, Center for Countering Digital Hate
- Canada – Ottawa, Toronto or Montreal
+ Digital Fundraising and Growth Strategist, Center for Countering
Digital Hate
- US Remote—East Coast
+ Data Scientist (UK), Center for Countering Digital Hate
- UK, with flexible working in our London office or fully remote
+ Research Officer (UK), Center for Countering Digital Hate
- UK, with flexible working in our London office or fully remote
+ Communications Manager, LeBlanc (& co.) Communications
- Hybrid Canda
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### Digital Rights in the Wider World ###
______________________________________
1. Taiwan Slams China for Pressuring Zambia to Cancel Rights Conference
Taiwan's government has criticised China after RightsCon was abruptly
cancelled following pressure from Beijing over the participation of
Taiwanese representatives. In a statement, the Executive Yuan's
Department of Human Rights and Transitional Justice said that China's
actions to block both public and private sector participation in the
event were part of a broader effort to isolate Taiwan on the global
stage. The department also stated that Beijing aimed to "force the
international community to ignore Taiwan's free and democratic system"
and to pressure human rights advocates worldwide into remaining silent
on issues such as surveillance and repression by authoritarian regimes.
https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-slams-china-for-pressuring-zambia-to-cancel-rights-conference-articleshow-90vhny3
2. The AI Hard Drive Shortage Is Making It More Expensive and Harder to
Archive the Internet
Skyrocketing hard drive and storage costs caused by the AI data center
boom are making it more expensive and more difficult for digital
archivists, academics, Wikipedia, and hobby data hoarders to save data
and archive the internet. Specific drives favored by some high profile
organizations like the Internet Archive have become far more expensive
or are difficult to find at all, archivists said.
https://www.404media.co/the-ai-hard-drive-shortage-is-making-it-more-expensive-and-harder-to-archive-the-internet/
3. Indonesia Moves to Strengthen Right to Be Forgotten in Human Rights
Law Revision
Indonesia is incorporating the right to be forgotten into a revision of
the national Human Rights Law. The measure is intended to address the
long-term impact of online records that remain accessible long after
legal cases are resolved. According to government statements reported on
4 May 2026, the reform aims to protect individuals from reputational
harm caused by outdated or inaccurate digital information while
maintaining legal oversight and public accountability.
https://opengovasia.com/indonesia-moves-to-strengthen-right-to-be-forgotten-in-human-rights-law-revision/
4. Bangladesh’s Anti-Cyberbullying Cell: One Chance to Get it Right
A special cell will be established under Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s
Office to stop harassment and violence against women and children.
According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC), 89% of women social media users have experienced online violence
at least once, with those in the 18 to 30 year bracket facing the
highest risk. Last year, BTRC received 13,023 content removal
requests—90% were from women.
https://www.thedailystar.net/slow-reads/big-picture/news/bangladeshs-anti-cyberbullying-cell-one-chance-get-it-right-4165766
Additionally, Bangladesh's Cyber Security Act is being invoked to tackle
the monetised harassment of women online. But with vague definitions,
compressed timelines, and memories of the DSA-era censorship still raw,
critics warn that the cure may be as dangerous as the disease.
https://www.tbsnews.net/features/panorama/can-bangladesh-regulate-digital-voyeurism-without-undermining-rights-1425446
5. Berkman Klein Researchers Unveil New Open Source Tool to Verify
Identity, Let Users Limit Information They Share, Where It Is Stored
Harvard Berkman Klein Researchers have unveiled a new open-source
identity verification tool, the Keyring wallet. Rather than surrendering
personal data to be stored in corporate databases, Keyring lets users
keep their personal information on their mobile phones, and disclose
only what is absolutely necessary to verify who you are. The tool was
developed in collaboration with the Linux Foundation’s Decentralized
Trust Graph Working Group. Keyring also supports verification of
in-person connections without a company operating as an intermediary,
such as Linkedin.
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/05/worried-about-how-online-firms-use-data-they-get-from-you/
6. Brazil Reveals Timeline for Mandatory Biometrics Registration, CIN
Card Issuance
The Brazilian government has set a timeline for social benefits
recipients to complete biometric registration and obtain the country’s
new national identity card, Carteira de Identidade Nacional (CIN).
Brazil plans to make the CIN mandatory for all citizens by 2032. Welfare
recipients who have not submitted biometrics must obtain the CIN by the
end of 2026, while those who have completed biometric registration with
the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), a National Driver’s License (CNH) or
received a passport have until January 2028.
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202605/brazil-reveals-timeline-for-mandatory-biometrics-registration-cin-card-issuance
7. AP Wins Pulitzer Prize for China Surveillance Reporting
On May 4, the Associated Press was honored with the Pulitzer Prize for
International Reporting for coverage that revealed how Silicon Valley
largely designed and built China’s surveillance state and enabled human
rights abuses. The reporting detailed how surveillance technology made
and sold with the U.S. government’s knowledge is reshaping life
especially in China, but also in Gaza, Lebanon, Nepal and even within
the U.S.
https://www.ap.org/media-center/press-releases/2026/ap-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-china-surveillance-reporting/
______________________________________
### Community Resources ###
______________________________________
1. Supercharged Human
Check out Tactical Tech’s resource for educators, parents and caregivers
on how to supercharge teens to critically use AI. The resource is
designed to increase awareness of the trade-offs currently on the table,
and help teens adjust their behavior accordingly.
https://tacticaltech.org/supercharged-human/
2. What Is Secure Communications?
This secure communications primer is written for activists, journalists
and nonprofits. Learn about best practices and tools to keep your
network safe.
https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-secure-communications
_____________________________________
### 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
Digital Rights Social / Focus: Regional Updates
May 21, 2026 @ 14 UTC
TCU's Mattermost
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates
Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC)
June 8 to 10
Manila, Philippines
https://engagemedia.org/2025/drapac26-manila/
Digital Rights Social / Focus: Security Clinic Best Practices and Q&A
June 18, 2026 @ 14 UTC
TCU's Mattermost
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates
Global Media Forum
June 23 and 24, 2026
Bonn Germany
https://corporate.dw.com/en/gmf-2026-your-ideas-deserve-the-spotlight/a-75222151
Fight for Us, Not for Them Event
June 23
Brussels and Online
https://edri.org/our-work/announcing-the-summit-fight-for-us-not-for-them-a-public-interest-vision-for-eu-tech-policy/
All Things in Moderation 2026: Call for Contributions
June 25 to 26
Online and on demand
https://www.allthingsinmoderation.org/call-for-contributions
Digital Rights Social / Focus: Organizational Sustainability and Resilience
July 16, 2026 @ 14 UTC
TCU's Mattermost
https://wiki.digitalrights.community/index.php?title=Community_Updates
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
Trust and Safety Research Conference 2026
October 1–2, 2026
Currently accepting proposals here:
https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/trust-and-safety-research-conference.
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 ###
__________________________________________
Lebanese Journalists At Risk or Pressure
No Deadline
https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/News/07-04-2026/13133
Human Rights Projects in Sri Lanka
Deadline: May 6
https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/sri-lanka/w/open-call-for-applications-embassy-funded-human-rights-projects-sri-lanka
ISOC Community-Centered Connectivity Grant Program
May 7
https://www.isocfoundation.org/grant-programme/community-centered-connectivity/
FemFirst Lab
Deadline: May 15
https://itforchange.net/call-for-applications-femfirst-lab
Human Rights Democracy and CSO Support to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Deadline: May 15, 2026.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/prospect-details/186264PROSPECTSEN
Sinar Project Civic Tech Fellowship 2026
May 17
https://sinarproject.org/projects/enabling-tech/sinar-project-civic-tech-fellowship-2026
Goethe Institute Grant
May 19
https://www.goethe.de/ins/ng/en/kul/sup/co9/dnw26/dnwoc.html
DiploFoundation Knowledge Fellow
May 31
https://dig.watch/opportunity-become-a-knowledge-fellow
Community Access Fund for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers
May 31
https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/community-access-fund-application
Promoting Inclusive Digital Services in Kyrgyzstan
Deadline: June 2
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/prospect-details/185902PROSPECTSEN
Interledger Fellowship Program
Deadline: June 15
https://interledger.org/grant/fellowship
InDiCo-Global. Deadline
Deadline: June 30, 2026
https://indico-global-grants.eu/indico-global-third-open-call
__________________________________________
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Team CommUNITY at ARTICLE 19
www.digitalrights.community
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