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In Venezuela, Maduro’s regime must end the assault on free speech and #KeepItOn
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Venezuela’s many means of surveillance and control
Sadly, digital censorship is nothing new for Venezuela, as Access Now’s Ángela Alarcón explains in our latest post. Long before the election crisis, Maduro’s regime was forcing internet providers to block content and intercept private communications, encouraging people to report on their neighbors for dissident activity online, and intimidating or doxxing those who dared to speak out on social media platforms. Learn about the tools and strategies Maduro has used to crush dissent, in the original Spanish or English. Read more via Access Now
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Telegraphing Telegram’s troubles
Our statement on French authorities’ detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
Last Saturday, French authorities detained Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. He was later released on bail after being placed under formal investigation for a number of alleged offenses. We previously criticized Telegram for its lack of clear, transparent content moderation policies and deficient privacy and security measures, such as the absence of end-to-end encryption. But detaining the staff of platforms that people use to exercise their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, without demonstrable alignment with human rights principles, could set a dangerous precedent and further jeopardize civic space. We urge French authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and procedural safeguards, as well as to human rights standards, in their ongoing prosecution. Read more via Access Now
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Pavel Durov’s arrest leaves Telegram hanging in the balance
What does Durov’s arrest mean for the people who use Telegram in countries around the world? Access Now Senior Tech Counsel Natalia Krapiva talks to WIRED about the implications of the arrest and why civil society’s relationship with Telegram is “complicated.” Read more via WIRED
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Creating connectivity despite disruption
Building a food delivery app in the internet shutdown capital of the world
Last year, India once again topped the global shame list for perpetrating internet shutdowns, disrupting connectivity at least 116 times. Rest of World reports that some Indian entrepreneurs have developed a low-tech food delivery app that can function with limited connectivity. While this kind of innovation is commendable, we can’t help but wonder how much more economic development the government has stifled by keeping people cut off. According to some estimates, internet shutdowns drained more than USD 500 million from India’s economy last year alone. Read more via Rest of World
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READ: “Examining the recent internet shutdown in Kenya”
Following the recent deadly protests in Kenya, which involved myriad documented human rights violations, researchers at Strathmore University’s Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) have analyzed the impact of the ensuing internet shutdown, which saw thousands of people cut off amid the chaos. As their analysis notes, such measures signal a move toward digital authoritarianism, with the suppression of digital activism a “significant consequence of the shutdown.” Read more via Strathmore University
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Africa in 2023: internet shutdowns attack democracy
Our latest regional deep dive into the 2023 #KeepItOn internet shutdown data looks at Africa, where nine countries triggered at least 17 shutdowns, many following protests. “From Ethiopia to Senegal, authorities hit the kill switch with reckless abandon in some areas,” notes Access Now’s Felicia Anthonio, while “prolonging the suffering of those living under blackouts in others.” Read the Africa deepdive in Kiswahili, French, or Amharic. Want to learn more about shutdowns around the world? Dig into data from the Middle East and North Africa (in English or Arabic), Eastern Europe and Central Asia (in Ukrainian and Russian), Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Read more via Access Now
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Nepal lifts its ban on TikTok
It’s always good news when authorities reverse course on blocking platforms or disrupting internet access, which is why we welcome Nepalese authorities’ decision to lift the TikTok ban that has been in place since November 2023. As we said at the time, such blanket bans are disproportionate and undemocratic, and should never be used as an alternative for the robust legal frameworks needed to hold social media platforms accountable. Read more via Kathmandu Post
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Join the fight for digital rights!
Access Now is fighting against internet shutdowns — but that’s just one way we work to defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk. If you’re enjoying this newsletter and want to discover more ways to get involved, visit our “Support Us” page! Read more via Access Now
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Opportunities and other highlights
LAST CHANCE: Privacy and Human Rights Award
You still have time to nominate an organization for the inaugural Privacy and Human Rights Award, which recognizes outstanding work to protect and promote privacy, data protection, and human rights. The honoree will be announced at RightsCon 2025, which takes place online and in Taipei on February 24-27, 2025. Submit your nomination by this Sunday, September 1 (in English, French, or Spanish). Read more via Access Now
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FINAL CALL: Digital Investigation Residency
If you are a journalist, fact-checker, or researcher passionate about investigations in the public interest, and have experience working on issues related to political influence, climate, or AI, today is your last day to apply for the Digital Investigation Residency, an initiative of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI), delivered in partnership with Tactical Tech and others. This will take place in Berlin, Germany, from November 18-22, 2024, and funding for travel and accommodation is available. Learn more and apply. Read more via Tactical Tech
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