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Proceed with caution: Sandvine removed from U.S. Entity List
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This week, the U.S. government announced it is removing Canadian surveillance firm Sandvine from its Entity List, barely eight months after blocklisting the company for facilitating the surveillance and censorship of activists and politicians in Egypt. U.S. authorities say they are responding to Sandvine’s recent commitments to reform its business practices, but we’re worried that lifting the block is premature, given that these changes were only announced last month. As Access Now’s Rand Hammoud points out, we still don’t know what mechanisms have been put in place to ensure Sandvine’s customers won’t violate human rights. We urge the U.S.government to closely monitor Sandvine's actions. Read more via Access Now
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Spyware makers, making moves
ICE's $2 million contract with Paragon Solutions is under White House review
After the news broke that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency signed a USD $2 million contract with spyware manufacturer Paragon Solutions, the Biden administration hit pause to investigate whether the contract complies with the U.S. executive order banning federal agencies from using commercial spyware that could jeopardize national security or has been shown to enable human rights violations. This review sets an important precedent in the fight to rein in spyware abuse worldwide, especially among “countries who claim to be democracies,” says Access Now’s Natalia Krapiva. Read more via WIRED
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Rebooting digital public infrastructure
A human rights-centered approach to digital public infrastructure
Proponents of digital public infrastructure (DPI) — such as digital identification programs, digital payment systems, and data exchange solutions — see it as a way to accelerate development, drive inclusion, and promote innovation. But done badly, DPI can undermine human rights, enable data breaches and cybercrime, amplify surveillance, and even serve as a tool for exclusion, not inclusion. As stakeholders gather at the World Bank meeting this week, we’ve published a new discussion paper with policy recommendations to reconceptualize and implement DPI in ways that reduce security risks and protect people’s rights. Read more via Access Now
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ICYMI: Why we need tailored identity systems for our digital world
There is no “one size fits all” approach to building digital public infrastructure; governments should develop DPI based on an assessment of the needs of impacted communities, and work to identify and address human rights risks before moving forward with implementation. Read our post on designing minimalist digital identity systems that respect and protect our rights, rejecting the notion that data-heavy systems are the only option. Read more via Access Now
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Who can lift Myanmar’s digital iron curtain?
Myanmar residents struggle to overcome severe internet blackouts with Starlink
Even when people in Myanmar can connect to the internet, communicating can be dangerous. Speaking to Rest of World, Access Now’s Wai Phyo Myint highlights the impact of the VPN bans.“VPNs can hide one’s digital footprint from military surveillance,” she says. “Now, people don’t have that security, which is concerning; it’s a life-and-death issue.” Read more via Rest of World
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#KeepItOn during conflict
REGISTER: “Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of silenced voices in the Amhara, Ethiopia”
After conflict broke out between Ethiopian military forces and members of the Amhara Fano fighters in 2023, Ethiopia’s government imposed a country-wide internet shutdown. Next Tuesday, October 29, at 10h EST/14h GMT, Access Now and the Amhara Association of America will host a live-streamed webinar to hear from people directly impacted by the ensuing blackouts. Join us to discuss pathways to #KeepItOn in times of crisis. Register via Access Now
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Opportunities and other highlights
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