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Proceed with caution: Sandvine removed from U.S. Entity List

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

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

Pegasus spyware maker said to flout federal court as it lobbies to get off U.S. blocklist

It’s been three years, but Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group — maker of the infamous Pegasus spyware technology — hasn’t stopped trying to reverse its own blocklisting in the U.S. As part of its ongoing charm offensive, bolstered by the war in Gaza, NSO lobbyists have been meeting with, and even donating to, members of the U.S. Congress — while the company also pushes back on civil society efforts to seek accountability in courts across the U.S. and worldwide. Read more via The Intercept

Joint letter on procurement, use, and regulation of spyware in EU member states

The EU has been slower to tackle the spyware scourge than the U.S. Only 11 EU member states have signed onto the U.S.-led joint statement on countering the spread and proliferation of dangerous commercial spyware, for one example. Together with 12 civil society partners, we’ve written to the European Parliament to warn that Slovakia and Greece’s procurement and use of spyware technologies “present serious threats to the rule of law and democracy,” and called for an immediate investigation. Read more via CDT

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

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

Who can lift Myanmar’s digital iron curtain?

Myanmar’s internet freedom is now as bad as China’s, report finds

Myanmar now ties with China as the lowest-ranked country in Freedom House’s new Freedom on the Net report, a reflection of the military junta’s ever-tightening grip on freedom of expression and dissent. Not only are people in Myanmar suffering from the junta’s widespread and pervasive surveillance, VPN bans, and platform blocks, they are also repeatedly disconnected from the world through deliberate, weaponized internet shutdowns. Learn more and join us as we continue to demand the international community stand with the people of Myanmar. Read more via CNN

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

#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

Israel cuts internet in northern Gaza amid ethnic cleansing of Palestinians

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces have reportedly cut off both internet and telecommunications services amid the escalating violence and deepening humanitarian crisis of horrific proportions. This leaves Palestinians simply trying to survive unable to reach their loved ones, get access to life-saving information, or share what is happening on the ground. Join us as we continue to call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed and suffering. Read more via Middle East Monitor

Opportunities and other highlights

WE’RE HIRING: Platform Engagement Coordinator

Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline, which works to help civil society organizations, journalists, and activists stay safer online, is looking for a new Platform Engagement Coordinator to lead efforts to engage with external tech platforms and infrastructure providers’ trust and safety teams. If this sounds like a fit for you, check out the position description and apply. Read more via Access Now

REGISTER: “Borderless repression: Transnational threats to journalists in the European landscape”

Authoritarian regimes do not hesitate to try to silence their critics, even beyond their borders. Across Europe, exiled journalists are increasingly subject to transnational repression, including spyware attacks. On Thursday, October 31, at 14h CET, join Media Defence and Free Press Unlimited for a webinar to explore key threats and strategies to protect journalists, featuring Access Now’s Natalia Krapiva. Register via Media Defence