Discussing and addressing digital threats at recent event
Banner for the RECIPE project presentation at the NetHope Summit in October 2024.
Oxfam and partner organisations met at the recent 2024 NetHope Global Summit to discuss threats to digital safety for civil society organisations (CSOs) and people in the Global South. Each year, NetHope members meet along with corporate partners and supporters, to address how technology can be used to adress the world’s most pressing challenges.
The event took place in October 2024 in Washington, DC and online, and involved a virtual discussion with partner organisations under the ReCIPE (“Recentering the Civic Internet through Partner Engagement”) project, Al Khatt, AMATE El Salvador and Fundación InternetBolivia.org.
The panel addressed what international networks like NetHope can do to better support digital security and promote digital rights and safer civic engagement in the Global South.
Both panelists and participants noted that NetHope can play an important role in three key areas:
Supporting the development of tailored digital security training and tools for secure operations, including through direct grants for digital security training and infrastructure.
Raising awareness about the work of digital rights coalitions advocating for inclusive digital policies and the protection of online civic spaces. Also, continuining to support the engagement of civil society organisations with technology companies and funding partners on digital rights issues.
Facilitating the sharing of best practices on digital security among civil society organisations at national, regional and global level.
The panel included Oxfam’s Civic Space and Digital Rights Officer, Jane Muhia from Kenya, Al Khatt’s Executive Director, Malek Khadhraoui from Tunisia and AMATE’s Training and Advocacy Officer, Gonzalo Montano from El Salvador. They were joined by Fundación InternetBolivia.org’s Digital Violence Expert, Narayani Rivera from Bolivia.
“We face quite a few challenges when it comes to protecting our digital rights as civil society organisations in the Global South and the threats come from many different directions with the particular aim to silence dissenting voices and certain vulnerable groups.”
Montano noted that closing civic space in El Salvador has brought digital threats. He said that regulatory frameworks generate an environment of constant surveillance and self-censorship for Salvadoran CSOs and human rights activists.
“This situation seriously affects our ability to carry out advocacy work since many activists and human rights defenders fear being tracked and suffering reprisals. The lack of regulation that balances the power that the Salvadoran State has over the population and civil society in cases of human rights abuses in the digital space, is one of our main concerns.”
Khadhraoui echoed Montano, explaining how since July 2021, the Tunisian government has expanded its surveillance apparatus under the explanation of national security. He noted that it is targeting activists, journalists and bloggers, who are exercising their right to freedom of expression.
“Most civil society organisations and independent media outlets are being targeted and, in order to continue their work, they need to take a lot of costly precautions to secure their teams digital and physical safety, both online and offline. The situation is particularly dangerous for organisations working with marginalised communities like migrants and LGBTQ+ people who are also at risk of harm.”
Muhia said that recent developments in Kenya are another example about how digital tools, networks and platforms can be transformational for civic participation and engagement. They are often accompanied by harmful consequences and real risks to human rights.
The panel then discussed key lessons learned and tips on how to protect from digital threats.
Rivera noted that in Bolivia, many organisations and activists lack formal strategies on digital protection but have learned how to react when facing digital attacks and have adopted many good practices. She spoke about good practices involving both technical and non-technical approaches, which all panelists saw as a key point.
Some of the technical approaches mentioned, include use of encrypted communication tools like Signal and Proton Mail and virtual private networks (VPNs), as well as tailored training to develop digital protection skills. The need to carefully vet free tools was highlighted as an important step to ensure digital privacy. Among the non-technical approaches, the importance of creating support and solidarity networks both nationally and internationally was highlighted.
“This is a great protection mechanism since we can collectively denounce how technology is being misused to violate our rights and hold those in power to account.”
Khadhraoui noted that the constant threat of digital surveillance, censorship and harassment can take a psychological toll on activists. To counter this, some CSOs have begun providing mental health support, creating safe spaces where activists can discuss the emotional challenges they face and access professional counseling services.
Oxfam and ReCIPE partner organisations will continue to engage with NetHope and its partners to create a more inclusive and safe digital future for all.