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Inside Expression: August 2023

This month: Iran’s new law against women, the UN Cybercrime Treaty, AI,
and deepfakes

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NEW EPISODES OF THE _TECHTONIC_ PODCAST: AI, ELECTION INTEGRITY, AND
DEEPFAKE PORNOGRAPHY

In 2024, elections will take place in numerous countries worldwide - from
Egypt to Mexico, and from Russia to the US. Are our political systems, the
media, and Big Tech platforms ready for AI-powered elections, which could
spread disinformation and manipulate voters at an unprecedented scale and
speed?

In the second episode [3] of _Techtonic_, our podcast about Big Tech and
freedom of expression, presenter Chris Stokel-Walker explores these
questions with Eddie Perez, former Head of Election Integrity at Twitter
and current board member of the Open Source Election Technology Institute.

In episode 3 [4], Chris talks to disinformation researcher and former US
Department of Homeland Security staffer Nina Jankowicz [4] about the
targeted campaign against her. First she was dubbed a traitor and accused
of trying to censor Americans. And then she discovered that deepfake
pornographic images of her had been generated and were being widely shared
online. What happens when the internet is no longer a place where we can
express ourselves, share our enthusiasm, and bond with others?

SUBSCRIBE TO TECHTONIC WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS TO HEAR ALL OUR
EPISODES, RELEASED FORTNIGHTLY ON MONDAYS.

Listen on Apple [5], Spotify [2], and Amazon [6].

‘AS DEEPFAKES AND AI BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE AND MORE CONVINCING, FOR
WOMEN WHO ARE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, THIS IS JUST GOING TO BE THE FIRST ORDER
OF BUSINESS FOR ANYONE WHO WISHES TO UNDERMINE THEM.’ 

– Nina Jankowicz, disinformation researcher

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UN CYBERCRIME TREATY MUST INCLUDE HUMAN RIGHTS SAFEGUARDS

Member States have been negotiating [8] a draft UN Cybercrime Treaty [9]
for over a year, with the intention of fostering international cooperation
against cybercrime. This will facilitate the rewriting of criminal laws
around the world.

But we are concerned that, in its current state, the treaty could
criminalise online speech, expand cross-border surveillance, and undermine
the privacy, [10] freedom of expression, and fundamental rights of many –
especially journalists, activists, and marginalised groups.

With overbroad provisions, Article 13 of the treaty could be used to
criminalise ‘written materials’ that describe harm to children, meaning
great works of literature could be banned. It could also be used to
criminalise LGBTQ+ communities, as is already being done in Jordan and
Uganda.

It’s vital that the most vulnerable in our world are protected, but we
have to do this in line with human rights standards. We can’t give
further power to those authorities that already violate rights.

That’s why, on 23 August, ARTICLE 19 and our allies briefed reporters
(pictured above) about critical flaws in the treaty. Along with nearly 130
human rights organisations and experts, we are calling [11] for the UN to
include strong human rights safeguards in the treaty.

Read more

‘THIS TREATY MAKES OWNING BOOKS A CRIME. IT PUTS LGBTQ+ YOUTH AND
SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AT RISK. IT GIVES A LOADED GUN TO STATES
THAT ALREADY USE CYBERCRIME LAWS TO RUIN LIVES.’

– Carey Shenkman, human rights attorney and ARTICLE 19’s
representative at the treaty negotiations

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IRAN PLANS TO USE FACIAL RECOGNITION TECH TO TARGET WOMEN

In new analysis for ARTICLE 19, Information Security Analyst and women’s
rights activist Azam Jangravi [13], one of the first women to take her
hijab off in protest on Revolution Street in 2018 (pictured above), unpacks
the 'Hijab and Chastity Bill’. This new legislation is being rushed
through parliament and will give authorities power to deploy AI and facial
recognition technology in subways and public places, and as part of border
control and other measures, to identify, arrest, and punish women.

Given that facial recognition and biometric technologies are currently
inconsistent with international human rights standards, we reiterate our
call for a moratorium [14] on their development.

States and international bodies must hold companies, including Tiandy and
Huawei [15], accountable.

Read more

‘THE ACTIONS TAKEN IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE ANNIVERSARY OF MAHSA JHINA
AMINI’S DEATH UNDERSCORE THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERTED EFFORTS TO DETER
THE RESURGENCE OF PROTESTS. EMPLOYING AN ARRAY OF INTIMIDATION TACTICS AND
GENERATING A CLIMATE OF FEAR, INCLUDING THE UTILISATION OF FACIAL
RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY AND DISPATCHING TEXT MESSAGES REGARDING HIJAB
COMPLIANCE, ARE INDICATIVE OF THESE INTENTIONS. THE AIM IS TO CURTAIL
PUBLIC PRESENCE ON THE STREETS.’ 

– Azam Jangravi, Information Security Analyst and women’s rights
activist

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SOCIAL MEDIA 4 PEACE: NEW HANDBOOK TO SUPPORT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

The SOCIAL MEDIA 4 PEACE [17] handbook, a guide to content moderation and
freedom of expression in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, is available
now.

With a handful of major companies wielding immense power over what billions
of users see and share online, concerns about freedom of expression, media
diversity, and privacy breaches have grown. This practical guide, produced
by ARTICLE 19 under the UNESCO project Social Media 4 Peace funded by the
European Union, complements the extensive research conducted as part of the
project, focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, and Kenya. It
reflects ARTICLE 19’s long-standing calls for responses to dangerous
content to always conform with international standards on freedom of
expression and other human rights.

Learn more

‘IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY VOICES ARE HEARD IN THESE
DISCUSSIONS, AS THEY KNOW BEST HOW PLATFORMS’ PRACTICES AFFECT THE
COMMUNITIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THEIR COUNTRIES.’ 

– Chantal Joris, Legal Officer, ARTICLE 19

FRANCE’S NEW INTERNET PLANS WILL UNDERMINE FREE SPEECH

Just as ARTICLE 19 was reviewing content-moderation practices as part of
our SOCIAL MEDIA 4 PEACE project, French lawmakers were proposing a new
bill aimed at securing and regulating the digital space.

Several of the bill’s provisions present fundamental threats to human
rights. We are particularly concerned that plans for web browsers and
domain name system (DNS) resolvers to block websites the government flags
up will have a direct impact on what people can access and share online,
and that vague references to taking ‘all appropriate measures’ to block
illegal content could result in legal – and vital – content also being
blocked.

'THIS PROPOSAL IS A DANGEROUS THREAT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE
RIGHT TO INFORMATION. EVEN IF PARTICULAR CONTENT MAY BE RESTRICTED UNDER
INTERNATIONAL LAW, BLOCKING AND FILTERING THROUGH THE DNS OR BROWSER
RARELY, IF EVER, PRESENT A NECESSARY OR PROPORTIONATE ACTION. AS IT STANDS,
THIS BILL FUNDAMENTALLY UNDERMINES FREEDOMS THAT ARE GUARANTEED BY THE EU
CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS.’

– Mehwish Ansari, Head of Digital, ARTICLE 19

Read more

DID A FRIEND OR COLLEAGUE FORWARD THIS TO YOU?

SUBSCRIBE [18] TO ARTICLE 19'S MONTHLY INSIDE EXPRESSION UPDATE. 

[19]

News and campaigns

* Press freedom has suffered several assaults in the United States [20],
including attacks against 2 local media organisations serving small
communities, an organisation documenting hate speech and disinformation,
and online freedoms more broadly. Advocates and experts have condemned the
attacks and highlighted how vulnerable these key rights are everywhere –
not just in authoritarian or non-democratic countries.

*

In Malaysia [21], authorities recently raided a bookshop and confiscated 2
publications under the auspices of the country’s Printing Presses and
Publication Act. The Act goes against international human rights law and
standards and must be repealed, alongside other problematic legislation,
including a sedition law. [22]

*

Amid ongoing political turmoil, people in Senegal [23] have found it
increasingly difficult to access the internet and social media platforms,
especially TikTok. The government must prioritise people’s access to
information and honour their right to share news and opinions.

* Human rights defender and journalist Iryna Danylovych (pictured above)
is still in detention in Russia [19], where she continues to face legal
harassment as punishment for her work in the Occupied Crimea. She must be
immediately released and allowed to return to Ukraine, and her needs for
necessary medical care must be met.

Read more

‘THE UNITED STATES IS KNOWN FOR ITS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO FREEDOM OF
EXPRESSION AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. AND YET THE RECENT RAID ON THE _MARION
COUNTY RECORD_ AND THE SEIZURE OF MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT IS A CLEAR
REMINDER THAT JOURNALISTS – THAT NONE OF US – ARE FULLY PROTECTED FROM
SUCH ASSAULTS.’ 

– Quinn McKew, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director

CONVERSATIONS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

ARTICLE 19 and partners talk to _.CODA [24]_ about Jordan’s cybercrime
legislation and why it will stifle freedom of expression – especially for
anyone trying to hold the government to account.

ARTICLE 19 and partners tell_ LA LISTA [25] _about the need to protect
journalist María Luisa Estrada, one of many journalists facing threats in
Mexico (in Spanish).

Suay Boulougouris (Turkey Programme Officer, ARTICLE 19) spoke to _VOICE OF
AMERICA [26]_ about the rise of homophobic rhetoric in Turkey.

Michael Caster (Asia Digital Programme Manager, ARTICLE 19) tells _TECH
POLICY PRESS [27] _why Nepal’s national internet gateway will likely
forge a path to further repression.

‘THE HOMOPHOBIC RHETORIC FROM POLITICAL LEADERS, PARTICULARLY PRESIDENT
ERDOĞAN, APPEARS TO BE MIRRORED IN STATE MEDIA … THIS SUGGESTS A
SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP.’

– Suay Boulougouris, Turkey Programme Officer, ARTICLE 19

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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: KENYA ICT ACTION

An initiative that brings together organisations, institutions, and people
playing an active role in ICT policy and regulation, Kenya ICT Action’s
work includes e-learning guides, podcasts, events, policy analysis, and a
range of programmes.

Recently, together with ARTICLE 19 and 3 other international organisations,
Kenya ICT Action Network’s Victor Kapiyo briefed the media during the
latest set of negotiations for the UN Cybercrime Treaty [29] about the
current draft’s failure to adequately safeguard human rights.

Find out more

[30]

JOIN THE MOVEMENT FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

You can advance freedom of expression around the world by supporting
ARTICLE 19!

Invest in freedom of expression today

BOOKMARK

[31]

_HOW TO BE A WOMAN ONLINE: SURVIVING ABUSE AND HARASSMENT, AND HOW TO
FIGHT BACK_ BY NINA JANKOWICZ

‘An essential guide for women interested in standing up for a fairer,
safer online world.’ – _Publishers Weekly [32]_

Order now

ARTICLE 19 opportunities

Working in human rights is a challenging but rewarding career choice. With
ARTICLE 19 you will find an international community of activists, legal
specialists, and experts working together to protect basic freedoms.

Work with us

Must-listen podcast:

One Man and His Smog [33]

This episode of the OH GOD, WHAT NOW? podcast explores culture wars,
climate change, and the plight of refugees in the UK. Presented by Alex
Andreou with hosts Matt Green and Zoe Grunewald, and featuring special
guest Sam Fowles.

Listen now

Coming soon from ARTICLE 19...

SOCIAL MEDIA 4 PEACE IN COLOMBIA

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