Digital rights, privacy and security | In focus | DW | 26.07.2016
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In focus

Digital rights, privacy and security

A selection of #mediadev articles looking at how digital rights, privacy and security are entwined and examining the line between national security concerns and the right to privacy.

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'Companies are concerned about a loss of their reputation'

The US nonprofit Ranking Digital Rights looks at tech companies’ disclosure of policies and practices affecting freedom of expression and privacy. Director Rebecca MacKinnon talks about these companies’ responsibility. (16.05.2018)

Privacy is not dead, but it’s going to cost you

These days it’s hard to disconnect from digital life, even temporarily. But Mozilla’s Cathleen Berger argues we should give more thought to how we can do that and control the personal data that companies are harvesting. (12.03.2018)

Media need to step up efforts to protect digital rights

It's not enough for the media to simply report on how the digital world is changing – journalists also need to stand up for digital rights, for all of our sakes. (06.06.2017)

Protecting sources and contacts: Five digital security tips for journalists

Journalists depend on contacts for conducting research, but these sources can be vulnerable to state reprisals. The Ugandan Hub for Investigative Media offers five tips for protecting contacts in the digital age.  (29.05.2017)

Digital security resources

Links to online digital security tools, guides, training curriculums and research for media development organizations wanting to protect journalists and activists.  (31.01.2017)

Digital security crucial to protecting human rights 

Media development organizations need comprehensive digital security plans to keep safe journalists and human rights defenders, who are increasingly the target of digital surveillance.  (25.01.2017)

Digital security – act now! 

For journalists, cyberspace is one of the ten most dangerous places in the world, it's as dangerous as countries like Egypt or Syria. #mediadev looks at some of the ways media development can deal with the threat. (20.12.2016)

Internet shutdowns – an explainer

With governments increasingly pulling the plug on Internet and social networks during critical periods such as protests and elections, it's time to get informed about Internet shutdowns. (12.12.2016)

What are digital rights?

In the lead-up to Human Rights Day on December 10, #mediadev takes a look at what digital rights are and how they are being eroded.  (09.12.2016)

Marginalized ethnic groups have less internet access

The internet gap between rich and poor, and cities and the countryside is well documented. But politically marginalized groups are also less connected, something media development also needs to take into account. (03.11.2016)

Five excuses governments (ab)use to justify Internet shutdowns

Governments are increasingly blocking, throttling or disrupting communications networks. Digital rights group Access Now unpacks common excuses used by governments to justify Internet shutdowns.  (24.10.2016)

The new power of manipulation

Google and Facebook are able to influence the opinions of their users. That's dangerous. By Sandro Gaycken (18.10.2016)

Advancing Freedom of Expression: Using digital innovation to foster Article 19 in the Global South

DW Akademie's publication explores the potential of using digital technologies to advance freedom of expression and access to information. (15.03.2016)

UN special rapporteur: Officials shouldn't exploit Paris tragedy to erode digital rights

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, says officials "do not need to capitalize on the tragedy" by undermining people's rights to privacy. (19.11.2015)

Some governments don't want to discuss mass surveillance

The UN's chief privacy expert says new international conventions are needed to govern the Internet. He criticizes some governments' reluctance to renounce surveillance, espionage and cyberwar activities. (13.11.2015)

Tech companies fail to make the grade on privacy

A new ranking of major technology companies has given them low marks for protecting the privacy and freedom of expression of their users. #mediadev talks to the project's director, Rebecca MacKinnon, about the results. (12.11.2015)

Communication shutdowns: “The fabric of society is torn”

Access to information is a human right, also regarding the Internet. But Ben Wagner from the Centre for Internet & Human Rights says countries block Internet access regularly, which has serious implications for society. (16.10.2015)

Ensuring public access to information: the UN’s new global goal

In 1766, Sweden became the first country to legally require authorities to provide public access to information. By adopting the UN's new sustainable development agenda, the rest of the world is finally about to follow. By Bill Orme (24.09.2015)

Surveillance and human rights in the digital age

Surveillance technologies are increasingly being used in Latin America to monitor citizens. Uruguayan transparency advocate Fabrizio Scrollini discusses what needs to be done to protect human rights in the region. (27.04.2015)

Global Freedom of Expression Initiative

The Columbia University database comprises case law and court rulings on freedom of expression from over 60 countries as well as background information. (29.07.2015)