September 24, 2022

Privacy is Global: Creative Storytelling for Data Protection Advocacy

“What if there was a mythical monster that sucked our biodata instead of our blood?” “Can you imagine the CEO’s reaction when he realised the whole country’s personal data was stolen from his company’s databases?” “What if we could send messages back in time and warn ourselves about the dangers of losing our privacy?”

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February 21, 2024 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 21 february 2024

In this edition, we share with you our concerns about the Irish media regulator’s Online Safety Code and the sledgehammer approach of age verification tools. Also, earlier this month, the EU Parliament voted on the agreement on automated data exchange for police cooperation, known as ‘Prüm II’. What does this framework, and the broader securitisation mindset it represents, mean for our fundamental rights?

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October 11, 2023 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 11 October 2023

The autumn leaves have started to fall but not our spirits. We organised 180 civil society groups and eminent experts to call on governments to stop the use of facial recognition surveillance by police, authorities and private companies. We also mobilised 80 media, journalists, and human and digital rights organisations to urge MEPs to ban the use of spyware against journalists & so much more!

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December 7, 2022

Effectively and safely sharing government data with the public: webinar

This webinar discusses recommendations for opening up government data, establishing a National Secure Data Service, and implementing privacy preserving technologies, drawing on reports published by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building (ACDEB), and Georgetown University’s Massive Data Institute (MDI).

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November 24, 2022

The EU’s struggle with general-purpose AI: dialogues and debates

In the EU, these AI systems are now referred to as “general-purpose AI” and policymakers are grappling with this exact question in negotiations of the EU’s so-called AI Act. Join the event to learn more.

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October 25, 2023 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 25 October 2023

We’re in high spirits after mobilising 23 activists from over 13 European countries to come to Brussels in support early October. Representing over 200,000 supporters of EDRi’s Stop Scanning Me campaign, these activists urged Members of European Parliament (MEPs) to ensure everyone’s digital security amid mass surveillance measures in the CSA Regulation. Meta is up to no good again after the European Court of Justice declared their handling of user data illegal earlier this year. In a move to circumvent EU privacy law, the tech corporation reportedly plans to ask users to pay up to €228 a year to preserve their fundamental right to privacy on its platforms.

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January 17, 2024 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 17 January 2024

In December 2023, European Union (EU) institutions reached an agreement on the landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. But we think it might be too early to celebrate. Same for the European Media Freedom Act, which culminated in a politically pressured final trilogue in December. The final text leaves much to be desired in protecting journalists and EU fundamental rights.

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December 16, 2020 · Blogs | Information democracy | Freedom of expression online

Terrorist Content Online: Is this the end?

On 10 December, the European Parliament and the German Presidency acting on behalf of the Council reached a provisional agreement on the Regulation addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online.

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April 22, 2021 · Blogs | Privacy and data protection | Artificial intelligence (AI) | Biometrics | Data protection standards | Privacy and confidentiality

Computers are binary, people are not: how AI systems undermine LGBTQ identity

Companies and governments are already using AI systems to make decisions that lead to discrimination. When police or government officials rely on them to determine who they should watch, interrogate, or arrest — or even “predict” who will violate the law in the future — there are serious and sometimes fatal consequences. EDRi's member Access Now explain how AI can automate LGBTQ oppression.

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January 29, 2020 · Blogs | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

#PrivacyCamp20 happened

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October 9, 2024 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 9 October 2024

Last week, we gathered with hundreds of EU decision-makers, Members of European Parliament, civil society representatives and journalists at the Tech and Society Summit in Brussels. As one of the 41 co-organisers of the Summit, we were inspired by the visionary ideas in the various panels, discussions and chat – all towards centering people, the planet and democracy in the EU tech agenda. Stay tuned for more highlights and recordings from the day. One of the main takeaway from the Summit was that systems of control and surveillance – which are becoming increasingly central to EU policies – will not make us safer. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Europe’s own borders where technology is being used to dehumanised migrants. Read the blog by Access Now’s Caterina Rodelli who travelled across Greece to see first-hand how this is happening. On a positive note, the infamous “Chat Control” proposal is dead and buried again – for now. And we have the Dutch to thank for this positive development! We have more details for you.

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December 4, 2024 · Blogs | EDRi-gram | Highlights | Information democracy | Open internet and inclusive technology | Privacy and data protection

EDRi-gram, 4 December 2024

This week, a new college of European Commissioners was confirmed by the European Parliament. Together with a broad civil society coalition, we welcomed them with our collective vision for EU policy that puts technology in the public interest. This call-to-action for the new leadership is crucial, given the worrying Commissioners' hearings in the European Parliament. Their focus on corporate and security interests steeped in, wrapped in a harmful logic of constant growth and control. Below, you can also read our main takeaways from the Commissioners' hearings. It was a mixed bag that reiterated the importance of our efforts towards achieving digital justice. More, we share a critical analysis of the EU's twin transition in times of crises, and its connection to green extractivism and militarisation. Romania has also been on our minds this week – with an unexpected extremist candidate winning the first round of the presidential elections. Civil society in Romania is ringing the alarm about the role that TikTok played in amplifying an existing democracy deficit and social issues, how the tech platform relates to DSA obligations, and what the EU and national authorities can do about it. Finally, EDRi's Executive Director Claire Fernandez is preparing for a leadership transition in 2025. Join us in thanking Claire for her dedication and impact, while reading some reflections below.

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