When technology is the problem, not the solution: Lessons from harmful consequences of techno-solutionism in digital surveillance
AI-powered surveillance systems are being deployed globally - from Israel and Russia to EU member states. These systems target marginalised communities under the guise of improving security and efficiency. To rectify these harms, we must challenge techno-solutionist narratives and rethink why and how technology is used, and center human rights.
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When technology is the problem, not the solution: Lessons from harmful consequences of techno-solutionism in digital surveillance
AI-powered surveillance systems are being deployed globally - from Israel and Russia to EU member states. These systems target marginalised communities under the guise of improving security and efficiency. To rectify these harms, we must challenge techno-solutionist narratives and rethink why and how technology is used, and center human rights.
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Digital trade: the new frontline in the fight for our rights
The EU is signing digital trade deals that could undermine fundamental rights and block oversight of software systems shaping our lives. From data protection to algorithmic accountability, these agreements risk empowering opaque systems - used by both companies and governments - at the expense of the people most affected by them.
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Hungary’s new biometric surveillance laws violate the AI Act
This blog post is a legal analysis of new legislation in Hungary that uses facial recognition technology in a manner that violates the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Such use of this technology risks discouraging people from exercising their fundamental rights undermining their trust in democracy.
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Civil society to European Commission: Act now to defend fundamental rights from Hungary’s Pride ban and the use of facial recognition against protesters
EDRi, along with a broad coalition of civil society organisations, demands urgent action from the European Commission on Hungary’s new law banning Pride marches and permitting the use of live facial recognition technology targeting protesters.
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Serbian authorities must prosecute illegal hacking of journalists and activists
Today, 19 December, European Digital Rights (EDRi) and 58 organisations urge the European Union’s institutions to take action to stop the Serbian authorities’ illegal use of spyware to target journalists, activists, and members of civil society.
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New European Commission confirmed: our takeaways on what to expect
On 1 December 2024, the new political leaders of one of the EU’s most powerful institutions – the European Commission – officially took office. As part of their nomination process, they shared their digital visions for the next five years. Spoiler alert: the fight for digital rights will be as important as ever, with data protection, encryption and privacy all on the chopping block.
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Statement: EU takes modest step as AI law comes into effect
The EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act will finally come into force on August 1, 2024. While it's disappointing that the final law did not put people and their rights at the centre, it still contains some silver linings.
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Council of Europe approves AI Convention, but not many reasons to celebrate
EDRi-member ECNL is not rejoicing at the adoption of Council of Europe’s AI Convention because of the significant flaws in the final text
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The new EU Commission must address information power
Ahead of the European Parliament elections, ARTICLE 19 shares its recommendations for the new European Commission, urging it to strive for a more open information environment across the EU.
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EDRi and Reclaim Your Face campaign recognised as Europe AI Policy leaders
EDRi and the Reclaim Your Face coalition were recognised as the Europe AI Policy Leader in Civil Society for our groundbreaking work as a coalition to advocate for a world free from biometric mass surveillance.
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How to fight Biometric Mass Surveillance after the AI Act: A legal and practical guide
The EU's Artificial Intelligence Act has been adopted, laying out an in-principle ban on live mass facial recognition and other public biometric surveillance by police. Yet the wide exceptions to this ban may pave the way to legitimise the use of these systems. This living guide, for civil society organisations, communities and activists, charts a human rights-based approach for how to keep resisting biometric mass surveillance practices now and in the future
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The future of our fight against biometric mass surveillance
The final AI Act is disappointingly full of holes when it comes to bans on different forms of biometric mass surveillance (BMS). Despite this, there are some silver linings in the form of opportunities to oppose BMS in public spaces and to push for better protection of people’s sensitive biometric data.
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