EFF’s Submission to the UN OHCHR on Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the Digital Age
Summary
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) submitted a report to the UN OHCHR detailing how government laws and policies, often framed as security measures, are increasingly restricting the fundamental rights of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the digital age. This includes the misuse of cybercrime and national security laws for prosecution, expanded surveillance, internet disruptions, and the deployment of spyware, all of which hinder HRDs' ability to communicate, document abuses, and access support.
IFF Assessment
The article describes how laws and technologies intended for security are being used to suppress legitimate expression and surveil activists, posing significant risks to human rights defenders.
Defender Context
Defenders should be aware that broad legislation and surveillance technologies, even if presented as security measures, can be weaponized against activists. This highlights the need for strong privacy protections, oversight of surveillance tools, and advocating for human rights in the digital realm. Organizations must consider the potential impact of governmental actions and technological deployments on their operational security and the safety of their stakeholders.