Digital Library

OECD Countries Adopt Agreement on Government Access to Personal Data

• Data Protection

• International Privacy

• Updates

European Commission Publishes Draft Adequacy Decision on EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework

• Data Protection

• Intelligence Surveillance

• International Privacy

• Surveillance Oversight

• Updates

New Executive Order on Signals Intelligence: A Meaningful—but Insufficient—Step Forward

• Data Protection

• Intelligence Surveillance

• International Privacy

• Surveillance Oversight

• Analysis

The Rise of Chinese Surveillance Technology in Africa (Part 6 of 6)

There is no robust empirical evidence that the adoption of Chinese surveillance tools results in the reduction of crime. The continual procurement of these tools despite lack of evidence of efficacy raises a series of questions: why are local elites interested in procuring these tools? To what extent do these tools empower new forms of governmentality? What are the hidden costs of adopting digital surveillance tools for Kenya and other African states?

• Enforcement of Privacy Laws

• Face Surveillance & Biometrics

• International Privacy

• International Privacy Laws

• Privacy in Public

• Privacy Laws

• Surveillance Oversight

• Analysis

President Biden Signs Executive Order Creating New Safeguards for U.S. Surveillance Programs

• Data Protection

• Intelligence Surveillance

• International Privacy

• Surveillance Oversight

• Updates

The Rise of Chinese Surveillance Technology in Africa (part 5 of 6)

Digital initiatives have widened the range of personal data collected by African states. In 2011, the Nairobi government employed a French company, Imprimerie Nationale, to create a biometric data system for their national identity card program. This digitization initiative was justified as a way to bolster tax recovery, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen national security priorities.

• Face Surveillance & Biometrics

• Government Databases

• International Privacy

• International Privacy Laws

• Privacy in Public

• Surveillance Oversight

• Analysis

Indonesia Passes Privacy Bill

• Data Security

• International Privacy

• International Privacy Laws

• Privacy Laws

• Updates

Analysis: The Rise of Chinese Surveillance Technology in Africa (Part 4 of 6)

The spread of smart cities is a key area facilitating the spread of Chinese surveillance technology globally. Simply put, the smart city is a computational model of urban planning that purports to optimize operational efficacy and promote economic activity by utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT).  In 2018, the Kenyatta administration in Kenya announced the launch of the National Broadband Strategy, which was designed to advance access to broadband, but also serve as a foundational policy framework to implement smart city technology.

• Anonymity

• Drones & Aerial Surveillance

• Face Surveillance & Biometrics

• International Privacy

• Privacy in Public

• Surveillance Oversight

• Updates

The Rise of Chinese Surveillance Technology in Africa (part 4 of 6)

The spread of smart cities is a key area facilitating the spread of Chinese surveillance technology globally. Simply put, the smart city is a computational model of urban planning that purports to optimize operational efficacy and promote economic activity by utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT).  In 2018, the Kenyatta administration in Kenya announced the launch of the National Broadband Strategy, which was designed to advance access to broadband, but also serve as a foundational policy framework to implement smart city technology.

• Anonymity

• Face Surveillance & Biometrics

• International Privacy

• Privacy in Public

• Surveillance Oversight

• Analysis

Europe’s Digital Services Package: What It Means for Online Services and Big Tech

The EU recently passed comprehensive legislation on platform monitoring, digital free speech, and antitrust, largely directed at Big Tech. On July 5, 2022, the European Parliament adopted the Digital Services Package, comprised of the Digital Markets Act (“DMA”) and the Digital Services Act (“DSA”) and first proposed by the European Commission in December 2020. The European Council of Ministers will sign the bills into law this September, and they will take effect in early 2024 (though Big Tech will have to comply within months of entry into force). The Digital Services Package is touted as a “global first,” promising to “safeguard[] freedom of expression and opportunities for digital businesses.” After years of growing tech reliance and tech consolidation, “Democracy is back.”

• Access to Information

• Data Security

• International Privacy

• International Privacy Laws

• Online Harassment

• Social Media Privacy

• Analysis