Human rights principles Archives | Page 139 of 151

Instacart and Uber sue Seattle over app-based worker protections

Instacart has joined Uber in a legal challenge against a new Seattle ordinance regulating how app-based workers can be deactivated. The law, set to take effect in January, requires companies to provide gig workers with a 14-day notice of deactivation, base decisions on reasonable policies, and allow human review of all deactivations.

Seattle officials describe the legislation as a landmark move to ensure worker rights in the gig economy. Advocacy groups support the law, arguing that it addresses unfair deactivations and offers greater job security for app-based workers.

Instacart and Uber, however, claim the ordinance infringes on constitutional rights, federal laws, and operational safety. This lawsuit is part of broader disputes between tech companies and cities over labour regulations in the gig economy. Seattle has pledged to defend its policies, emphasising its commitment to protecting workers in modern app-driven industries.

Congo lawyers push for accountability from Apple

International lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo have welcomed Apple’s recent decision to instruct suppliers to stop sourcing minerals from conflict zones in Congo and Rwanda. However, they remain cautious, pressing ahead with legal complaints in France and Belgium that accuse Apple of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

Apple strongly disputes these claims, stating that it has taken action to avoid sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the region due to escalating violence. The company highlighted that most of the minerals used in its devices are recycled and asserted its commitment to rigorous supplier audits and funding initiatives for improved mineral traceability.

Congo’s lawyers argue that Apple benefited from minerals extracted under violent conditions and smuggled through international supply chains. They insist on ground-level verification of Apple’s claims, stating that past crimes tied to conflict minerals cannot be erased. Millions of civilians in eastern Congo have been displaced or killed in decades-long conflicts fuelled by competition over valuable minerals.

While Apple has outlined its high standards for ethical sourcing, legal proceedings in Europe continue as Congo’s representatives demand accountability for alleged complicity in crimes linked to the region’s mining sector.

IGF 2024 closing ceremony: Shaping the future of internet governance

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh concluded with a forward-looking ceremony that reflected on its achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. The forum, a key platform for global discussions on internet governance, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, digital equality, and adapting to emerging technological challenges.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasised the enduring relevance of the WSIS principles and the ethical considerations essential in navigating digital innovation. Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, proposed elevating the IGF to a permanent status within the UN structure to secure stable funding and expand its impact.

‘The IGF must evolve to deliver tangible results,’ Cerf remarked, suggesting a focus on measurable metrics and concrete outputs, including revisiting foundational documents and preparing for the next IGF in Oslo. Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society reinforced the need for continuous self-assessment, urging the IGF to enhance its processes for greater stakeholder benefits.

Inclusivity was a dominant theme, with speakers advocating for broader representation in digital policymaking. Ghanaian physician Dr. Angela Sulemana underscored the transformative power of digital tools in healthcare, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives, especially from young professionals.

Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim, member of the Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, called for legislative innovation to address digital challenges, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children and the environment. Senior advisor in the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, Juan Fernandez, stressed the urgent need to bridge digital inequalities, particularly between developed and developing nations.

The forum also addressed pressing global issues, such as the digital divide and governance of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. The session closed with a call for stronger global digital cooperation and a shared commitment to implementing the Global Digital Compact.

As participants look to the IGF 2025 in Oslo, the focus remains on turning discussions into actionable outcomes, ensuring the internet remains a safe, inclusive, and transformative tool for all.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum 2024 sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Human rights concerns over UN Cybercrime Treaty raised at IGF 2024

A panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) raised serious concerns over the UN Cybercrime Treaty and its potential to undermine human rights. Experts from organisations such as Human Rights Watch and the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticised the treaty’s broad scope and lack of clear safeguards for individual freedoms. They warned that the treaty’s vague language, particularly around what constitutes a ‘serious crime,’ could empower authoritarian regimes to exploit its provisions for surveillance and repress dissent.

Speakers such as Joey Shea from Human Rights Watch and Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi human rights defender, pointed out the risks posed by the treaty’s expansive investigative powers, which extend beyond cybercrimes to any crimes defined by domestic law. Flexibility like this one could force countries to assist in prosecuting acts that are not crimes within their own borders. They also highlighted the treaty’s weak privacy protections, which could jeopardise encryption standards and further harm cybersecurity researchers.

Deborah Brown from Human Rights Watch and Veridiana Alimonti of the Electronic Frontier Foundation shared examples from Saudi Arabia and Latin America, where existing cybercrime and anti-terrorism laws have already been used to target journalists and activists. The panelists expressed concern that the treaty could exacerbate these abuses globally, especially for cybersecurity professionals and civil society.

Fionnuala Ni Aolain, a former UN Special Rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, emphasised that the treaty’s provisions could lead to criminalising the vital work of cybersecurity researchers. She joined other experts in urging policymakers and industry leaders to resist ratification in its current form. They called for upcoming protocol negotiations to address these human rights gaps and for greater involvement of civil society voices to prevent the treaty from becoming a tool for transnational repression.

IGF 2024 addresses cybercrime laws in Africa and the Middle East

Discussions at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh shed light on growing challenges to freedom of expression in Africa and the Middle East. Experts from diverse organisations highlighted how restrictive cybercrime legislation and content regulation have been used to silence dissent, marginalise communities, and undermine democracy. Examples from Tunisia and Nigeria revealed how critics and activists often face criminalisation under these laws, fostering fear and self-censorship.

Panellists included Annelies Riezebos from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jacqueline Rowe of the University of Edinburgh, Adeboye Adegoke from Paradigm Initiative, and Aymen Zaghdoudi of AccessNow. They discussed the negative effects of vague cybercrime regulations and overly broad restrictions on online speech, which frequently suppress political discourse. Maria Paz Canales from Global Partners Digital added that content governance frameworks need urgent reform to balance addressing online harms with protecting fundamental rights.

The speakers emphasised that authoritarian values are being enforced through legislation that criminalises disinformation and imposes ambiguous rules on online platforms. These measures, they argued, contribute to a deteriorating climate for free expression across the region. They also pointed out the need for online platforms to adopt responsible content moderation practices while resisting pressures to conform to repressive local laws.

Panellists proposed several strategies to counter these trends, including engaging with parliamentarians, building capacity among legal professionals, and ensuring civil society’s involvement during the early stages of policy development. The importance of international collaboration was underlined, with the UN Cybercrime Treaty cited as a key opportunity for collective advocacy against repressive measures.

Participants also stressed the urgency of increased representation of Global South organisations in global policy discussions. Flexible funding for civil society initiatives was described as essential for supporting grassroots efforts to defend digital rights. Such funding would enable local groups to challenge restrictive laws effectively and amplify their voices in international debates.

The event concluded with a call for multi-stakeholder approaches to internet governance. Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society, and online platforms were deemed critical to safeguarding freedom of expression. The discussions underscored the pressing need to balance addressing legitimate online harms with protecting democratic values and the voices of vulnerable communities.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Protecting critical infrastructure in a fragile cyberspace

‘Securing Critical Infrastructure in Cyber: Who and How?‘ is the name of one of the main panels at IGF 2024 in Riyadh, where participants discussed the complexities of identifying, securing, and cooperating to protect critical systems from cyber threats. The session, part of the Geneva Dialogue project, focused on safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats and implementing international cyber norms.

The dialogue highlighted the elusive nature of defining critical infrastructure, as interpretations vary widely across nations. ‘Understanding critical infrastructure begins with impact analysis, but what happens if these systems fail?’ noted Nicolas Grunder from ABB, underscoring the need for clarity. Regional interdependencies further complicate matters, as cascading failures in energy, transportation, or cloud services can cripple interconnected sectors, a scenario brought to life through a fictional cyberattack simulation on a cloud provider.

Baseline cybersecurity measures emerged as a priority, focusing on asset inventories, supply chain security, and resilience planning. Kazuo Noguchi of Hitachi America emphasised the mantra of ‘backup, backup, backup’, advocating for distributed systems across regions to mitigate single points of failure. Practical measures like incident response plans, vulnerability management, and operator awareness training were cited as essential components of any security framework.

The role of international cyber norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) sparked debate. While voluntary, norms such as avoiding attacks on critical infrastructure during peacetime provide a foundation for responsible state behaviour. Yet, as Kaleem Usmani of CERT Mauritius pointed out, ‘Norms reduce risks and foster cooperation, but accountability remains a challenge.’ Regional collaboration, such as harmonised security certifications, was proposed as a pragmatic solution to bridge gaps in global standards.

Amid growing geopolitical complexities, participants called for greater transparency and cooperation. Bushra AlBlooshi from the Dubai Electronic Security Center showcased Dubai’s approach, where interdependencies between sectors like power and transportation are mapped to preempt disruptions. However, securing systems reliant on foreign service providers adds another layer of vulnerability, prompting calls for international agreements to establish untouchable ‘red lines’ for critical infrastructure in peace and war.

International experts converge at IGF 2024 to promote digital solidarity in global governance

A panel of international experts at the IGF 2024 gathered to discuss the growing importance of digital solidarity in global digital governance. Jennifer Bachus of the US State Department introduced the concept as a framework for fostering international cooperation centred on human rights and multi-stakeholder engagement. Nashilongo Gervasius, a public interest technology expert from Namibia, highlighted the need to close digital divides and promote inclusivity in global digital policymaking.

The discussion focused on balancing digital sovereignty with the need for international collaboration. Jason Pielemeier, Executive Director of the Global Network Initiative, stressed the critical role of data privacy and cybersecurity in advancing global digital rights. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Development Programme, emphasised the importance of capacity building and enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in developing nations.

Key global mechanisms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) processes featured prominently in the dialogue. Panellists, including Susan Mwape from Zambia, underscored the need to strengthen these platforms while ensuring they remain inclusive and respectful of human rights. The upcoming WSIS+20 review was recognised as an opportunity to revitalise international cooperation in the digital realm.

Challenges such as internet shutdowns, mass surveillance, and the misuse of cybercrime legislation were debated. Mwape voiced concerns about the potential for international forums to lose credibility if hosted by countries with poor human rights records. Audience member Barbara from Nepal called for greater accountability in digital governance practices, while Hala Rasheed from the Alnahda Society echoed the urgency of addressing inequalities in digital policy implementation.

Russian civil society representative Alexander Savnin brought attention to the impact of sanctions on international technical cooperation in cybersecurity. He argued for a more balanced approach that would allow global stakeholders to address shared security challenges effectively. Panellists agreed that fostering trust among diverse actors remains a critical hurdle to achieving digital solidarity.

The session concluded with a commitment to fostering continuous dialogue and collaboration. Panellists expressed hope that inclusive and rights-based approaches could transform digital solidarity into tangible solutions, helping to address the pressing challenges of the digital age.

US firm buys Israeli spyware company

Florida-based AE Industrial Partners has acquired Israeli spyware company Paragon for an estimated $500 million, with reports suggesting the deal could reach up to $900 million. Paragon, a competitor to NSO Group, is known for providing cybersecurity tools to government agencies that it claims meet “enlightened democracy” standards. The acquisition was completed on 13 December and reportedly approved by both US and Israeli officials.

Paragon, founded in 2019 by former Israeli intelligence officers and backed by ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, is merging with Virginia-based cybersecurity firm Red Lattice. This move aims to strengthen the firm’s presence in the global surveillance market. The US subsidiary of Paragon recently signed a one-year contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reflecting its growing footprint in government cybersecurity services.

The acquisition comes amid tightened scrutiny of spyware technologies after allegations of abuse involving competitors like NSO Group. In 2021, the US added NSO to its trade blacklist, citing its misuse in targeting activists and journalists. Paragon, however, positions itself as a provider of ethically guided surveillance tools, limiting its activities to messaging apps and governmental communications.

Experts discuss internet growth and the multistakeholder model at the IGF in Riyadh

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, experts convened to assess two decades of internet governance since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Discussions focused on key achievements, persistent challenges, and principles shaping the future digital landscape. The success of the multistakeholder model, credited with increasing global internet usage from 16% to 67% since WSIS, was a central theme.

Milestones such as the introduction of internationalised domain names, the expansion of internet exchange points, and the IANA stewardship transition were highlighted. Challenges including cybersecurity threats, misinformation, internet fragmentation, and the digital divide were also discussed. Experts agreed on the need for collaborative approaches to maintain a unified, resilient internet.

Speakers included Brendan Dowling, Australia’s ambassador, Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO, and Raquel Gatto, VP of ISOC Brazil and Head of Legal at NIC.br. Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board, called for strengthened collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. Ian Sheldon, Vice Chair of ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee, also shared insights, emphasising the importance of engaging smaller countries in governance discussions.

The technical community’s contributions were recognised as vital to mitigating risks and building trust. Innovations like DNSSEC and RPKI were highlighted as frameworks for enhancing security and ensuring stability. Discussions explored the potential of technical solutions to address future challenges, such as artificial intelligence governance.

Riyadh’s role as host of IGF 2024 provided an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for WSIS+20. Experts stressed that preserving the multi-stakeholder model is crucial for maintaining trust and fostering innovation in the digital age. Continued collaboration among all stakeholders will be essential to creating a secure, inclusive, and open internet for future generations.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Dynamic Coalitions: Bridging digital divides and shaping equitable online governance

The session ‘Dynamic Coalitions and the Global Digital Compact’ at IGF 2024 in Riyadh highlighted the significant role of Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) in advancing the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) objectives. Moderated by Jutta Croll, the discussion served as a platform to illustrate the alignment of DC efforts with the GDC’s goals, emphasising the need for broader collaboration and inclusion.

One of the pressing topics addressed was bridging digital divides, as emphasised by June Paris, an experienced nurse engaged in research on nutrition in pregnant women and a business development expert. She underscored the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting their increased vulnerability to digital marginalisation. Paris called on DCs to prioritise policies that combat polarisation and promote equitable internet access for underrepresented regions.

The conversation also delved into expanding the benefits of the digital economy. Muhammad Shabbir, a member of the Internet Society’s Accessibility Special Interest Group, a member of the Pakistan ISOC chapter, and a member of the Digital Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), detailed the contributions of coalitions like the DC on Financial Inclusion, which advocates for accessible financial services, and the DC on Open Education, which focuses on enhancing learning opportunities. Shabbir also highlighted the DC on Accessibility’s work towards digital inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the DC on Environment’s initiatives to address the environmental impacts of digitalisation.

Founder and investor of the WAF lifestyle app and chair of Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values, Olivier Crepin-Leblond, provided insights on fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces, stressing the pivotal work of DCs like the DC on Internet Rights and Principles, which champions human rights online, and the DC on Child Online Safety, which ensures the protection of children in the digital realm. He highlighted the significant proportion of under-18 internet users, linking their rights to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Data governance and AI regulation also featured prominently. Tatevik Grigoryan, co-chair of Dynamic Coalition on Interoperability, Equitable and Interoperable Data Governance and Internet Universality Indicators, discussed frameworks for responsible data management. At the same time, Yao Amevi Amnessinou Sossou, a research fellow for innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighted AI-related initiatives. These included tackling gender biases through the DC on Gender and Internet Governance and exploring AI’s potential in healthcare and connected devices through other coalitions. Their contributions underscored the need for ethical and inclusive governance of emerging technologies.

The session’s open dialogue further enriched its value. The lead of three dynamic coalitions – Digital Economy, Digital Health and Environment, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, highlighted the urgency of job creation and digital inclusion, while audience members raised critical points on data integrity and the transformative potential of gamification. Mark Carvell’s (co-moderator of the session) mention of the WSIS+20 Review added a forward-looking perspective, inviting DCs to contribute their expertise to this landmark evaluation.

By showcasing the diverse initiatives of Dynamic Coalitions, the session reinforced their essential role in shaping global internet governance. The call for greater inclusion, tangible outcomes, and multistakeholder collaboration resonated throughout, marking a clear path forward for advancing the GDC’s objectives.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.