by digiright | May 5, 2024 | Our work, Updates
Digitally Right is delighted to launch Digital Safety School. The objective of this school is to empower individuals and organizations with the skills to navigate current and emerging digital threats. Through this initiative, Digitally Right aims to support civil society, media and the private sector as well.
This school offers one free access and two on-demand services. The school will organize a monthly two-day free access training which interested candidates can apply for. The training will be administered by Digitally Right’s expert team. Apart from that, the school will also offer on-demand services such as training packages based on the needs of different organizations and digital safety audits for small to mid-sized organizations. In the near future, the school aims to launch a resource center which will provide tailored tips and advice on emerging digital trends and threats.
If you are a journalist, or editor or fall within the broader civil society, please apply for our free access training using the form. The training is expected to be held on the third week of each month and candidates will be selected on a rotational basis.
The Digital Safety School is a collaborative initiative and we welcome partnerships and collaborations from organizations who share our vision of a safer digital future. For inquiries regarding collaboration opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at dss@digitallyright.org.
For further information and to stay updated on the latest developments, explore our website at https://digitalsafetyschool.com.
Join us on this journey towards a safer and more secure digital future.
by digiright | May 5, 2024 | Digital Rights, Updates
On April 29, Digitally Right, in collaboration with ICNL, held a workshop focused on legislative issues titled “Understanding the Draft National AI Policy.” The session was attended by 17 participants, including representatives from media outlets, environmental organizations, human rights defenders, and gender activists. The workshop aimed to raise awareness, strengthen advocates’ capacity, encourage in-depth discussions, and develop strategies to influence changes to the Draft Policy. Shabnam Mojtahedi, Legal Advisor for Digital Rights at ICNL, delivered a presentation on the Draft AI Policy and its implications, followed by a discussion on strategies for engaging with the government on the issue. Participants also shared their individual concerns regarding the Policy.
During the workshop, ICNL’s presentation highlighted common concerns about AI and its potential impact on human rights. Shabnam then discussed best practices for consulting and engaging with the government on AI-related issues. She also pointed out that the lack of a globally accepted definition of AI has resulted in the Draft Policy being vague and broad. Since no jurisdiction has established standalone AI laws, there are no clear precedents for treating AI as a separate legal issue.
Participants at the workshop agreed that the government should base the AI Policy on international best practices, with civil society organizations (CSOs) playing a key role in bridging the gap between the government and global partners. They emphasized the need for effective and diverse engagement in the policy process. It was noted that the Draft Policy lacked impact assessment, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms, which need to be addressed. While national security carve-outs are common in AI policies worldwide, participants stressed the importance of strong oversight in this area to prevent data abuse.
Following the presentation and Q&A session, participants held an open discussion to identify strategies for influencing the government to amend the Draft AI Policy. Three strategies emerged. The first is to file a Right to Information (RTI) request, seeking details on which CSO representatives were involved in the consultation and drafting process, and to challenge the legality of the Policy, as it is required by law to be drafted in Bangla rather than English. The second strategy involves rallying public support to delay the Policy’s implementation, eventually pushing for its repeal on the grounds that it is not functional. Some participants suggested pursuing both strategies simultaneously.
The third strategy proposed is the creation of a national alliance consisting of CSOs and AI experts. This alliance would engage with grassroots communities, gather their feedback, and present it to international forums.
by digiright | Feb 15, 2024 | Digital Security, Updates
Digitally Right hosted its first Digital Safety Training under the fourth year of the Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) project, a global initiative supported by USAID, on February 10-11, 2024. As part of this effort, Digitally Right collaborated with Internews and EngageMedia to implement the program in Bangladesh. The training was attended by 12 journalists, including 8 male and 4 female, who spent two days learning critical skills for navigating the digital space securely.
The training began with an ice-breaking and introductory session, followed by an overview of the internet, its functioning, and the associated risks. Participants voiced their security concerns, including fears of being surveilled or having their locations tracked through digital devices. These concerns set the stage for the next session, which focused on information security, both online and offline.
After each session, participants practiced using the relevant tools, allowing them to apply what they had learned. The session on tools for safely capturing photos and videos was of particular interest to the group, marking the conclusion of the first day of training.
The second session started with a recap of the previous day’s lessons. Participants then learned about securing communication on both emails and mobile phones. However, they found the mobile phone security training more relevant, as they generally do not use email for confidential information.
Participants then took part in a group activity where they were presented with a scenario and tasked with creating an action plan using the tools they had learned. Following this, they were introduced to the risks associated with digital footprints and instructed on how to protect their privacy while browsing the internet. The session ended with a review of the entire training.
by digiright | Feb 12, 2024 | Our work, Updates
Eight young professionals from law, academia, media, and civil society organizations in Bangladesh have joined Digitally Right in its flagship annual Tech Policy Fellowship program of 2023. The diverse set of fellows aims to explore various issues arising from technology and related policies, affecting different communities.
The six-month program provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of technology-related policies in Bangladesh and the region, along with their implications for everyday life. The goal is to develop the next generation of advocates to shape the legal and policy domain in Bangladesh for a more open and free internet space.
The fellowship includes residential training, deep-dive sessions, mentoring, and research production on a contemporary issue related to technology and society. It also facilitates engagement and networking with the global and regional digital rights community. Access Now, an international non-profit promoting digital rights worldwide, is a knowledge partner in this fellowship program.
The fellowship program commenced in January of this year with a five-day residential training in Kathmandu, Nepal, in collaboration with Access Now. Representatives and experts from six organizations in civil society, technology, and academia joined the fellows to discuss the legal and policy environment shaping internet governance in Bangladesh and beyond.
Each fellow will pursue research under this fellowship program in the next couple of months and will have the opportunity to share their work with the digital rights community in the region and globally.
Meet the Fellows
Dilshad Hossain Dodul, a Senior Lecturer in the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts, has a broad research focus on digital media, migration, and political communication. With a background in Mass Communication and Journalism, including international exposure through the Erasmus Plus Scholarship, Dodul has worked on impactful projects promoting digital awareness and safety, particularly among teenagers and female journalists.
Nazia Sharmin, a Course Contract Faculty at BRAC University, focuses on Digital Sociology, emphasizing socio-cultural aspects of misinformation. With a master’s degree from Stockholm University, Nazia believes that effective tech policies are crucial for defending society against the threats posed by misinformation.
Nowzin Khan, a graduate from BRAC University’s School of Law, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict at Dhaka University. An independent researcher with a keen interest in the convergence of technology, governance, and human rights, Nowzin aspires to contribute to comprehensive and unbiased tech policies through active engagement in the Tech Policy Fellowship.
Nusrat Jahan Nishat, currently serving as an Advocacy Manager at ANTAR, Dhaka. With a background in law, she has actively participated in Moot Court Competitions and contributed to human development training programs, workshops, and human rights-related research. Nusrat aims to explore various facets of digital technology and policy issues during her fellowship.
Rashad Ahamad, a journalist with over 13 years of reporting experience in reporting labor and human rights. Currently working at ‘New Age,’ Rashad has covered a wide range of topics, including migration, disinformation, health, climate, and labor rights. His commitment to public-interest reporting has earned him awards and fellowships, and he remains interested in the intersection of data, labor rights and technology.
Shoeb Abdullah is a fact-checker, researcher, and digital rights advocate. Currently engaged with Internews, Shoeb’s career spans nearly five years, contributing to combating disinformation, and advancing digital rights. His expertise includes internet Freedom, digital safety, and anti-internet shutdown activism.
Suhadha Akter Afrin, a staff reporter of Prothom Alo, is a technology journalism enthusiast covering ICT and digital security issues. Actively following upcoming digital laws and policies, she is keen to understand the impact of these policies on society. Suhadha aims to keep the people informed about the developments in the digital sector.
Suparna Roy, a legal professional dedicated to justice and equality, serves as a Legal Expert to ensure basic human rights for SOGIESC and marginalized communities in Bangladesh. Beyond her professional roles, Suparna is a passionate human rights activist advocating for gender equality and societal transformation.
by admin | Oct 21, 2023 | Our work, Updates
Digitally Right under its Dismislab project is excited to launch the call for applications for The Digital Verification Fellowship 2023. This fellowship is open to graduate students and early-career journalists based in Bangladesh.
This program is a 3-month paid fellowship opportunity with certificates for individuals who are dedicated to advancing the understanding of the online disinformation research and fact-checking within and outside newsrooms. It provides a unique platform to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with experts, and contribute to tackling mis/disinformation. High performers will also have the prospect to work full-time for Dismislab, a bilingual information lab working for online verification and media research.
Key Goals of the Fellowship:
- Apprehend the Global and Local Digital Information Ecosystem: Dive deep into the world of digital information to understand its global and local dynamics.
- Understand Information Disorder: Explore the various facets of information disorder, including disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation.
- Grasp Verification of Online Information: Master the art of verifying digital information using the latest tools and techniques.
- Use the Latest Tools and Techniques to Verify Mis/Disinformation:Develop practical skills to identify and counteract mis and disinformation in digital content.
- Institute a Culture of Fact-Checking in organizations: Work on projects and initiatives to promote fact-checking and accuracy in media organizations.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: Oct 26, 2023
- Fellowship Start Date: Nov 15, 2023
- Fellowship End Date: Feb 15, 2024
To apply for the Digital Verification Fellowship 2023, please click here.
For inquiries or more information, please contact: editor@dismislab.com
by digiright | Oct 10, 2023 | Our work, Updates
Digitally Right is excited to launch the call for applications for The Bangladesh Tech Policy Fellowship 2023. This program is open to young and mid-career professionals in academia, law, journalism, tech and civic advocacy organizations.
In an era where digital and physical realities are intertwined, the influence of technology policies on our daily lives is profound. From government legislations to platform policies to international principles, these policies shape how we express ourselves, access information, conduct business, and innovate. The fellowship offers an opportunity to explore the impact of technology on our lives and the resulting implications for policies and policymakers.
The Fellowship is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to understand global and local trends in technology policies. It includes in-depth training, expert mentoring, and the opportunity to conduct research on a policy issue. Participants will contribute to the discourse by producing research papers, policy briefs, or articles and a stipend to cover research expenses.
Be part of a transformative journey!
Fellowship Topics
Applicants interested in this fellowship will be required to submit research proposals as a crucial part of the application process. The excellence of these proposals will play a vital role in the selection of the most qualified candidates. While there is a wide array of tech policy topics to consider, this fellowship concentrates on four primary areas of focus.
- Online Safety and Security
- Content Governance and Free Expression
- Equal and Open Internet Access
- Privacy and Data Protection
What’s in it for you?
- A 4-day in-person workshop focusing on tech policies.
- Participate in 3 virtual in-depth sessions with global experts.
- Produce and publish research papers/articles under expert mentoring.
- Showcase your work to an esteemed audience.
- Become part of a regional network of tech policy enthusiasts.
- Receive a modest stipend throughout the 5-month program.
Eligibility
The Tech Policy Fellowship is designed for individuals who envision professional development opportunities in the fields of tech policy, digital rights advocacy, and civic technology. We encourage applications from any Bangladeshi who has an interest in these areas, and the selection process will primarily consider the quality of the research proposal and the applicant’s personal commitment. However, preference will be given to candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Early and mid-career professionals.
- Backgrounds in law, journalism, academia, or civic advocacy are highly desirable.
- Age within the range of 26 to 35 years.
- Demonstrated relevance of the program to the candidate’s professional work.
Eight exceptional candidates will be chosen based on the strength of their applications. Notifications regarding the selection will be sent out by November 7th.
If you find yourself intrigued, possess a compelling research idea, and believe that participating in this fellowship can have a meaningful impact on both your career and the broader domain of tech policy, we strongly encourage you to submit an application.
📆 Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
🔗 Registration Link: https://shorturl.at/deWY3
