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| New Book: Digital Surveillance in Africa |
| This open access book offers a groundbreaking examination of how digital technologies shape governance across the continent. Through eight case studies—from Ghana and Egypt to Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and Nigeria, plus an analysis of surveillance supply chains—each chapter considers the historical and political contexts of state and corporate monitoring practices. Edited by Tony Roberts and Admire Mare, the volume critically assesses tools like spyware and biometric systems, revealing their impact on citizen rights and social control. Read more here>> |
| Surveillance & Society Journal’s Dialogue Section on Authoritarian Surveillance |
| From the editorial: Surveillance & Society journal’s newest dialogue section introduces the multiple dimensions of contemporary authoritarian surveillance, going beyond a dichotomy between “democratic” and “authoritarian” regimes to identify and map authoritarian surveillance in diverse geographical and political context. The seven articles in this special dialogue section explore different angles of authoritarian surveillance— the technologies that facilitate it, the laws that govern it, and the legacies that precede it or linger thereafter—and the social and political consequences that emerge as a result. Read more here>> |
| Activists at RightsCon Address U.S. Retreat from Digital Rights |
| At RightsCon 2025 in Taipei, digital rights activists are voicing concerns over the U.S. scaling back its global advocacy for internet freedom. This comprehensive MIT Technology Review article details how recent U.S. aid freezes have impacted international digital rights initiatives and shifted the balance of global influence, as activists are now exploring new alliances to counter these developments, emphasizing the need for robust international support for digital rights. Read more: MIT Technology Review |
| Paper: EU’s Pre-Criminalization of African Migrants Through AI and Surveillance |
| This paper investigates how the EU is deploying advanced data systems and AI-powered tracking to pre-criminalize African migrants. The study reveals that by partnering with African registries and involving academic experts, these policies not only stigmatize migration but also embed racialized narratives into surveillance practices. It critically examines the ethical and legal ramifications of these practices and the broader impact on human rights and border security. Read more: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies |
| India to Host the Next Global AI Summit |
| This month, Tech Policy Press looks at India’s upcoming role as the host of the Global AI Summit, where Prime Minister Modi is expected to steer discussions on AI governance and innovation. This news article outlines how the summit will serve as a platform for setting global standards and policies for AI, positioning India as a pivotal player in the evolving tech landscape, exploring the potential impact on regulatory frameworks and international cooperation in digital technology. Read more: Tech Policy Press |
| Israeli Military Developing AI System Using Palestinian Surveillance Data |
| A revealing report highlights how the Israeli military is harnessing intercepted Palestinian communications to build a ChatGPT-like AI tool designed to enhance its surveillance capabilities. This investigative news piece details the development process of the AI system and the potential risks, including the reinforcement of existing biases and errors that could compromise both security operations and civil liberties. This article critically examines the ethical implications of using such sensitive data for military purposes and the broader impact on regional stability and privacy rights. Read more: The Guardian |
| Research Article: Algorithmic Bureaucracy in Peru |
| This article investigates the nuanced dynamics of algorithmic governance within Peru’s welfare system. It explores how street-level bureaucrats balance inadequate legal frameworks, scarce resources, and socio-political demands while using AI-driven decision-making tools. The study highlights that, rather than a strict imposition of top-down authority, there exists a complex negotiation between digital systems and human discretion. Read more: Policy Sciences |
| The Surveillance Footprint in Africa Threatens Privacy and Data Protection |
| This article argues that surveillance by governments, private companies, and individuals poses a significant threat to privacy and data protection in Africa. The Digital Rights Alliance Africa recently conducted a learning session to address these threats, emphasising the necessity for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight boards, and the ethical use of technology. With only 16 ratifications among 55 states, the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection underscores the urgent need for enhanced data protection measures. Read more here>> |
| Correction: The correct order and names of the authors of the book Indigenous Statistics introduced in our February newsletter are Chris Andersen, Maggie Walter, Tahu Kukutai, and Chelsea Gabel. We apologise for the error. |
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