Trust and security
18 Apr 2024
news
GPD provides submission to Global Digital Compact zero draft
We welcome the recent publication of the zero draft of the Global Digital Compact, an ongoing UN-led initiative that aims to develop a set of guiding principles for member states on how human rights standards apply in the digital age. We particularly applaud that the Compact recognises human…
23 Jan 2024
news
100+ civil society groups call for comprehensive changes to rights-threatening UN Cybercrime Convention
A collective of over 100 civil society organisations, including GPD, today issue a joint statement calling for urgent changes to the UN’s proposed Cybercrime Convention to avoid potentially disastrous impacts on human rights. The latest draft of the proposed Convention—which…
16 Jan 2024
Report
Ad Hoc Committee Seventh Session: Analysis of Draft Text of the UN Cybercrime Convention
We welcome the opportunity to provide comments on the latest revised text of the proposed UN Cybercrime Convention. However, we are concerned that, despite the extensive input provided by GPD and other actors, the revised draft does not address the most significant concerns raised.
16 Jan 2024
Blog post
UN Cybercrime Convention: time is running out to address draft’s urgent risks to human rights
In two weeks, final negotiations will begin on the UN’s proposed Cybercrime Convention, a document which has elicited widespread concern from civil society, industry groups and some states, due to the serious risks it poses to human rights including privacy and freedom of expression. Since 2022,…
11 Dec 2023
news
New case studies to support inclusive cyber norm development
GPD today publishes a suite of case studies—available in both English and Spanish—to complement its Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit, a pathbreaking resource which aims to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure a fully inclusive approach to the development and implementation…
11 Dec 2023
Blog post
Promoción de cibernormas inclusivas: un estudio de caso de R3D
En julio, GPD publicó la Guía para Cibernormas Inclusivas, un nuevo recurso pionero cuyo objetivo es apoyar y capacitar a personas que se encargan de la formulación de políticas y a otras partes interesadas para garantizar un enfoque plenamente inclusivo en el desarrollo e implementación de cibernormas.
11 Dec 2023
Blog post
Promoción de cibernormas inclusivas: un estudio de caso de la Fundación Karisma
En julio, GPD publicó la Guía para Cibernormas Inclusivas, un recurso pionero cuyo objetivo es apoyar y capacitar a personas que se encargan de la formulación de políticas públicas y a otras partes interesadas en el incorporamiento de un enfoque inclusivo durante el desarrollo e implementación de cibernormas.
11 Dec 2023
Blog post
Fostering inclusive cyber norms: a Fundación Karisma case study
In July, GPD published the Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit, a pathbreaking new resource which aims to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure a fully inclusive approach to the development and implementation of cyber norms. To help situate and make vivid the key lessons…
11 Dec 2023
Blog post
Fostering inclusive cyber norms: a Derechos Digitales case study
In July, GPD published the Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit, a pathbreaking new resource which aims to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure a fully inclusive approach to the development and implementation of cyber norms. To help situate and make vivid the key…
11 Dec 2023
Blog post
Fostering inclusive cyber norms: an R3D case study
In July, GPD published the Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit, a pathbreaking new resource which aims to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure a fully inclusive approach to the development and implementation of cyber norms. To help situate and make vivid the key…
21 Aug 2023
news
The UN’s Cybercrime Convention: GPD calls for enhanced human rights protections
This week, states and other actors are convening at the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC) to restart negotiations on a proposed new international convention on the use of ICTs for criminal purposes (or, cybercrime). Negotiations will be based on the recently published zero draft of the…
24 Jul 2023
news
GPD contributes to joint civil society input on OEWG’s annual progress report
Alongside 12 other endorsing organisations and experts, GPD has published a joint input to the draft annual progress report of the UN’s Open Ended Working Group on ICTs (OEWG). The input is published ahead of the OEWG’s fifth substantive session. It makes recommendations to ensure the report accurately reflects the progress…
19 Jul 2023
news
GPD unveils new guide to fostering inclusive cyber norm processes
GPD today publishes the Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit, a pathbreaking new resource which aims to support and empower policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure a fully inclusive approach to the development and implementation of cyber norms. Inspiration for creating the toolkit emerged out of GPD’s extensive engagement in global and…
19 Jul 2023
Report
Inclusive Cyber Norms Toolkit
Marginalised perspectives, particularly from women and LGBTQ+ communities, are largely absent in current cyber norm discussions. This is a serious issue, as marginalised groups often face elevated and specific threats in cyberspace Our bespoke toolkit provides policymakers and other stakeholders with a range of resources to…
29 Jun 2023
Blog post
Food for thought: reactions to the UNSG’s Policy Paper on the Global Digital Compact
When the UN Secretary General (UNSG) announced his intention last year to develop a Global Digital Compact (GDC)—a document for member states to adopt, “setting out principles, objectives and actions advancing an open, free, secure and human-centred digital future”—there were many unanswered questions. How high-level would the GDC be? How…
04 May 2023
Blog post
Human rights safeguards urgently needed: notes from the fifth AHC session
Last month, we were in Vienna for the fifth session of the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC), where states are negotiating a proposed UN convention on cybercrime which poses urgent risks to human rights. At a livestreamed press briefing with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Access Now, ARTICLE 19 and…
29 Mar 2023
news
GPD provides input ahead of the fifth session of the AHC
GPD has inputted to the second part of the consolidated negotiated document of a possible UN convention on cybercrime. The proposed convention is being negotiated at the UN Third Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC), which has met for four substantive sessions. The fourth session—which took place in January—discussed the…
23 Mar 2023
Blog post
Stalemate or incremental progress: notes from the fourth OEWG session
Earlier this month, we were in New York for the fourth session of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG), where all areas of the mandate (norms, capacity building, international law, confidence building measures and regular institutional dialogue) were on the agenda.This meeting comes at a time when the negative effects of…
09 Mar 2023
Report
Application of International Law In Cyberspace: Human Rights Assessment Guide
The applicability of international law in cyberspace has long had broad consensus in the international community. But, until recently, it was uncommon to see official, detailed state positions on it. And even now, the total number of states providing such positions remains low. From a human rights perspective, it’s critical…
08 Feb 2023
news
GPD inputs to upcoming UNSR report on FoE and sustainable development
GPD has responded to a call for input on the upcoming thematic report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which will focus on freedom of opinion and expression and sustainable development. In our submission, we examine how the right…
02 Feb 2023
Blog post
The UN’s proposed cybercrime convention: notes from the fourth session
Earlier this month, the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC) concluded its fourth session to discuss a proposed UN convention on cybercrime. At the meeting, states had their first opportunity to negotiate draft text, focusing on the first three chapters (on criminalisation, procedural measures and general provisions). Before the…
09 Jan 2023
news
GPD inputs into continuing negotiations at the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime
GPD has inputted into ongoing negotiations at the UN Third Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC) around a possible convention on cybercrime. The fourth session of the AHC (9-20 January)—currently underway—will discuss a first draft of the convention, covering the chapters on criminalisation, procedural measures and law enforcement, and the…
10 Nov 2022
Blog post
Key takeaways from the 2022 ITU Plenipotentiary
Last month we attended the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union—a major agenda-setting juncture in the calendar of this UN telecoms body. A few takeaways: This Plenipotentiary, there was a heightened focus on the election of the Secretary-General and other senior posts,…
26 Sep 2022
Blog post
The ITU: a brief explainer
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is currently discussing and setting standards on a range of technological and communications-related subjects which have the potential to significantly impact a range of human rights. It’s clear human rights defenders urgently need to engage with the ITU; but we have…
26 Sep 2022
Blog post
Three reasons human rights defenders should care about the ITU
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU)—a standards-setting body of the UN, which has existed in different forms since 1865—has a particular reputation within the ecosystem of international policy forums. Its structures are known to be unwieldy; its decisionmaking processes opaque; and its voting structure prioritises national governments over all…
15 Sep 2022
Blog post
The calm before the storm? : notes on a slow and (un)steady AHC meeting
Last week the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime (AHC) concluded its third substantive session, where member states finished giving their views on what should be included in some of the main chapters of the proposed convention. The stakes of this…
15 Sep 2022
Blog post
Ukraine: still a ‘not so cyber’ conflict?
The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in devastating consequences for the Ukrainian people and global community. At GPD, we continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection, safety and security of individuals impacted by the conflict, as well as working towards rights respecting approaches by all relevant…
11 Aug 2022
Blog post
The latest OEWG report: thoughts and recommendations
At the end of July, the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs—which is currently discussing how states should and shouldn’t behave in cyberspace—concluded its third meeting, which falls in the middle of its four year mandate (ending in 2025). Below, we provide a summary of what happened, reflections…
28 Jul 2022
news
GPD inputs into Ad Hoc Committee negotiations on possible cybercrime convention
The UN Third Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime continues negotiations on a possible convention on cybercrime, with discussions on the provisions on “international cooperation, technical assistance, preventive measures, the mechanism of implementation, the final provisions and the preamble” chapters taking place at the next session. We appreciate the opportunity…
30 Jun 2022
Blog post
Case study: Civil society engagement in the development of Chile’s NCS
This case study is an extract from National Cybersecurity Strategies: Lessons Learned and Reflections from the Americas and Other Regions, a joint report by GPD and the Cybersecurity Program of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS), published in 2022. * In…
29 Jun 2022
Report
National Cybersecurity Strategies: Lessons Learned and Reflections from the Americas and Other Regions
Having a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy (NCS) in place is becoming critical to a nation’s economic and social well-being. Policymakers are taking note of this – evidenced by the 17 countries in the Americas who have developed their NCSs, and others being in the process of developing or updating them. However,…
04 May 2022
news
GPD input to the Ad Hoc Committee on cybercrime
The UN Third Committee’s Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime begins negotiations on a possible convention on cybercrime, beginning with discussions on the “Preamble and General Provisions, Criminalisation and Procedural Measures and Law Enforcement” chapters of the possible convention. We appreciate the opportunity to provide our input to the discussions ahead…
13 Apr 2022
Report
Assessing Cybercrime Laws and NCSS from a Human Rights Perspective
This pack comprises two linked resources: Assessing Cybercrime Laws from a Human Rights Perspective: Drawing upon international standards, this tool provides a standalone framework for assessing the different elements of cybercrime legislation from a human rights perspective. It also provides examples of good and poor practice from existing pieces…
16 Mar 2022
Blog post
Ukraine: what are the likely implications for norms and discussions in cyberspace?
This article was originally published on CircleID. * The invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February, and the events since, have shocked and horrified the world. The immediate focus must be on protecting the safety, security and human rights of the Ukrainian population. But we can…
01 Feb 2022
Blog post
Will the UN Step Up Transparency on the Tech Envoy Selection Process?
This article has also been posted on Circle-ID. A few weeks ago, a new vacancy was added to the UN Webpage for Senior Leadership Positions, inviting applications to become the new Tech Envoy. This position has a long and unfortunate backstory. It was created in 2019 as a new…
03 Dec 2021
Report
AI, Human Rights and Engaging in Policymaking (webinar series)
As part of our work on Emerging Tech, GPD delivered a series of webinars for civil society groups focused on AI, human rights and engagement in policymaking. The transcripts for each session, as well as accompanying slides and recommended background reading can be found below. I…
24 Nov 2021
Blog post
The UN’s cybercrime treaty: where do things stand?
At the time of writing, around thirty countries and the EU have responded to the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime’s initial consultation on the scope, objectives and structure of what would be the UN’s first treaty on cybercrime. If negotiations…
07 Oct 2021
news
GPD gives feedback on New Zealand’s approach to cybercrime convention negotiations
GPD has responded to a public consultation by the New Zealand government, which asked for feedback on its draft principles and objectives for negotiating a new UN convention on cybercrime. In our submission, we emphasise the importance of the effective protection of human rights as a principle underpinning New Zealand’s…
13 Sep 2021
Blog post
An open, interconnected and interoperable Internet (joint letter)
Below is a joint letter, signed by a coalition of civil society and industry stakeholders, raising concerns about the human rights risks of internet fragmentation and setting out principles for an open, interconnected and interoperable internet. If you are interested in endorsing the principles, please reach out to sheetal{a}gp-digital.org.
18 Jun 2021
Blog post
“In progress”? Reflections on the UN discussions on state behaviour in cyberspace
In recent months it has been difficult to escape reports of damaging cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, even without following discussions directly relating to cybersecurity. As well as heightening tensions between states, causing huge financial losses to companies and to governments, and directly impacting…
09 Apr 2021
Report
The missing piece in human-centric approaches to cybernorms implementation
The importance of a human-centric approach to peace and security in cyberspace has been consistently noted in cybernorms discussions, including in the UN First Committee’s Open-Ended Working Group on ICTs. However, an analysis of what a human-centric approach to implementing cybernorms means in practice has so far…
18 Mar 2021
Blog post
The OEWG’s consensus report: key takeaways
The third and final meeting of the UN First Committee’s Open ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs concluded last week. Going into it, we were prepared for three possible scenarios: The OEWG would fail to adopt a consensus report (the worst outcome, which would have undermined…
17 Mar 2021
Report
Human Rights in the Digital Age: State of Play across Commonwealth Pacific Countries
The rise and evolution of the internet and digital technologies has brought about new opportunities and challenges for communities around the world to exercise and enjoy their human rights – including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to privacy. However, while it is now widely accepted that…
11 Mar 2021
Report
Digital Rights at a Crossroads: Recommendations for Advancing Human Rights and Social Justice Post-2020
What are the key challenges facing civil society organisations when it comes to digital policy? What are the big issues on the international agenda—and why are they there? How should groups decide which of the dozens of forums and processes are worth engaging in? And how can funders…
26 Feb 2021
news
GPD provides input on Zero Draft of OEWG substantive report
GPD has submitted input to the Zero Draft of the Open-ended working group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (OEWG)’s upcoming report. The report is the basis of the final discussions of the OEWG, which will…
18 Jan 2021
Blog post
Trends in the encryption debate: from intelligence gathering to tackling online harms
Policy debates around encryption are nothing new. The 1990s saw what was known as the “crypto wars”, with efforts from governments around the world (and particularly the US) to restrict the availability of strong encryption, whether through demanding “backdoors” for intelligence agencies, or…
18 Dec 2020
Report
Encryption Laws and Policies: Human Rights Assessment Tool
The aim of this tool is to enable the user to analyse encryption laws and policies from a human rights perspective. It outlines the key elements of encryption laws and policies and how to assess them against international human rights standards. It also includes examples of good and poor practice…
11 Nov 2020
news
GPD signs joint civil society statement in support of encryption
GPD has signed onto a joint civil society statement, expressing concern over proposals by the UK government which would undermine encryption, including through its Online Harms Bill. The Online Harms Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament in 2021,…
14 Oct 2020
news
CDT, GPD and Internet Society respond to new statement from Five Eyes alliance
On 11 October, law enforcement officials from “Five Eyes countries” (as well as Japan and India) published a statement calling on tech companies to enable access to communications protected by end-to-end encrypted communications. In response, The Internet Society, Global Partners Digital,…
26 Aug 2020
news
GPD launches new Toolkit to support inclusive and value-based cybersecurity policymaking
Global Partners Digital (GPD) has launched a Toolkit to support the development and implementation of inclusive and value-based cybersecurity policymaking processes. The Toolkit’s central component is a comprehensive guide for policymakers on involving relevant stakeholders in the process of developing, implementing and reviewing an National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCSS).
26 Aug 2020
Report
Toolkit for inclusive and value-based cybersecurity policymaking
This Toolkit is designed to support the development and implementation of inclusive and value-based cybersecurity policymaking processes. It includes: A comprehensive guide for policymakers on involving relevant stakeholders in the process of developing, implementing and…
23 Jun 2020
Report
NGO Participation in Multilateral and Multistakeholder Forums: Good Practice Examples
The establishment of the UN’s Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on Developments in ICTs iN the context of international security was intended to be the UN’s first open and accessible forum to discuss ICTs in this specific context. It was established by the UN General Assembly and its First Committee on…
17 Jun 2020
news
Coalition of civil society groups launches tool to track responses to disinformation in Sub Saharan Africa
Today, Global Partners Digital (GPD), ARTICLE 19, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), PROTEGE QV and the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria jointly launched an interactive map to track and analyse disinformation laws,…
16 Jun 2020
news
GPD submits into Australia’s Cyber and Critical Technology International Engagement Strategy
GPD has inputted into Australia’s Cyber and Critical Technology International Engagement Strategy. Our submission responds to three of the sets of questions set out in the call for submissions: 1) What should Australia’s key international cyber and critical technology objectives be? What are the values and principles Australia…
19 May 2020
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In beta, episode 7 (S2): Multilateralism in the age of social distancing w/ Sheetal Kumar [S2]
We speak to GPD Senior Programme Lead Sheetal Kumar about how COVID-19 is affecting discussions on cyber norms at the international level. Sign up to receive GPD’s monthly Digest here. …
13 May 2020
news
ISOC, CDT and GPD announce launch of Global Encryption Coalition
On Thursday 14 May, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), Internet Society (ISOC) and Global Partners Digital (GPD) will jointly launch the Global Encryption Coalition. The Coalition—comprising a range of civil society groups worldwide—will act as a “coalition of coalitions”, amplifying advocacy efforts where…
05 May 2020
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In beta, episode 5 (S2): African trends in the pandemic w/ Ashnah Kalemera
We speak to CIPESA’s Ashnah Kalemera about responses to COVID-19 on the African continent. Follow CIPESA’s work around COVID-19 here. Sign up to receive GPD’s monthly Digest here.
30 Apr 2020
Report
Unpacking the GGE’s framework on responsible state behaviour: International law
At the UN First Committee, two processes—the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and the Open-ended Working Group—are currently exploring the same question: responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. This term comes from a 2015 report by the previous GGE, which defines it according to a framework of four components: norms,…
28 Apr 2020
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In beta, episode 4 (S2): COVID-19 data collaboratives w/ Stefaan Verhulst
We speak to Stefaan Verhulst about The GovLab’s new repository of COVID-related data initiatives, #DATA4COVID19. Explore the repository here. And find out more about The GovLab’s Global AI Ethics Consortium (GAIEC) here. In beta ·…
21 Apr 2020
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In beta, episode 3 (S2): Data colonialism
We talk to Nick Couldry, Professor of Media and Communications and Social Theory at LSE, about the concept of data colonialism, and how it can help us understand the present moment. Find out more about Professor Couldry’s latest book, The Cost of Connection, here. Subscribe to GPD’s monthly email…
01 Mar 2020
Report
Involving Stakeholders in National Cybersecurity Strategies: A Guide for Policymakers
There is a growing recognition that fostering a cyberspace that is free, open and secure requires a multistakeholder approach to cybersecurity capacity building. A National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCSS) lies at the core of these efforts. By providing a comprehensive framework for prevention, preparation, response, and incident recovery, the NCSS…
19 Dec 2019
Report
Unpacking the GGE’s framework on responsible state behaviour: Cyber norms
At the UN First Committee, two processes—the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and the Open-ended Working Group—are currently exploring the same question: responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. This term comes from a 2015 report by the previous GGE, which defines it according to a framework of four components: norms,…
22 Nov 2019
Report
Unpacking the GGE’s framework on responsible state behaviour: Confidence building measures
At the UN First Committee, two processes—the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and the Open-ended Working Group—are currently exploring the same question: responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. This term comes from a 2015 report by the previous GGE, which defines it according to a framework of four components: norms,…
14 Oct 2019
Report
Unpacking the GGE’s framework on responsible state behaviour: Capacity Building
At the UN First Committee, two processes—the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and the Open-ended Working Group—are currently exploring the same question: responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. This term comes from a 2015 report by the previous GGE, which defines it according to a framework of four components: norms,…
01 Oct 2019
Blog post
Cybersecurity digest (September 2019)
This extract is taken from the September 2019 issue of The digest, GPD’s newsletter. Sign up here. * GPD was in New York last month for the first substantive meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace (OEWG), which saw wide-ranging discussion…
09 Sep 2019
Blog post
Engaging at the UNGA First Committee and the GGE and OEWG: a guide
Over the next two years, two processes related to responsible state behaviour in cyberspace—the OEWG and the GGE—will unfold within the framework of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly. In a previous explainer, we took a broad look at the remit…
01 Aug 2019
news
GPD submits initial response to UNHLP report on digital interdependence
GPD has made an initial response to a new report by the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, “The Age of Digital Interdependence”. Published in June, the report follows a series of consultations since the Panel was convened in July 2018. Its three main sections—“Leaving…
12 Jun 2019
Blog post
Cyber norms in NYC: takeaways from the OEWG meeting and UNIDIR Cyber Stability Conference
At the start of the year, the UN General Assembly established two processes—the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and Open Ended Working Group (OEWG)—to discuss developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security, and to advance responsible behaviour in cyberspace.
01 May 2019
Blog post
UN First Committee Processes on Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace: an explainer
In late 2018, the UN First Committee established two parallel processes to discuss responsible state behaviour in cyberspace – the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG). The outcomes of these processes may end up having a significant influence on…
01 May 2019
news
GPD provides briefing to states involved in GGE and OEWG on stakeholder engagement
Global Partners Digital (GPD) has provided a briefing to the member states engaging in the UN’s First Committee Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG). In the briefing, we emphasise the need for transparency and openness in order to ensure meaningful input into both the GGE…
15 Mar 2019
Blog post
Multistakeholderism: the missing cyber norm?
Cyber norms are seemingly being discussed everywhere at the moment. From global expert meetings such as the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC), to bilateral negotiations, networks of private sector tech companies, regional forums and now the UN’s First Committee two parallel processes…
05 Mar 2019
news
Access Now and GPD respond to IGWG consultation on proposed binding treaty
Access Now and GPD have responded to a consultation by the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights (IGWG) on a draft legally binding instrument, issued on 6 February 2019. The IGWG was created by…
01 Feb 2019
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Cybersecurity and cybercrime policy for human rights defenders (webinar series)
The following three video-presentations were developed as part of a training for human rights defenders on cybersecurity and cybercrime policymaking processes. They aim to familiarise human rights defenders with the definitions of cybersecurity and cybercrime, the relevant policy processes and the multistakeholder approach to cybersecurity policymaking. It is hoped that…
23 Jan 2019
news
GPD responds to GCSC consultation on proposed new Norm Package
GPD has responded to a consultation by the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC) on its proposed new “Norm Package“, issued on 8 November 2018. The GCSC is a group of 28 global experts which develops norms and policy proposals to guide responsible state and non-state…
14 Dec 2018
news
GPD responds to consultation led by UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation
GPD has responded to an open call for submissions to an upcoming report by the UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, which will look at ways states can work cooperatively to tackle challenges in the digital age. The consultation asked for input…
11 Dec 2018
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NCSS on the ground: Chile and Mexico (episode 1)
It’s now widely accepted that the development of national cybersecurity strategies (NCSS) should include a wide range of stakeholders. But what does this look like in practice? In this new podcast series, hosted by Daniela Schnidrig, (Programme Lead, Cyber Capacity Building), we’ll be taking a deep dive into NCSS processes…
18 Oct 2018
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In beta, episode 10: Do bots have rights?
In California, a landmark piece of legislation has recently passed which attempts to regulate the usage of bots in certain contexts. The original version of the bill was broader, and attracted significant opposition from human rights defenders – who argued that it posed a risk to freedom of expression. To…
11 Jul 2018
Report
Travel Guide to the Digital World: Data protection for human rights defenders
In the digital age, the processing of personal data offers undeniable opportunities for economic growth, social advancement and research. It can also, without adequate safeguards, pose risks to the rights of individuals – particularly their right to privacy. The processing of personal data is regulated by a set…
27 Jun 2018
Report
Multistakeholder Approaches to National Cybersecurity Strategy Development
For some time, governments and non-governmental actors alike have been calling for greater stakeholder involvement in cybersecurity policy. Despite this, multistakeholder approaches to national cybersecurity strategy (NCSS) development remain comparatively rare. In part, this is as a result of a critical gap in the cyber capacity building landscape, which…
14 Jun 2018
Report
Organisational Development Framework
In the human rights and digital policy space, where large corporations and state interests dominate, a strong and effective civil society voice is critical. But a movement is only as strong as the organisations which drive it. …
24 Apr 2018
Blog post
Microsoft’s Tech Accord – and what it tells us about the cyber state of play
Last week, Microsoft and 33 other leading tech companies unveiled their Cybersecurity Tech Accord – an agreement on a broad set of principles committing the signatories to “protecting users and customers everywhere”. The introduction to the Accord makes its intention clear: it…
09 Mar 2018
Report
Framework for Multistakeholder Cyber Policy Development
Cybersecurity, and the threats associated with it, is a complex policy area. This complexity demands approaches to policy development which are inclusive, expertise driven, and which engage a broad range of stakeholders – a need which has been recognised by several influential bodies, including the Freedom…
29 Nov 2017
Blog post
GCCS2017: a cyberspace free, open and secure (but mostly secure)
Last week (November 23-24), the Indian government hosted the 2017 Global Conference on CyberSpace (GCCS2017). This was the fifth instalment of the London Process, launched in 2011 by the UK government to advance global norms for responsible behaviour in cyberspace. GCCS2017 was the first in…
02 Nov 2017
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In beta, episode 7: can stakeholders find common ground on cybersecurity?
GPD’s executive director Charles Bradley talks to Gaus Rajnovic, chief financial officer and board member at the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), and GPD’s Lead Strategist Matthew Shears, about multistakeholder approaches to cybersecurity.
20 Oct 2017
news
GPD examines multistakeholder approach to cyber policy in ECJ article
An article by Global Partners Digital (GPD)’s Executive Director Lea Kaspar and Lead Strategist Matthew Shears has been published in the latest issue of the European Cybersecurity Journal (ECJ). Titled ‘A Multistakeholder Approach to Cybersecurity Policy Development’, the article reviews the growing demand for stakeholder engagement in cybersecurity, outlines the…
12 Sep 2017
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Encryption policy for human rights defenders (podcast series)
This three part mini-series, hosted by Global Partners Digital’s Legal Officer Richard Wingfield, aims to give human rights defenders a fast, accessible introduction to the world of encryption policy; looking at what encryption is, how it works, and the debates around it, who the key actors in encryption policy are,…
12 Sep 2017
Report
Travel Guide to the Digital World: Encryption policy for human rights defenders
Everyone who uses the internet depends on encryption. It makes online banking and shopping possible, allows us to communicate securely, and facilitates the exercise of many human rights. Despite these obvious benefits, encryption has always had its opponents – and they are becoming more active. In legislatures and…
07 Sep 2017
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Understanding the ICDPPC (podcast)
In this podcast, GPD’s programme lead Sheetal Kumar talks to Fanny Hidvegi from Access Now about the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC) – explaining how the process works, who’s who, and how civil society can effectively engage.
29 Aug 2017
Report
Navigating Human Rights in the Digital Environment: the ICDPPC
Navigating human rights in the digital environment is a series of tools aimed at helping human rights defenders engage effectively in three key policy forums. The second tool focuses on the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC), showing how it works, who the different actors and stakeholders are, and when,…
14 Jul 2017
Blog post
The case for inclusive cyber policymaking processes
This article is adapted from a keynote speech by GPD’s executive director, Lea Kaspar, at the I International Workshop on Gender and Cybersecurity: Creating a More Inclusive Digital World v1.0, held in the Auditorio Ciudad de León, and organised by The Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), in collaboration with the…
23 Jun 2017
Report
A Distributed Model of Internet Governance
Across the world, increased internet adoption has radically altered people’s lives – creating the need for new methods of internet governance that are more effective, flexible, inclusive, and legitimate. A new paper by GovLab co-founder and GPD Advisory Board member Stefaan Verhulst seeks to address that need, by proposing…
30 May 2017
multimedia
Cyber policy on the ground, episode 4: conversation with Shuchita Thapar
GPD’s Lead Strategist Matthew Shears discusses a new mapping report on the cyber policy landscape in India with its author, Shuchita Thapar.
02 May 2017
Report
Strategic Advocacy Canvas
The Strategic Advocacy Canvas is a tool to help human rights defenders build more effective advocacy strategies. The Canvas is designed to suit a range of advocacy needs. You can use it as a tool for experimentation and testing out ideas; for example, as a way…
12 Apr 2017
multimedia
Cyber policy on the ground, episode 3: conversation with Leonardus K. Nugraha
GPD’s Lead Strategist Matthew Shears discusses a new mapping report on the cyber policy landscape in Indonesia with its author, Leonardus K. Nugraha.
16 Mar 2017
multimedia
In beta, episode 2: how should human rights defenders approach cybercrime?
In the second episode of In beta, GPD’s flagship podcast series, our executive director Charles Bradley interviews Alice Munyua, founder of the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and an advisor to the African Union Commission (AUC), asking – ‘how should human rights defenders approach cybercrime?’…
10 Mar 2017
news
GPD launches framework for inclusive cyber policymaking
We are delighted to share the beta version of our Framework for inclusive cyber policymaking, a tool to assist stakeholders in setting up and assessing inclusive or multistakeholder policy making processes. There are plenty of examples of such processes in the internet governance…
06 Mar 2017
multimedia
Cyber policy on the ground, episode 2: conversation with Pablo Viollier
GPD’s Lead Strategist Matthew Shears discusses a new mapping report on the cyber policy landscape in Chile with its author, Pablo Viollier.
14 Dec 2016
multimedia
Cyber policy on the ground, episode 1: conversation with Nanjira Sambuli
GPD’s Lead Strategist Matthew Shears discusses a new mapping report on the cyber policy landscape in Kenya with its author, Nanjira Sambuli.
29 Jul 2016
multimedia
How to engage in cyber policy
Are you a human rights defender interested in cyber policy? GPD’s video training series, ‘How to engage in cyber policy’, may be of interest. The series – available free on YouTube – aims to help human rights defenders develop the tools, skills and knowledge they need to engage effectively…
18 May 2016
Report
Travel Guide to the Digital World: Cybersecurity policy for human rights defenders
The rapid digitisation of human life has made cybersecurity a key priority for policymakers worldwide. In a context marked by contested definitions of what cybersecurity is and how it should be achieved, it is critical for human rights defenders to understand the situation, actors and issues at stake in order…
03 Jun 2014
Report
Travel Guide to the Digital World: Internet policy and governance for human rights defenders
The internet is the defining technology of our age, transforming relationships in every aspect of our lives, from commerce to politics, from education to art. With these transformations come new opportunities, and also new threats. How the internet operates and is governed affects the rights of users – a new…