RightsCon Tunis 2019

The political moment globally is defined by the heightened criminalization of queer and trans people of color, women and migrants, growing nationalism and fundamentalism, and shrinking space for civil society. Surveillance and states’ increasing use of tech to control public narratives puts activists at risk. Astraea embarked on research in key geographies around the world to: understand the baseline for tech use, governance and access; explore the dynamics of internet freedom, digital security and surveillance; map the communications and digital organizing tools being used by activists and the role of digital advocacy and online community-building in their movements; and identify opportunities around tech and communications tools that activists can use to mitigate threats and further their work. We will share key insights from 4 digital landscape mappings, drawing connections across political and movement contexts in the U.S., Dominican Republic, India, and Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Via interactive discussion with panelists and audience, this session will share critical knowledge about the particular vulnerabilities that queer and trans activists experience on digital terrain, and identify how technologists and funders can better support their resilience and resistance.