The article highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Egypt under President Sisi's regime, including torture and mass detentions, and criticizes Western governments for their complicity through continued support and provision of surveillance technology. Despite international laws and human rights obligations, countries like the US, UK, and France are accused of prioritizing economic and security interests over human rights, thereby enabling the authoritarian regime. The article calls for Western governments to condemn these abuses and halt the sale of repressive technologies to Egypt.

London’s Metropolitan Police is set to expand its facial recognition capabilities with a new £3 million deal with NEC Corporation. The technology, known as Retrospective Facial Recognition (RFR), will process images from various sources to track down suspects. Critics warn of potential privacy abuses and discriminatory practices, while supporters argue it will help reduce crime. The Mayor of London’s office approved the proposal, but concerns about transparency and data protection remain. The use of facial recognition technology continues to be a contentious issue in the UK, with calls for stricter regulations and public scrutiny.

Migrants and asylum seekers in Europe face unprecedented digital repression through advanced surveillance technologies funded by the EU. These tools, including predictive technologies and automated decision-making systems, are causing significant harm, facilitating unlawful pushbacks, and increasing discrimination. The EU's investment in these technologies benefits defense companies with poor human rights records, such as BAE Systems. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, has been actively exporting high-tech migration management internationally. Despite some interventions, such as the European Ombudsman's findings, the misuse of technology continues to propagate human rights violations. The EU's AI Act has been criticized for its limitations in addressing these issues.

The article discusses the increasing frequency of government-imposed internet shutdowns and the legal challenges being mounted against them. It highlights the case of Anuradha Bhasin, executive editor of The Kashmir Times, who petitioned India's Supreme Court to restore connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The article notes that while internet shutdowns have severe consequences for economies, healthcare, and freedom of expression, governments continue to justify them on national security grounds. Despite the challenges, there have been successful legal cases against shutdowns, such as in Zimbabwe. The article also touches on the tactics governments use to avoid accountability, the gaps in legal precedent and expertise, and the ways citizens circumvent shutdowns using technology like mesh networks and VPNs. The piece underscores the importance of legal challenges in building jurisprudence and holding governments accountable for human rights violations.

PLACE, a non-profit public charity, aims to democratize mapping data as a public good, ensuring it is accessible and affordable worldwide. Recognizing the challenges of fragmented mapping data and the limitations of government and big tech companies, PLACE proposes a sustainable model through a non-profit data trust. This trust, governed by an independent board, will maintain high-quality mapping data, engage with governments and local partners, and adhere to ethical standards. Members, who pay an annual fee, will influence the trust's maintenance and have access to the data. PLACE's core principles include democratizing data, government engagement, local partnerships, fair pay, and privacy. The organization seeks to improve lives, public services, and environmental care through basic mapping infrastructure.

The unchecked growth of the commercial spyware industry is enabling repressive governments to surveil, harass, and attack independent journalists, posing significant safety risks and encouraging self-censorship. The use of spyware by governments worldwide is a growing threat to press freedom, with notable cases involving NSO Group's Pegasus software. Advocacy groups and media organizations are calling for greater regulation and transparency to combat the misuse of spyware and protect journalists. The industry’s opacity and the collaboration between private companies and governments complicate efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. Enhanced collaboration among press freedom organizations, human rights nonprofits, and digital security experts is essential to address the proliferation of targeted spyware and push for greater accountability.

Mollitiam Industries, a cyberintelligence firm based in Madrid, has developed hacking tools capable of remotely controlling Android, MacOS, and Windows devices. These tools, including 'Invisible Man' and 'Night Crawler,' can intercept files, location data, and activate cameras and microphones covertly. Despite criticism from human rights groups for potentially aiding repressive regimes, Mollitiam has sold its products to various clients, including Spain's intelligence agency and military divisions in Colombia. The firm is also involved in an EU-funded project to develop an intelligence platform for social media and the dark web. Privacy advocates have condemned the EU's funding of such technology, arguing it could enable human rights abuses. The EU has introduced new export regulations for surveillance technology, but critics say these are insufficient to protect human rights.

The Home Office's Data Services & Analytics unit, part of its Digital, Data and Technology department, has collected data on over 650 million individuals, including children. The unit is under scrutiny for its lack of transparency and the potential creation of a 'super database' that could exacerbate racial biases in law enforcement. Privacy International's FOI requests revealed the unit holds data on ethnicity, immigration status, and criminal records, among other details. Only two data providers, GB Group and Dun & Bradstreet, are publicly known, with others redacted. The unit's projects are being reviewed by the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group for ethical concerns. Critics argue that the Home Office's data practices are tainted by institutional racial bias and call for transparency and reform. The unit is also involved in the UK's immigration watchlist and a status checking project, both of which have faced criticism. The Home Office maintains that data is processed lawfully and securely.

Huawei's 'Safe City' surveillance technology, aimed at improving public safety, faces criticism for potentially aiding repressive regimes in Africa. Activists express concerns over human rights violations, particularly in countries with poor human rights records. Huawei defends its technology, stating it does not manage or access the systems sold. The debate highlights the need for effective regulatory frameworks to balance public safety and human rights protections.

Global internet freedoms have declined for the ninth consecutive year, driven by censorship, surveillance, and disinformation campaigns. A report by Freedom House highlights that 71% of the world's population live in countries where individuals face arrest for online content, and nearly half experience intentional internet disruptions. Western companies are complicit in this decline and must collaborate with civil society and nation states to establish international standards to protect digital rights. The NSO Group's Pegasus spyware exemplifies the role of private companies in eroding digital privacy. A global movement is needed to safeguard digital rights and prevent digital dystopias.