October 21 marks the sixth annual Global Encryption Day, recognising the importance of encryption not only as a tool but as a right for all, especially women, gender-diverse people and marginalised communities most vulnerable to online attacks. Widespread global use of digital devices coupled with rampant state surveillance in increasingly hostile political landscapes means that having safer methods of communication is more important than ever. Use of encryption technology continues to be one of the most secure modes of communication at the disposal of human rights defenders, protecting vital data about senders, receivers and the information exchanged.
APC, along with its members and partners, has consistently advocated for the development and use of encryption technologies. We recognise that anonymity and encryption are critical to freedom of expression and condemn restrictions on encryption, as echoed by the UN Human Rights Council in a groundbreaking 2016 resolution recognising the importance of encryption for journalists.
On the first Global Encryption Day in 2021, the Global Encryption Coalition issued a statement that was endorsed by APC and many in our network, calling on the private sector to reject efforts to undermine encryption. At the same time, the APC tech team produced a guide for encrypting your hard disk in order to make this technology more accessible.
Since then, we have continued to support this growing movement and work with members and partners to bring greater understanding on the key role of encryption, as well as create bridges for people and organisations who want to use this technology.
In doing so, we recognise that as digital technologies evolve, newer methods of communication like Signal, which offer encrypted messaging by default, can supplant more traditional methods like e-mail. We also acknowledge that contradictions can be present around the use of encryption as a form of privilege and that “secure digital communication is often the preserve of those with the means, knowledge, and language support to navigate it,” as noted in a recent GenderIT article on the unchecked use of digital surveillance on women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in Ethiopia.
WHRDs across the world navigate surveillance, online harassment, judicial persecution, militarisation, censorship, displacement, economic precarity and attacks on their communities, facing a continuum of violence that moves between online and offline spaces. The editorial of the GenderIT.org special edition “Weaponised technologies and human rights under digital siege” defined how across conflict zones and fragile democracies, technologies once imagined as tools of empowerment and exploration, now serve as instruments of surveillance, repression and even killing. It also explains that “accountability must be grounded in care, equity and collective protection rather than in frameworks that privilege state security or corporate profit. Without such shifts, the global governance of technology will remain inadequate, and its harms will continue to fall most heavily on those who defend rights from already precarious positions.”
APC member Derechos Digitales also points out that for those facing threats for practising journalism, defending rights or reporting abuses, digital security requires much more than just strong passwords. “Discussing cybersecurity requires us to look beyond individual precautions. Not everyone faces the same threats, nor do they have the same resources to protect themselves. Recognising these differences is essential for developing digital security strategies that meet the needs of those most at risk.”
As part of a broader context characterised by nuance and contradictions, encryption remains one of the relevant and necessary tools in a feminist holistic approach to security alongside measures such as more effective accountability, including for powerful actors, and the strengthening of local responses and collective digital care. On this Global Encryption Day, we invite readers to read through some of the ways our network is advocating for increased digital security through the use of encryption.
- Principles of "openness" in an increasingly captured environment: A perspective from Southwest Asia and North Africa
This chapter in the newly launched special edition of Global Information Society Watch (GISWatch) on the theme of “Free/libre and open source software: Visions of openness from the Global South” looks at how governments have been blocking encrypted messaging applications that are critical for civil society organisations to function.
- How to get away from Big Tech? Get started with some recommendations from our community
This article compiles resources from our network of everyday alternatives to corporate platforms, including those that readily support encryption.
- Building a free internet of the future
This publication contains a series of interviews published by APC, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities supported by the NGI Zero (NGI0) grants for free software, open data, open hardware and open standards projects – who are often absent from dominant technological narratives.
- UN Human Rights Council discussions underline the need for holistic approaches to protect defenders
This blog presents key highlights and reflections from APC’s engagement during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC63). APC’s work shows that growing risks from surveillance and privacy breaches are often enabled by broad national security and anti-terrorism laws that weaken encryption and undermine privacy protections and weak data protection frameworks.
- “Online challenges, offline realities: A feminist analysis of women human rights defenders’ digital experiences”
The publication highlights that “for WHRDs, the internet is both a vital space for resistance and a site of profound risk. It enables mobilisation, facilitates community building and allows for the articulation of feminist, environmental and human rights struggles across borders.” The inevitable challenge, however, is that “it also exposes them to relentless attacks: ranging from coordinated defamation and harassment campaigns to doxxing, stalking and threats of physical violence.”
- What is encryption and why is it key to human rights?
This article offers an overview of the different ways in which encryption plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection of a range of human rights.
- Derechos Digitales launches “Tips for digital safety during protests”, a guide for citizen protection in Ecuador and Peru
This guide contains recommendations and resources to help people exercise their rights to participation and freedom of expression without jeopardising their personal data and privacy, with concrete tips for digital safety during protests, including the use of secure and encrypted messaging.
- Encrypting your hard disk: A guide
This guide was developed by APC's Tech team as part of APC's engagement in the Global Encryption Day campaign and talks about device encryption, which is a very useful type of protection in case your device is seized, stolen or lost.
- Take Back the Tech! campaign safety toolkit
Security-in-a-box is a collaborative project devoted to digital security and privacy. Here you can download software and access hands-on guides that teach you how to install and use these tools.