February 3, 2025

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) partners with OSF and Unwanted Witness

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) partners with OSF
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) partners with OSF

Efforts to counter the use of surveillance for digital rights suppression in Africa gained momentum during a convening in Port Louis, Mauritius, that brought together key stakeholders. Paradigm Initiative (PIN), in partnership with Open Society Foundation (OSF) and Unwanted Witness, hosted the convening on Countering Surveillance and Digital Repression in Africa.

The meeting brought together activists, academics, tech companies, civil society, regional human rights mechanisms, as well as political actors within the continent. It sought to build strategies to counter fundamental human rights violations arising from the pervasive surveillance and digital repression on the African continent.

PIN and OSF logo

The conversation focused on the state of deployment of surveillance technologies in Africa, with researchers sharing findings on the different regions.

Researchers at the meeting were unanimous that while surveillance cannot be brought to an absolute end, mitigation is possible, with the most notable measures being the usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). On the other hand, it was noted that governments, as primary stakeholders, have the task of not only enacting regulations that protect the citizenry but also of bringing them to life through strong political will.

Speaking at the event, Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, PIN’s Executive Director, challenged stakeholders to commit themselves to actualising the findings. His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Allan Sempala Kigozi from Unwanted Witness, who said the convening is an avenue to influence policy, as well as mould gatekeepers who will, in turn, ensure that state surveillance does not impede on human rights.

counter surveillance and digital repression in Africa

Participants had the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders and experts, network with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators, gain valuable knowledge and insights on deploying surveillance and protecting citizens’ privacy in Africa, and contribute to shaping the African digital future.

The forum took place ahead of the Privacy Symposium Africa 2023, which started on 7th November and ends today, 9th November, in Port Louis, Mauritius, under the theme, “Navigating Privacy in the Age of Digital Transformation.”

The symposium brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners to discuss the latest trends and challenges related to data privacy and data protection. Key areas of focus at the symposium include healthcare, finance, education, and media.

Source

Share.

RELATED POSTS

Schonning Eysturoy, Senior Director of Innovation Ecosystems, Wazoku. Image courtesy: Wazoku
Wazoku Partners with FKRA to Boost AI Innovation in UAE and GCC
The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem. Image Courtesy: Authority of Social Contribution
Ma’an Partners with Hub71 to Boost Social Tech Entrepreneurship in Abu Dhabi
(Centre) Patrick Chalhoub, Group President of Chalhoub Group, Manos Raptopoulos, President of SAP EMEA, and Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director, SAP UAE, were joined by executives from both organizations at the signing ceremony. Image courtesy: SAP
SAP And Chalhoub Group Alliance Adopts Rise With SAP Platform
  • Asialink Finance

LATEST POSTS

India Rail 2025 Banner
Augnito Partners with Almoosa Health To Power Ai-Driven Clinical Workflows in KSA. Image Courtesy-Augnito
TA'ZIZ Methanol Project Signing Ceremony Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A and Mashal Saoud Al-Kindi, CEO of TA’ZIZ. Image courtesy: SAMSUNG E&A and Ta'ziz
Representational Image By Image Source