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Research & Findings: Addressing Content Moderation Bias Against Palestinian Discourse

14:00-15:00 EEST, Beirut Time

Description: This session aims at presenting a research paper conducted by SMEX that examines online restrictions imposed on pro-Palestinian content across Meta’s platforms during the Israeli war on Gaza since October 2023. In this session, we will also delve into a position paper published by 7amleh, focusing on the implications of X’s (formerly known as Twitter) content moderation policies on Palestinian digital rights.

Speakers
Afnan Abu Yahya
, Researcher, SMEX
Jalal Abukhater, Advocacy Manager, 7amleh

Moderator
Abdulghani Kataya, Media Program Manager, SMEX

Language: Arabic

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Digital Authoritarianism in WANA: The Region's Quest for Control

16:00-17:00 EEST, Beirut Time

Description: The past few years have seen a concerted effort from authoritarian regimes in the region to invest in digital technologies so that they may reap the benefits of such tech. These technologies and tools are then leveraged as tools to further secure their regime and clear away opposition. Join us as we dive deeper into these murky waters with experts in the field.

Speakers
Dana Ahmed
, MENA/Gulf Researcher, Amnesty International
Ali Abdulemam, Digital Security Expert, Red Line for Gulf
Joey Shea, Researcher, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, Human Rights Watch

Moderator
Ryan Yunis, Researcher, SMEX

Language: English

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Searching for a Signal: The Digital Rights Impact of Telecom Services in Lebanon

17:00-18:00 EEST, Beirut Time

Description: The session aims to introduce a research paper conducted by SMEX, which delves into the underlying causes of the poor quality and high costs of telecom services in Lebanon and their adverse effects on vulnerable populations and their right to access. In addition to exploring the technical aspects, we will scrutinize the legality of pricing structures, emphasizing infringements on user rights. A documentation of the experiences of vulnerable groups will serve as the final section before discussing potential paths forward and our proposed strategies for addressing this issue.

Speakers
Najah Itani, Legal & Policy Analyst, SMEX
Maguy Arnous, Researcher, SMEX
Julia Soanirina, Co-founder, Alliance of Migrant Domestic Workers in Lebanon

Moderator
Najah Itani
, Legal & Policy Analyst, SMEX
 

Language: English

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Facing Threat Actors, Spyware Technologies and Companies: A Hidden War Between the Cables

17:00-18:00 EEST, Beirut Time

Description: In recent years, the term spyware has become increasingly prominent within civil society, particularly following revelations about the NSO Group and their notorious Pegasus spyware, which targeted numerous journalists, activists, and political figures. This has prompted discussions on how to effectively combat such threats, including strategies for detection, assessment, and reporting. Various initiatives have been launched globally to address these challenges, employing a range of tools and methodologies tailored to different types of threats. This panel aims to explore these tools and methodologies, shedding light on the efforts of human rights technologists to safeguard privacy and counter abuses. The discussion aims to provide insights accessible to non-technical audiences.

Speakers
Brian Byaruhanga, Technology Officer,CIPESA,
Paul Aguilar, Digital Security, SOCIALTIC
Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, Head of Security Lab, AmnestyTech

Moderator
Ragheb Ghandour, Cybersecurity Technologist, SMEX

Language: English

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