A rights-aligned approach to digital identity is crucial for fostering inclusive and democratic futures. Be sure to read Sani Suleiman's in-depth examination of the policies and practices shaping the continent's digital environment.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...

Conducted in partnership with Paradigm Initiative, this study provides essential analysis and policy recommendations for governments, technology companies, and civil society engaged in this rapidly changing landscape.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...

The research report "Biometrics and Digital Identification Systems in Africa: Assessment of Governance, Vendors, and Human Rights" is a product of our work at the Atlantic Council's Democracy + Tech Initiative’s Rights-Aligned Tech Governance project.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...

The development of these systems relies on a complex ecosystem dominated by transnational vendors. Indeed, the infrastructure that defines African identity is often created with limited transparency, weak data protection, and minimal public oversight.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...

A good starting point for people who are not familiar with the systematic human rights violations perpetrated in Venezuela over the past two decades.
The ICC investigation into crimes against humanity "allegedly" committed in the territory of Venezuela.

www.icc-cpi.int/venezuela-i

I´m personally committed to developing case studies documenting TNR activities linked to repressive states in Latin America (e.g. Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua), including the cases of some my friends and colleagues from these countries.
www.caracaschronicles.com/2025/10/14/a...

A whole-of-society effort to counter TNR, aligning civil society, lawmakers, law enforcement, and the media, should include:
1. Prevention & Awareness
2. Intervention & Disruption
3. Accountability & Deterrence
4. Victim Support & Rehabilitation

TNR Attacks include:
Harassment, Intimidation & Coercion, e.g., harassment of family members in the home country.
Digital Repression, e.g., surveillance and disinformation.
Lawfare, e.g., criminalizing dissidents.
Physical Attacks, e.g., kidnapping and assassinations.

TNR leverages technology and legal systems to suppress dissent.
Highly vulnerable groups include:
• Dissidents and Exiles.
• Journalists and media workers.
• Civil society, human rights activists, and lawyers.
• Elected officials and policymakers.
• Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.

Data shows that TNR incidents were perpetrated by 48 governments between 2014 and 2024.
Major perpetrators include Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, North Korea, Egypt, Cuba, Cambodia, Rwanda, Belarus, and Venezuela.

The framework tackles Transnational Repression (TNR)—a worldwide threat where authoritarian regimes target frontline defenders and diaspora communities with serious and destabilizing effects.

Quick summary: "As resources to support activists, journalists, and diaspora communities targeted by TNR come under increasing strain— exacerbated by the growing absence of sustained US leadership and funding in this domain—the need for a common strategic framework is more urgent than ever...."

2/ The UK's age verification law forces law-abiding citizens to hand over personal data / scan their faces as they browse.

Compelling folks to participate a massive clandestine census of browsing activity.

As these troves of data grow, they expose everyone to the risk of new breaches. And worse.

My prediction for the UK's Age Verification?

The failure to protect children will become obvious.

But the systems that force grownups to provide their IDs before sharing political views will persist.

Because too many bureaucrats and certain big corporations benefit.