Censorship, Surveillance and Cyber Threats in Hong Kong.pdf

This document discusses successes and failures of freedom of information laws from a global perspective. It finds that while FOI laws have increased government accountability in some countries by up to 20 years after enactment, responsiveness to information requests has remained mixed, with less than half of requests being fully successful. An ideal FOI law has broad coverage of information, narrow exemptions subject to public interest overrides, an independent implementing agency, timely responses, low costs, and penalties for noncompliance. Mexico is highlighted as having a relatively strong FOI law due to factors like its broad public interest test and capable independent oversight agency.

This document summarizes a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression regarding targeted digital surveillance. The report finds that targeted surveillance of journalists, activists and critics by governments has led to human rights violations like arbitrary detention and even extrajudicial killings. It proposes regulations for the private surveillance industry to help protect human rights and calls for a moratorium on the global sale of surveillance tools until proper safeguards are in place.

FirstNet: Recent Developments and Current Uncertainties for Local Governments at 2013 IMLA Mid-Year Seminar

Seaparo Phala, CIO of the Department of Arts and Culture, gave a presentation on internet governance, open source software, and their linkages. The presentation covered what internet governance is, key issues like access and rights, the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms, South Africa's policy supporting open source software to promote digital economic growth, and examples of the department's open source initiatives. Phala concluded by encouraging open source communities to engage with the government on further promoting open standards and internet freedom.

This document discusses the lack of free access to legal information in Africa and the work of AfricanLII to address this issue. It notes that without free access, citizens are disempowered and economic development is hindered. AfricanLII partners with legal information institutes in various African countries to make legislation and court decisions openly accessible online. While some successes have been achieved, challenges remain regarding sustainability and gaining widespread acceptance of the principle of free access to law.

Governor Newsom recently signed three Executive Orders that changed fundamental limitations and requirements of the Brown Act. He signed Executive Order N-25-20 on March 12, Executive Order N-29-20 on March 17, and Executive Order N-35-20 on March 21. Before everyone had figured out the section of the March 12 order that addressed the Brown Act, parts of that section were withdrawn and superseded by the March 17 order and the remaining parts continued in the March 17 order. And then the March 21 order made more changes – all of which relate to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The document discusses policy and legal frameworks around freedom of expression in East Africa. It summarizes that while country constitutions protect freedom of expression, some laws limit this freedom. It also discusses issues around access to information, privacy, and internet affordability. The document recommends that governments promote open data, enact right to information laws, harmonize policies, reduce barriers to access, and empower civil society advocacy to strengthen freedom of expression.

The document summarizes the history of US legislation authorizing wiretapping and electronic surveillance. It discusses that wiretapping was originally a felony but was ruled legal by the Supreme Court in 1928. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, also known as the Wiretap Act, prohibited unauthorized wiretapping but established procedures for law enforcement to obtain warrants. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 extended these protections to electronic communications. The USA PATRIOT Act, passed after 9/11, expanded the surveillance capabilities of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The Digital Security Act 2018 in Bangladesh aims to curb crimes committed digitally such as spreading fake news, slander, and inciting violence. However, critics argue it could undermine media freedom and freedom of expression that are protected by the country's constitution and laws. The act allows the government to monitor digital platforms and restrict content it deems harmful or offensive. International organizations have called for reforming the laws to prevent overreach and protect civil liberties.