According to the famous philosopher-historian Yuval Noah Harari, with the coronavirus pandemic humankind is faced the biggest crisis of our generation. He argues that decisions governments and their citizens took in this period likely shaped the world for years to come and that we face the choice “between totalitarian surveillance and citizen empowerment”. And Shoshana Zuboff, author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, claims that we have become more dependent than ever on big tech companies like Facebook and Google.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have become increasingly reliant on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social media to carry out their work. The benefits of these technologies are numerous: CSOs from around the world can communicate and support each other; these technologies enable the sharing of expertise, good practices, and resources in unprecedented ways. Access to new technologies has enabled CSOs to gather, document and analyse information to further improve their work, and as a result has enabled greater accountability for states to realise human rights obligations.

The use of ICTs and social media also presents risks NGO staff and others should be aware of in order to undertake their work effectively. In particular, using such technologies raises issues of digital security and privacy risks, also for those whom they protect and serve. Sensitive information related to human rights issues needs to be stored securely. Human rights defenders and other civil society actors have been threatened, abused, detained or arrested for exposing abuses and violations online. The continuous advances in digital technologies necessitate everyone to be up to date on the benefits they provide and potential threats they pose.

Course objectives

The goal of this course is for participants to enhance their understanding of “surveillance capitalism” and government surveillance, and increase their ability to ensure digital security and privacy while advancing their cause. Beginning with a practical examination of concepts related to digital security and privacy, the course enables participants to realistically assess their current level of digital security and privacy. Through practical examples and case studies, the course encourages participants to increase their awareness of digital security and privacy with concrete tools and approaches to use in their work.

In this course, you will learn:

• about current threats to digital security and privacy on a global scale;
• about current types of Internet control threatening on a global scale;
• to identify different types of online data protection;
• to describe basic concepts related to the Internet;
• to compare different anti-virus tools;
• to describe encryption methods for ensuring digital security;
• to assess security and privacy threats and risks for individuals and organisations;
• to evaluate tools and practices to mitigate digital security risks;
• to use tools and practices to control and protect personal information online;
• to develop strategies to promote awareness, and implementation of increased security and privacy.

Course format

This certificate course involves approximately 20 hours of reading, discussion, weekly 90-minute (Zoom) live classroom sessions (on Wednesday’s from 14h00-15h30 UTC/GMT) with the course instructor and/or guests experts, a written assignment and quizzes, and is offered over a six-week period. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. Participants will do the required readings, prepare interim and final assignments and participate in group discussions. Case studies will be used to enable interactive learning and activities. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is also possible to audit the course.

Course outline

Week 1: Current trends and issues related to surveillance, digital security and privacy
Week 2: Understanding basic concepts of digital security and privacy
Week 3: Assessing personal and organisational threats with respect to digital security
Week 4: Ensuring digital privacy