ICNL conducts research to collect best practices and identify challenges related to technology and civic space. We work closely with our global network of partners to develop international, regional, and national norms and standards so that new technologies protect basic freedoms and build an enabling environment for civil society. We also aim to enhance the fluency of civil society actors in technology so that they can participate meaningfully in crafting policies that affect civic space.
Technology & Civic Space
New technologies are reshaping civic space by providing new ways to exercise the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression — and new ways for governments and private actors to restrict those rights.
Key Resources
The World According to ChatGPT
It’s not hard to imagine someone utilizing ChatGPT to generate fake articles to harm or deceive intentionally. We are focusing on ChatGPT because it has drawn the most headlines, but the concerns discussed below apply equally to all the other generative AI systems and chatbots from families of large language models, as well as AI systems more broadly, which we’re defining as “GPTs” for this article.
Freedom of Association in the Digital Age
The internet is both a tool and a space where freedom of association can be exercised, which has created new opportunities and challenges. Through our support of the UN Special Rapporteur Clement Voule’s 2019 report on freedom of association in the digital age and our work on the impact of emerging technology on civic space, ICNL is aiming to better understand and protect freedom of association online.
Virtual Currency Donations
This report, assembled by the Blockchain Trust Accelerator at New America with the support of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, assesses opportunities and obstacles in charitable donations of virtual currencies. It aims to bring civil society organizations, would-be virtual currency donors, and policymakers up to speed on emerging trends.
Artificial Intelligence & Civic Space
Artificial intelligence pervades all facets of modern life and has unparalleled abilities to expand or restrict civic space. ICNL is helping to develop international norms and national laws to ensure that artificial intelligence effectively promotes and protects civil society.
CivicSpace.Tech
CivicSpace.Tech was created as an interactive resource to provide civil society organizations and development workers with overviews of 14 types of emerging digital technologies and related issues, including their potential benefits, risks, and best practices for their use. It covers a wide range of broader technology trends in the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG) space.
Reports & Articles
COVID-19: The Surveillance Pandemic
Some governments have incorporated surveillance technology into their efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. While the use of all the tools at hand is understandable, emergencies do not obviate states’ obligations to consider the broader societal and human rights effects of these measures.
Mapping Regulatory Proposals for Artificial Intelligence in Europe
This 2018 report outlines major regulatory initiatives related to artificial intelligence and mass data collection in the European Union and its member states.
Intro to AI for Policymakers: Understanding the shift
This 2018 report helps policymakers make informed decisions about regulating artificial intelligence by providing an overview of AI and the crosscutting challenges it poses.
Overseas Surveillance in an Interconnected World
There has been relatively little public or congressional debate about the U.S. Government’s overseas surveillance operations. This 2016 report explores the implications of Executive Order 12333, which authorized expanded data collection by U.S. intelligence agencies.
Global Internet Filtering Map
The OpenNet Initiative tracks restrictions on access to the internet in more than forty countries.
UN Resources
UN Special Rapporteur's report on Freedom of Assembly & Association in the Digital Age
In this 2019 report, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clément Voule, focuses on the opportunities and challenges facing these rights in the digital age.
UN Special Rapporteur's report on the regulation of user-generated content online
In this 2018 report, the United Nations special rapporteur of the promotion and protection of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression recommends a framework for regulating user-generated online content.
Freedom of expression and the private sector in the digital age
This 2016 report marks the launch of a new project by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, exploring issues at the intersection of state and private-sector activities and freedom of expression in the digital age.
Principles for Governing the Internet
This 2015 study by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization provides a comprehensive overview of core documents about internet governance, which were developed and adopted by various stakeholders.
UNSR/FOAA Clement Voule Issues Report on Internet Shutdowns
This report by UNSR Clement Voule, identifies a path forward for ending Internet shutdowns and will act as a key resource for supporting efforts by governments, companies, international institutions, and civil society to strengthen cooperation and implementation measures to end shutdowns.
Resolutions & Diplomatic Statements
UN Human Rights Council Resolution on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Peaceful Protests
This 2018 resolution expresses the concern of the United Nations Human Rights Council about disinformation, noting the need for protection of secure and private use of digital tools in exercising the right to peaceful assembly.
UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Freedom of Assembly and Association
This October 2012 resolution reminds states that all individuals have the right to assemble peacefully and associate freely online as well as offline.
