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Backing Up Phone Media Without Internet or a Computer
This post is part of a series on Documenting During Internet Shutdowns. Also available in Arabic, Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia. With contributions by Arul Prakkash Last reviewed: 31 January 2020 Backup is key to ensuring your data and documentation are not accidentally deleted, corrupted, or lost if your device is confiscated. During an internet shutdown or slowdown, […]
Yvonne Ng
February 3, 2020
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File Sharing and Communication During an Internet Shutdown
This post is part of a series on Documenting During Internet Shutdowns. With contributions by Arul Prakkash. Also available in Arabic, Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia. Last reviewed: 31 January 2020 Embed from Getty Images The ongoing internet shutdown and crackdown in Kashmir, the longest internet shutdown ever imposed in a democracy, has had a catastrophic impact on […]
Yvonne Ng
February 3, 2020
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Human rights defenders are not terrorists, and their content is not propaganda
Counter-terrorism is not a field that is known for its respect of human rights. The word terrorism, though it does not have any commonly agreed upon legal or societal definition, has often led to the implementation of repressive measures, not only in authoritarian regimes, but also in countries recognized as democracies. The United Nations Office […]
WITNESS
January 21, 2020
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In Africa, Fear of State Violence Informs Deepfake Threat
Our deepfakes preparedness workshop in South Africa revealed that perceived threats from synthetic media vary greatly by region, especially where repressive government is a factor.
WITNESS
December 9, 2019
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What image keeps you fighting for human rights?
As we look to the dawn of a new decade in 2020 and the “Best [insert noun] of the 2010s” listicles start cluttering our news feeds, let’s take a collective breath together. On December 10th, join us and share what image keeps YOU fighting for human rights. And let's inspire millions together!
WITNESS
December 4, 2019
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The Right to Record in Africa – Law versus Reality
The Nigerian police force has a popular phrase which you will find displayed in most police stations. It says: The Police is your friend. But the average Nigerian does not know this to be true. The high levels of police violence coupled with the absence of accountability has sparked social movements such as #EndSARS and […]
Adebayo Okeowo
October 28, 2019
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Cyber-Violence against the Marginalised in Sri Lanka
Digital community spaces serve as important tools for Sri Lankan women and the LBT community. A recent research study conducted by Groundviews reveal that deep-rooted misogynistic attitudes driven by hate and fear drive cyber-violence against the marginalised.
Meghana Bahar
September 6, 2019
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How to Burn Subtitles into Your YouTube Videos
What Does “Burning In” Subtitles Mean? There are basically two ways to display subtitles in your videos. One method is to use a separate text file (e.g. a SRT file) that “plays” along with your video. This “soft subtitle” method is what allows users to turn subtitles on/off, or choose from multiple subtitles for the […]
Yvonne Ng
July 25, 2019
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Juan’s Story Part 2: Using Video as Evidence in Immigration Proceedings
This post is part of the WITNESS US Program and Media Lab’s series,“Eyes On ICE: Documenting Abuses Against Immigrant Communities.” The following is a case study for the consideration of immigration attorneys, advocates, and community members nationwide thinking through the creative use of video in defending individuals against deportation. The case at hand was filed […]
WITNESS
July 16, 2019
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How You Can Help the Humanitarian Crisis at the US-Mexico Border… and Beyond
When images of Oscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his daughter, Valeria were published recently, we were outraged. We were heartbroken. The situation at the US-Mexico border is a crisis: a humanitarian crisis. Because of the government’s stronghold on the narrative — coupled with a militarized lack of transparency — without stories and images from brave whistleblowers, activists and community […]
WITNESS
June 28, 2019
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World Refugee Day 2019
June 20th marks World Refugee Day. But the work of protecting the rights of refugees happens every day of the year. At WITNESS, we help refugees document their stories—specifically human rights violations, through creating and archiving important media that can be used to bring awareness to their experiences and help advocate for change. Here are […]
WITNESS
June 19, 2019
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Collectives From All Regions of Brazil Gather in Rio
35 activists from 6 cities met to discuss strategies on how to use video for change. The convening “#R2R – For the Right to Record” featured representatives from Belém, Santarém, Fortaleza, Recife, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasîlia and Porto Alegre. These representatives consisted of video activists, human rights lawyers, archivists, and community media collectives. […]
WITNESS
June 17, 2019
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Deepfakes and Synthetic Media: Updated Survey of Solutions against Malicious Usages
Last updated: June 2019 (NOTE: please send feedback on areas/examples we are missing to sam [at} witness.org: this is not a comprehensive list!) This is a survey of solutions around the emerging and potential malicious uses of so-called “deepfakes” and other forms of AI-generated “synthetic media” and how we push back to defend evidence, the truth […]
Sam Gregory
June 7, 2019
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WITNESS at RightsCon 2019: Full List of Panels
We are headed to RightsCon in Tunis next week, and would love to see you! RightsCon focuses on the intersection of tech and human rights—where WITNESS lives. We’re more than ever in the center of hot debates around topics such as manipulated media and extremist content, so there’s no better opportunity to meet and collaborate […]
WITNESS
June 5, 2019
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Collaborating with Filmmakers for Human Rights
We have been working with filmmakers, editors, and activists for over 25 years. Here are some helpful guidelines for you when filming a video advocacy project for human rights.
WITNESS
May 29, 2019