Luminate

Calling all digital democracy defenders: We’re #hiring for a Principal to join our Africa team and lead the charge in tech accountability and civic space protection. Based in Abuja, you'll work across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to support organisations using technology to amplify marginalised voices and safeguard digital rights.   Across Africa, there are threats to the online and offline spaces where people can come together to discuss, participate in, and shape their societies. These threats can take the form of repression of those who challenge power, online and offline surveillance, internet shutdowns, and legislative and funding restrictions. Learn more about our work: luminategroup.com/africa   If you have a deep understanding of the digital challenges facing the continent, we want to hear from you. Apply by 4 August: https://lnkd.in/eBt2Pcn5

In the latest spotlight in our “Women Leaders of Latin America” series with El Pais, Nina Santos addresses a critical issue facing the tech world: the unequal treatment given to Global South countries by digital platforms. A Brazilian researcher and director at Aláfia Lab, she urges immediate action to address this divide – stressing a need to understand the cultural biases in current tech solutions, recognise the global impact of AI and social media regulations, and learn from diverse regulatory approaches. 💡 "What do we want from a democracy in the digital age? I think that is the big question that we have to answer and work to build because we remain locked in this discussion about what we have today. Yes, we have to discuss regulation, self-regulation, co-regulation, but we also have to think beyond that and see what we can propose as a democratic society in the digital age."

📥 Get the latest Luminate news, stories, and announcements in your inbox: https://lnkd.in/e-uzaCm Our latest newsletter highlights the power of survivors' voices in tech advocacy, examines AI's impact on Brazilian elections, and discusses tech challenges facing African civil society and more: https://lnkd.in/dEvyf9f9

#Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Yet, the story about the brutal on-going violence against journalists in Mexico is often ignored. That is why I am so proud to be an Executive Producer in "Estado del Silencio", a documentary about four journalists and the courage that it takes for them to do their work. Congratulations to Diego Luna, Santiago Maza Stern, Gael García Bernal and the entire team at La Corriente del Golfo México for an incredible #film and a fantastic Tribeca premiere. And a massive thank you to all of my colleagues at Luminate who made the support to this film possible (Gustavo Ribeiro, Kristel Mucino, Maria Fernanda Zistecatl, Rafael Georges Zein, Hoodo Mohamed, Carrie Boyle, and so many more).

With rising authoritarianism and rampant disinformation, independent journalism stands as a bulwark against the erosion of democracy. Yet, as a recent OECD Development report highlights, global support for public interest media remains woefully inadequate. OECD's analysis reveals that in 2022, less than 0.2% of global foreign aid goes to supporting media, despite the vital role of free press in combating disinformation and upholding democracy. The International Fund for Public Interest Media offers a solution, providing a multilateral approach to funnel resources to newsrooms worldwide while maintaining their editorial integrity. Learn more from IFPIM's Nishant Lalwani, Maha Taki, and James Deane for Project Syndicate: 💡 "The world has changed drastically in the last ten years, and a shift in donor strategy is long overdue. Now is the time to save independent journalism. The longer we let disinformation thrive, the less likely it will be that democracy survives."

In a digital news era where speed often trumps depth, our partner Cuestión Pública is proving that with AI, you can have both.   Cuestión Pública, a Colombian investigative outlet, has developed Odín, an AI-powered tool that's redefining how small newsrooms can stay competitive. By automating the creation of social media threads that link current events to its past investigations, Odín allows Cuestión Pública to be part of the daily news conversation without diverting resources from their core investigative work. It's a prime example of how AI can amplify the voice of independent media, ensuring that vital investigative journalism reaches a wider audience and maintains its relevance in today's fast-paced digital environment. "We are a small newsroom, and we have an audience interested in this kind of information, but we are not reaching regular citizens. Our information is not picked up by the mainstream media. If you’re in this situation, you need to start to make different formats for different audiences. AI can impact independent news outlets if we know how to use the technology.” 💭 Claudia Báez, co-founder and CEO of Cuestión Pública

We need a greater shift in how the movement for tech accountability engages those with lived experience – centering their expertise and their voices. While personal stories of online harms can be incredibly powerful to shed light on the human cost of Big Tech policies and practices, our analysis reveals concerning gaps: few initiatives bringing diverse survivors together, stark global inequities in resource allocation, and a lack of trauma-informed practices. What actions can funders take to build great support for survivors of online harms? Learn about our latest report from Elise Tillet-Dagousset: https://lnkd.in/e6qkv7F4 Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e-rRm4Db

En el mes de junio, se estrenó en el Festival Tribeca el documental Estado de Silencio, dirigido por Santiago Maza Stern y producido por La Corriente del Golfo México. La película sigue la vida de cuatro periodistas en México que han sufrido persecuciones y violencias por compartir y exponer la realidad en sus comunidades. Desde Luminate, apoyamos el documental por su papel y su compromiso en ampliar la discusión y movilización pública alrededor del tema, e invitamos a tres voces fundamentales en este proyecto a reflexionar sobre su importancia para la democracia ⬇

As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and data privacy, a concerning disparity has emerged in Meta's approach to user rights across different regions.   A recent article from Rest of World highlights how artists in Latin America are finding themselves powerless against Meta's use of their content for AI training — unlike their European counterparts who have been given the option to opt out — offering a nuanced look at how outdated regulations in Latin America are leaving creatives vulnerable, with many feeling their livelihoods are at risk.   💡 “Instead of adopting broader protection measures for all, which would mean granting the same rights to Latin Americans as those in the European Union, these platforms discriminate based on location.”

How can we best listen to and advocate with those most impacted by online harms? Their experience humanises the impact of Big Tech’s product failures and they can help shift narratives, initiate legislation, or inspire litigation. Our study finds that while survivor voices can be incredibly influential, there’s more to do to support survivor-centred organisations or initiatives in digital rights advocacy. Here are some ways we can amplify their expertise in the fight for a safer internet: https://lnkd.in/e-rRm4Db