The human costs of digital authoritarianism are evident across the world, but particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – where the rule of law was, at best, under severe strain even before the digital revolution. Responding to the risks associated with digital technologies, the European Commission published in January 2022 a draft Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles with the aim of creating a “human-centered, secure, inclusive, and open digital environment, where no one is left behind”. The EU’s lack of direct action against NSO Group since the Pegasus revelations is striking. The lack of consequences for NSO Group could contribute to a sense of impunity among spyware firms. ‘Iron Net: Digital Repression in the Middle East and North Africa’ — Policy Brief by James Lynch — European Council on Foreign Relations / ECFR.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 16, 2022 12:05 UTC