The safety of the digital rights community is always our first priority. That’s why, with so much uncertainty about the trajectory of Covid-19, we’ve decided that Bread&Net 2020 will be held virtually. While we won’t be hosting an in-person gathering, we look forward to once again bringing the community together[...]
On April 30, 2020, The Lebanese General Prosecutor ordered the Ministry of Telecommunications to compel all internet service providers to block 28 applications, claiming that these applications were spreading false information about the “unofficial” exchange rate between the dollar (USD) and the Lebanese Lira (L.L). We condemn the General Prosecutor’s[...]
With the continuing crises that Lebanon and the world are facing, we at SMEX have sought ways in which free knowledge, which is an integral part of the ecosystem of digital rights, can contribute to addressing the emerging problems. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, SMEX has invested in[...]
As the Covid-19 virus continues to spread across the world, governments are adopting surveillance measures to track patients, raising privacy concerns. Lebanon, like many other countries, has launched digital tools to help diagnose and monitor the spread of the outbreak. The tools launched by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health[...]
We Demand Ministry of Telecommunications Open the Fixed and Mobile Internet Capacity and Reduce Prices During the COVID-19 Crisis. (Sign the petition here). In a decision to encourage citizens, including students, to stay home during Coronavirus crisis, the Lebanese government announced on Thursday, March 12, that Ogero, the national internet[...]
SMEX recently conducted research to assess the transparency of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Lebanon. Upon gathering information regarding licensed service providers in Lebanon through the Ministry of Telecommunication, we found that there are 114 licensed ISPs in the country: 39 ISPs have websites4 ISPs have a privacy policy on[...]
Over the past four years, Lebanon has witnessed a crackdown against freedom of expression online. The state has penalized citizens, journalists, and civil society representatives who criticize government officials or mock religious figures, worsening the overall environment for free speech online. In our newest report, “Analyzing Freedom of Expression Online[...]
Videographer: We are looking for 5 videographers. (as of 15/10/2019) You are a videographer with one to two years of experience. You have your own camera, preferably a video camera than can shoot Full HD. You must have a tripod. You have preferably at least two batteries plus their recharging stations. You are a[...]
After security forces detained an estimated 300 people last night and security forces and militias attacked protestors both yesterday and today, we want to provide tips on how to safely and securely document human rights violations during demonstrations. Documentation of violations contributes to the protection of victims’ rights and enables[...]
In Lebanon, telcos and major tech companies tend to impact users’ privacy and freedom of expression. A 2018 SMEX report found that out of 66 mobile telecom operators in the MENA region, only 14 published terms of service, seven published privacy policies, and four published both. None of them are[...]
