Local-First Privacy Cases_
Real, local stories to inspire you to build impactful privacy solutions for the communities most in need.
1. Government Tracking of C-19 Contacts
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Czech government implemented tracking apps and data collection to monitor the spread of the virus, raising concerns about data privacy and retention leading to potential overreach in personal data collection, lack of transparency on data storage and proof-of-deletion.
2. Czech Telecom Data Retention Controversy
Czech authorities mandated telecom companies to store users' communication data for extended periods, sparking backlash from privacy advocates leading to mass surveillance concerns, potential misuse of communication records, chilling effect on free expression.
3. Roma Community Surveillance
Reports emerged of increased surveillance of Roma communities in the Czech Republic, particularly in areas of housing and welfare, leading to discrimination, violation of personal privacy and social exclusion.
1. Racial profiling while renting
Berlin (and Germany in general) have a massive problem of racism in housing which leads to less renting opportunities, hostility and social disturbance.
2. Predictive Policing Software
Berlin and Hamburg have implemented predictive policing software, which analyzes large data sets to predict future crimes which violates citizens' privacy rights by profiling certain communities and individuals without sufficient cause.
3. Toll Collection Systems
German authorities were found to have used toll collection cameras to gather mass amounts of data, including the tracking of vehicles and drivers, for purposes beyond toll enforcement.
1. Political signalling
Polarizing cultural wars have disincentivized social and political expression, as individuals fear being "cancelled" by their personal and professional circles. While voting is anonymous, we need a daily, anonymous, but verifiable system for expressing political views without risking personal identity.
2. Freedom of Speech
Government suppression of journalists who uphold integrity creates a disincentive to speak the truth, undermining open communication and press freedom.
3. Fake News to Fake History
Historical revisionism surrounding events like the Treno Italicus, Piazza della Loggia, and Piazza Fontana massacres threatens to distort the truth, perpetuated by government forces and ideological heirs of the perpetrators.
1. Surveillance of Religious Communities
Dutch authorities were found to be illegally collecting data on religious organizations and churchgoers leading to erosion of trust between religious communities and government, potential misuse of sensitive religious data.
2. Facial Recognition at Public Events
The use of facial recognition technology at major public events, including festivals and football matches, sparked concerns over mass surveillance and data misuse leading to invasion of personal privacy, risk of data breaches, chilling effect on public participation.
3. System Risk Indication Program
The Dutch government implemented SyRI, an algorithm used to identify welfare fraud, which was ruled illegal due to its violation of privacy rights which lead to discriminatory profiling of low-income residents and increased mistrust in public institutions.