This post is a summary of an article published at https://www.eff.org/ in September 24,2012. And was written by Katitza Rodriguez and Renata Avila. The title is above.
Throughout Latin America, new surveillance practices threaten to erode individuals` privacy, yet there is limited public awareness about the civil liberties implications of these rapid changes. Some countries are pursuing cybercrime policies that seek to increase law enforcement power without strong legal safeguards.
For Latin America privacy advocates, all of this makes for an uphill battle. There are few NGOs working in the region specifically on privacy and surveillance, and the lack of it, is further complicated by a pervasive societal attitude that security trumps privacy. Despite the inherent difficulties, the privacy movement has been working tirelessly to shed light on overarching surveillance practice and to preserve civil liberties. Social media and blogs have made a huge impact in activism work in several countries.
In Brazil, "Movimento Mega"(http://movimentomega.org.br/)is a grassroot movement responding to threats to internet rights. Recently fought an invasive cybercrime bill by advocating a civil rights framework for the internet that include safeguards for free expression and privacy. The Brazilian Institute of Consumer Protection (http://www.idec.org.br/)has also launched a similar campaign. Another important Brazilian NGO is Institute NUPEF, (http://nupef.org.br/)educates policymakers and civil society on internet rights, including privacy.
There are also longstanding human rights NGOs who are beginning to focus more in internet policy ( including privacy ). For instance, "Asosiación pro derechos humanos" has challenged illegal government surveillance in Peru during the presidency of Alberto Fujimori. Fujimori has been jailed for human rights violations after being tried for violating the secrecy of communication and other human rights abuses during his presidency. It marked the first time a elected former president was prosecuted at home for serious human rights violations, including the violation of privacy.
Privacy activism in Latin America is on the rise, and several countries still lack strong civil society groups working in this area. Human rights NGOs in the region tend to prioritize traditional causes such as health, education, citizen security and ongoing battles surrounding forced disappearances and torture. While privately funded organizations work passionately on privacy related topics, privacy is not their sole priority.
Unpaid volunteers are driving much of this activism, and the organizations struggle with limited resources. Despite these challenges and limited coverage of their efforts in the mainstream media, support for their campaigns has continued to grow.
Trump - beat by saying something is better.
Shed - accidentlly drop or spill.
Secrecy - ability to keep a secret, privacy,seclusion.
Grassroot - most basic level of an activity or organization.
