The Africa Coalition on Spyware and Surveillance Accountability is a member-led initiative that aims to address the growing threat of mercenary spyware and surveillance abuse across Africa
Bringing together human rights defenders, civil society organizations, activists, hackers, whistle blowers, journalists and policymakers to accelerate the capacity, knowledge, monitoring, and investigating the harms of mercenary spyware use in Africa. It addresses critical challenges posed by spyware and state-led surveillance. With a Living Lab that will monitor and report on the use of spyware while providing essential support to victims.
This includes technical diagnostics, intelligence research and threat analysis to combat the misuse of surveillance technologies. Working with governments and legislators to refine and propose amendments to existing laws and regulations that present key challenges to fundamental human rights of citizens.
Lead a network of technical forensics and cyber security experts to support forensics tracing for civil society cases and citizens.
Develop a civil society coalition on documenting spyware use and abuse by state and non-state actors.
Map the protection landscape, highlighting gaps, and proposing action to support and protect victims of Spyware abuse.
Identify gaps in legislation and regulatory frameworks to develop a joint advocacy strategy.
Develop the annual intelligence report monitoring mercenary spyware use across Africa.
PolicyLab is a public interest technology organization that advances digital inclusion, access, and digital rights across Africa through technology development, research, and capacity building. We focus on supporting breakthrough advocacy and research, and on leading high-impact change projects across the continent
We work across Africa and have responded to internet shutdown emergencies in Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana & Cameroun. We have also supported HRDs, CSOs and the civic space for a greater internet freedom.
Working with partners, we have developed a research agenda to track surveillance tech deployments across Africa. The Africa Coalition on Spyware and Surveillance Accountability is an initiative of PolicyLab Africa. Visit www.policylabafrica.com to learn more.