Last year, EAVA Artists conducted digital security training for LGBTIQ activists and advocates in Kampala, Uganda. Various organizations gathered to improve their digital security practices, learn how to make informed decisions when communicating online, and exercise their rights safely without falling victim to preventable digital threats and attacks.
“The digital space has a critical role to play in the LGBTI movement: it brings LGBTI individuals together, provides an accessible means of changing public perception on issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. For most LGBTI youth who are not comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation to their friends and community, the internet is the first stop for information and community belonging. But unfortunately, a dramatic increase in the use of online spaces for activism and personal use has resulted in making the LGBTI communities, particularly the youth, more vulnerable to threats, Blackmail and arrests.” Vincent, EAVA Artists’ Director, mentioned.
Miss Keem Love, an EAVA Artists Board member, mentioned that “we need to step up, fight back and counter all forms of bullying. We must understand numerous security tips to prevent future media and online attacks from our enemies. Unfortunately, we cannot turn away from social media and the internet because the COVID-19 pandemic has proved to us that it is a necessity.” She opened up the training.
After assessing participants’ knowledge on digital the importance of digital space, activists participated in interactive sessions on how the internet works. We noted that activists must make a conscious effort to develop safe practices—mainly when working on LGBTI advocacy, human rights, and social justice. Mr. Mark introduced Participants to effective communication, editing, digital data protection, evidence-based documentation, cyber security, and social media common acronyms,
“There are common vulnerabilities and exposures you must look out for as activists, for example, hacking & malware, phishing, social engineering, identity theft/impersonation, and cyberbullying. But It is possible to reduce an attacker’s chances by keeping systems up to date with security patches and updates, using a security scanner, and hiring people with security expertise. However, none of these guarantees the prevention of an attack, but lessens the threat” Daniel Turyatemba, the Digital Safety expert, mentioned this during the session.
On ending social media attacks and bullying, participants were advised to be mindful of their message. Packing can help reduce the risk of the attack but can’t take it away because homophobic people will always attack.
Activists were encouraged to create anti-cyberbullying social media campaigns, continue sensitizing the community, and continually raise a red flag of homophobic people online by sharing their contacts and message with other community members.
“We do the most challenging work, and it is our duty, therefore, to protect the communities that we serve. We might not see the success we thrive for today but let us not tire. You have done us well by paying attention from the beginning to the end, and I hope you will take into consideration all the safety measures shared with you today.” Vincent, the EAVA Director, concluded the meeting.
