The recent Twilio hack raises important questions about the vulnerability SMS-based verifications – where users receive an SMS with special code to verify or confirm that they have access to a mobile number used to register to a service. In OPTF’s latest Framed newsletter, we explore the Twilio hack and the vulnerability of using SMS to authenticate users.

Submissions are currently: OPEN

In late 2021, OPTF and Engagemedia started collaborating on a research report that investigated digital safety and internet freedom in South and Southeast Asia. The final report is now available. Sadly, the findings paint a bleak picture when it comes to ensuring human rights defenders and at-risk communities are safe and secure in the digital world.

Submissions are currently: OPEN

We’re spending more and more time working and playing in the digital world, so we need to learn and practice new skills to ensure we’re safe and secure — not only when we’re online, but also when we’re moving between physical and digital environments. 

Originally published on Session.

Creating secure technologies is not easy. Software engineering expertise in cryptography and networking comes at a premium, and the work we’re doing at the OPTF requires significant funding. 

In March 2021, the OPTF got the opportunity to discuss the importance of digital security tools for civil society organisations at the Virtual Conference on Public Interest Technology hosted by the Arizona State University. The concept of ‘public interest technology’ is slowly gaining traction with an increasing number of events and discussions exploring the term and its meaning.

Freedom of expression is essential to preserving democracy and human rights all around the world. Activists must be able to gather and organise, journalists must be able to report, advocates and lawyers must be able to speak out and protect fundamental rights. Over the course of the last two decades, many people defending human rights have relied heavily on technology to carry out their work — things like the internet, smart phones, and social media are used heavily.