“Guinea pigs”: In Jordan, refugees scan irises to collect aid. But is it ethical?
NAZIH OSSEIRAN, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports that while biometrics and blockchain technology help Syrians access UN cash, rights groups are voicing concern over consent and data use…
“Draconian” moves to control internet in Asia
Bangkok, ThailandThomson Reuters Foundation From Cambodia to India and the Philippines, countries in Asia have introduced a slew of internet and data use legislation in recent months, with human rights group warning the measures raise the risk of mass surveillance and free speech violations. More than six nations have launched contact tracing systems during the pandemic – […]
Class led by dead professor in Canada spotlights COVID-era content rights
London, UKThomson Reuters Foundation When Canadian university student Aaron Ansuini wanted to email his professor about a point he made during an online lecture, a search for the teacher’s email address instead turned up a memorial page marking his death two years earlier. Despite his demise, Francois-Marc Gagnon is still lecturing for an online course […]
Singapore’s use of facial verification in ID scheme stirs privacy fears
Bangkok, ThailandThomson Reuters Foundation Singapore’s more than four million residents will have to use facial verification technology to access government services through the national identity scheme, a move criticised as intrusive and heavy-handed by privacy advocates. Facial verification, which works by scanning someone’s face and matching it with a database image, is already used widely […]