Digital Transnational Repression

ResearchTargeted Threats

Digital transnational repression arises when governments use digital technologies to surveil, intimidate and silence exiled dissidents and diaspora communities. It is part of the broader practice of transnational repression, which refers to states using methods such as harassment, coercion-by-proxy, kidnapping, and assassination attempts, in order to control dissent outside their territories. Digital transnational repression has emerged as a critical area of concern in the context of digital threats against human rights, shrinking civic space, and authoritarian interference in democratic societies. The Citizen Lab’s research explores the methods and impacts of digital transnational repression.

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Gender-based Digital Transnational Repression

Based on interviews with exiled and diaspora women, our report describes gendered aspects of the threats women face, the harassment experienced by them and the prevalent tactics used by governments.

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