A Survival Toolkit for Journalists: How to Protect Yourself Against Digital Surveillance

"Anecdotal evidence in Southern Africa shows that governments in the region are increasingly resorting to digital tools for surveillance and this is a serious cause for concern."

This toolkit provides journalists and media houses with a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks on cyber security laws in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and offers knowledge and tools that can be implemented by journalists and media houses to protect their online spaces, digital footprints, and data. The guidance and tools provided include, for example, best practices on digital security such as using virtual private networks (VPNs), maintaining digital hygiene, and developing a digital security policy. It also provides explainers of key surveillance software and terminologies, as well as resource links to open-source software and digital security software, which journalists can explore and use to protect their privacy online. The toolkit is intended to protect journalists and their sources, but it can also be adopted by activists and other citizens who seek to protect themselves and their online communications.

As explained in the toolkit, the surveillance of journalists "has become a very topical and controversial issue that now requires attention at a number of levels - the level of the state, CSOs (civil society organisations), and journalism organisations themselves. The systematic and arbitrary harvesting of journalists' information, tracking and targeting of journalists is on the increase, especially in the SADC region where some regimes seek to retain control of the media and stifle divergent views and suffocate opponents. In countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Malawi, there is deep-rooted fear that enacted cyber laws are already being used for surveillance purposes." This surveillance, according to the toolkit, poses one of the biggest threats to journalism and freedom of expression in a region where democracy is quite nascent.

The contents are as follows:

1. Introduction
2. International Frameworks on Surveillance and Privacy Issues - Surveillance is strongly linked to practices of privacy. An increase in surveillance practices negatively impacts on the enjoyment of the right to privacy. As espoused in many regional and international statutes, privacy is a fundamental human right. This section looks at what legal frameworks exist to protect journalists.
   • International Legal Instruments
   • Regional Legal Instruments
   • Key Features of Surveillance Laws in the SADC Region
3. Tactics of Surveillance Used on Journalists - This section outlines the digital tactics that journalists can be subjected to, such as electronic communication surveillance, public space surveillance, and geo-location surveillance.
4. Unpacking the Digital Security Survival Toolkit - In this section, the toolkit outlines a number of actions journalists can take upon realising they are subject to surveillance; these actions may be especially helpful for those covering sensitive assignments.
   • Operational Security
   • Personal Security
   • Support Structures for Journalists
   • Digital Hygiene Best Practices
   • Protecting Your Data
   • Advocacy Opportunities
   • Additional Resources and Training Opportunities
5. Conclusion