lines lines

Networks

of in security
Global surveillance,
watchlisting,
and civic space.

About this project

This project examines global counter-terrorism and security networks that threaten civic space and human rights. It provides an evidence base that shows how these security norms are implemented and identifies opportunities for change.

The project’s goal is to increase democratic oversight of transnational security institutions and collaborate with civil society to challenge harmful practices in global security governance.

Surveillance systems and security policies do not stop at national borders. Rather, they form a global network of “security” that is anything but secure. They restrict rights, enable repression, and operate with little accountability.

This research lays a foundation for how these systems work, enabling you to investigate their presence in your country. Use these findings to ask questions, expose harms, and challenge the spread of surveillance tools. Contact us to get involved with future work on this issue.

Key findings

  • The UN requires member states to surveil travel and travellers, collect biometric data, and create watchlists of alleged, suspected or known terrorists and criminals. They must then share this data globally.
  • Surveillance technologies use invasive screening and profiling technologies. These are based on the collection and interconnection of more and more personal data.
  • Biometric databases and watchlists are reshaping state borders. This creates new risks and greater harm for people in vulnerable situations.
  • International organisations and nominally democratic states are providing authoritarian regimes and dictatorships with surveillance tools. This puts human rights defenders in danger and restricts civic space.
  • It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for individuals to hold international organisations legally accountable – even when their policies and actions directly affect people.
  • Global surveillance expands government power beyond borders. Meanwhile, legal remedies and human rights protections remain limited by national borders.

Articles