Challenge Digital Harms in the MENA Region

 

Open Call Announcement: Join Arabi Facts Hub to Challenge Digital Harms in the MENA Region!

 

Are you an activist, technologist, tech worker or ex-tech worker, human rights defender, or researcher passionate about utilizing technology for social good, combating tech harms, holding tech companies accountable? Arabi Facts Hub (AFH) invites you to apply for funding to develop creative and impactful projects that address pressing issues in tech accountability and related fields. We are offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, with a project timeline of 3-6 months.

Check and share the open call to in your circle: [Open Call PDF Version] 

 

Overview of the Opportunity

Technology is rapidly evolving, but so are the risks and harms it poses, especially in the MENA region. From digital surveillance to information disorder, and from the misuse of AI to violations of privacy, the impacts are being felt deeply by individuals and communities. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for MENA activists, technologists, human rights defenders, and researchers to unite, address these challenges, and develop solutions that uphold digital rights and accountability.

AFH is committed to fostering innovative projects that explore these critical issues, find new solutions, and raise awareness about tech harms in the region. We believe in empowering those on the front lines with the resources and support needed to make a real difference.

 

Possible Topics for Projects

We welcome a wide range of ideas and encourage applicants to think creatively. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

• AI ethics and algorithmic bias
• Digital rights and privacy
• Digital surveillance and freedom of expression
• The impact of tech platforms on marginalized communities
• Information warfare in the MENA region
• Labor rights and ethical practices within the tech industry
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations and data transparency

 

What AFH Offers

• Funding: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for project timelines of 3-6 months. 
• Supportive Collaboration: Work alongside a community of dedicated professionals, activists, and researchers to create impactful change.
• Access to Resources: Leverage AFH’s extensive resources, including research data, investigative tools, and specialized tech expertise, to bring your project ideas to life.
• Impactful Outcomes: Engage in meaningful projects that can shape public discourse, influence policy, and hold tech corporations accountable.

 

What to Include in Your Application

To apply, please submit the following:

• A brief overview of your experience in the tech industry, digital rights or related fields.
• Your CV.
• Your areas of interest and expertise.
• A proposal for a potential project or research topic, including objectives, methodology, and anticipated impact.
• An explanation of how your project could contribute to tech accountability or explore an unexplored area within the field.

 

How to Apply

Applications are open to all activists, technologists, tech workers or ex-tech workers, human rights defenders, and researchers from the MENA region. If you’re ready to make a difference and challenge unethical practices in the digital world, we want to hear from you before 30 September, 2024!

Submit your application to [email protected] by 30 September, 2024.

 

About AFH:

Arabi Facts Hub (AFH) is a pioneering platform dedicated to combating information disorder in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by using AI and data analytics to analyze social media content. By creating a comprehensive database and utilizing natural language processing techniques, AFH identifies patterns in information disorder, its impact on minority groups and public sentiment, and advocates for policy changes. We also support independent fact-checking organizations by providing open-access resources, training, and encouraging public contributions to enhance information literacy. Through these efforts, AFH ensures the availability of accurate, timely, and reliable news that empowers the MENA community to challenge information disorder effectively.