Edward Snowden: A former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, Snowden revealed extensive global surveillance programs. His disclosures have ignited debates over mass data collection, privacy, and the balance between national security and information freedom.
Jillian C. York: Director for International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, York advocates for privacy rights, freedom of expression, and policy considerations in the digital world, particularly in oppressive regimes.
Rebecca MacKinnon: A founding member of Global Voices, MacKinnon works on the intersection of technology, human rights, and corporate accountability. She's the author of “Consent of the Networked,” examining the future of freedom in the internet age.
Rasha Abdul Rahim: An advocate at Amnesty Tech, Rahim emphasizes the human rights impact of AI and other new technologies. Her work largely focuses on curbing surveillance tools' unchecked growth and misuse.
Marietje Schaake: A former Member of the European Parliament, Schaake now works at Stanford University and is known for her work on digital policy, digital rights, and the rule of law.
Berhan Taye: Leading Access Now's #KeepItOn campaign, Taye focuses on ending internet shutdowns globally. She's been actively engaged in shedding light on the human rights implications of internet blackouts.
Paul Nemitz: A key figure behind the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Nemitz champions the cause of data privacy and has a vast understanding of the implications of digitalization on fundamental rights.
Nighat Dad: Founder of the Digital Rights Foundation in Pakistan, Dad advocates for digital rights, focusing on online harassment, data protection, and freedom of speech. Her foundation also assists women facing online harassment.
Ron Deibert: Director of Citizen Lab, Deibert is known for unveiling cyber espionage campaigns and promoting digital rights. His lab focuses on advanced research and development at the intersection of digital media, global security, and human rights.
Malavika Jayaram: The executive director of Digital Asia Hub, Jayaram specializes in privacy, identity, biometrics, and the benefits and risks of the narrative of “data as the new oil.”
