Call for Interest for Media Outlets: Digital Security Trainings 2024

In collaboration with the European Union, Free Press Unlimited (FPU) is executing the “Core Support for Independent Media in the Southern Neighbourhood” program (2021-2026), emphasizing digital security trainings in 2024. The primary aim is to offer tailored core support, enhancing the media sector’s pluralism, independence, and resilience in the Southern Neighbourhood, specifically equipping it to address ongoing threats through digital security training initiatives.

The overall strategy of the programme aims to:

• Objective 1: improving sector capacities to safely produce and share more high-quality content within and outside the Southern Neighbourhood
• Objective 2: improving business viability and resilience among the independent media outlets in the Southern Neighbourhood.
• Objective 3: strengthening existing regional networks to more efficiently convene communities of practice in the Southern Neighbourhood.

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Activities of Digital Security Trainings 2024

Prior to the digital safety scans, participants will enroll in at least 3 digital security modules via the online FPU Totem e-learning platform and receive completion certificates. The participants will benefit from a deep digital security scan from a digital security expert. Minimum 3 persons from each media outlet will be appointed (at least the safety focal point, one journalist, the editor in chief) and be mentored by the digital security expert.

Scans will be followed by a tailored action plan to increase digital safety. This includes for instance hands-on practical guidance; adopting security tools, other specific digital security questions, international digital security trends/developments, posting safely on social media, metadata on photos, protecting phones with basic security apps, placing secure phone calls, safe browsing. Etc.

Besides, the focal points from each media outlet will be part of a network (via email, Signal or another channel) where they will have the opportunity to share experiences, needs, challenges etc. in regards to digital security. Once a year, FPU will conduct an online meeting with the 9 focal points in order to collect and discuss their experiences, challenges etc. Result of this annual meeting will be the publication of a report compiling inputs from the focal points and proposition of solutions.

Selected media outlets will benefit from:

• 1 day of digital security scan
• Approx. one week of tailored trainings

These trainings will be conducted during year 2024.

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Eligibility for Digital Security Trainings 2024

Eligible organisations must fullfill the following criteria:

• Be established as a media outlet, with at least 3 years of experience in the media sector
• Operating in one of the following countries: Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria
• Comply with core journalism principles (fact-based, accurate, independent, fair, impartial, accountable, etc.)
• Show strong willingness to address security and safety challenges (e.g. setting up a security plan)
• Be able to dedicate some staff and time to the digital safety scan and trainings

Priority will be given to media outlets experiencing urgent threats.

Application

Media outlets who are interested in building knowledge and practice in the field of digital security are invited to submit a questionnaire on their organisation mission and their safety and security situation. If you are interested into this programme, please send an email to [email protected] in order to request the questionnaire template.

Applications must be submitted in English or Arabic to [email protected] before 25 February 2024 11PM CET. The email sent must include in the Subject field “Digital safety training” and the questionnaire & note must be attached to the email.