Tech Summit 2018 Recap

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM TECH SUMMIT 2018

HIGHLIGHTS FROM TECH SUMMIT 2018

The month of July is always jam-packed for the Safety Net team. This past July, we hosted the 6th Annual Technology Summit in San Francisco, California. This year saw more participants, more sessions, and more ways to connect than ever before. We welcomed over 300 staff, victim service providers, law enforcement, trainers, and technology partners to engage, connect, and learn more about the intersections of technology misuse and intimate partner violence.

Here are some of the highlights from this year’s spectacular summit!

1.   “Technology isn’t the problem, abuse is!”- Our very own Erica Olsen, Director of the Safety Net project, opened the week with foundational principles. She centered the training with reminding participants that we need to hold perpetrators accountable, while also allowing for survivors to choose what is the best option for them during their tech safety planning process.

2.   “Technology is often misused, but technology can also empower survivors” - Malika Saada Saar, Google - Our 2018 tech summit speakers and presenters left us feeling empowered and energized to continue this work. We had representatives from Uber, Facebook, Google, law enforcement, and many other phenomenal presenters who not only shared their knowledge and expertise, but their own stories and ways they  work to end gender-based violence. We couldn’t have done this without them.

3.   “Technology can be used to reach those at the margins and provide them with a safe space”- This year we had sessions that really spoke to the intersections in which many survivors live. We offered sessions on technology and accessibility, working with immigrant survivors, and the impact of technology on LGBTQ survivors. These sessions were an added bonus to our agenda and provided new and innovative approaches for advocates to do this work. Likewise, we held our 3rd annual Women in Technology reception where technologists and advocates came together to discuss emerging tech and the use of technology in communities of color.

4.    “Lots of work, but lots of fun”- #TechSummit18 wasn’t just all work, we were able to have fun with our participants. From live polling, tech themed coloring pages, our daily prize drawings, and of course karaoke and trivia, this year we engaged with participants in ways we haven’t in the past. We were able to enjoy each other and really provide connections that will foster new friendships and networking relationships.

We thank all of the participants, speakers, sponsors, and you for making Tech Summit 2018 a huge success. Until July 2019.

Facebook’s Proactive Approach to Addressing Nonconsensual Distribution of Intimate Images

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It’s well-known that technology has made sharing sexually intimate content easier. While many people share intimate images without any problems, there’s a growing issue with non-consensual distribution of intimate images (NCII[1]), or what is often referred to as “revenge porn.” Perpetrators often share - or threaten to share - intimate images in an effort to control, intimidate, coerce, shame, or humiliate others. A survivor threatened by or already victimized by someone who’s shared their intimate images not only deserves the opportunity to hold their perpetrator accountable, but also should have better options for removing content or keeping it from being posted in the first place.

Recently, Facebook announced a new pilot project aimed at stopping NCII before it can be uploaded onto their platforms. This process gives people who wish to participate the option to submit intimate images or videos they’re concerned someone will share without their permission to a small, select group of specially trained professionals within Facebook. Once submitted, the images are given what’s called a “hash value”, and the actual images are deleted. “Hashing” basically means that the images are turned into a digital code that is a unique identifier, similar to a fingerprint. Once the image has been hashed, Facebook deletes it, and all that’s left is the code. That code is then used as a way for Facebook to identify if someone is attempting to upload the image and prevent it from being posted on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.

Facebook’s new pilot project may not be something everyone feels comfortable using, but for some it may bring much peace of mind. For those who believe it may help in their situation, we’ve outlined detailed information about how the process works:

  1. Victims work with a trusted partner. Individuals who believe they’re at risk of NCII and wish to have their images hashed should first contact one of Facebook’s trusted partners: the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, YWCA Canada, UK Revenge Porn Hotline, and the eSafety Commissioner in Australia. These partners will help them through the process and identify other assistance that may be useful to them.
  2. Partner organizations help ensure appropriate use. The partner organization will carefully discuss the individual’s situation with them before helping them start the hashing process. This helps ensure that individuals are seeking to protect their own image and not trying to misuse the feature against another person. It’s important to note that the feature is meant for adults and not for images of people under 18. If the images are of someone under 18, they will be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Partner organizations will help to explain the reporting process so that individuals can make appropriate decisions for their own case.
  3. The Image will be reviewed by trained staff at Facebook. If the images meet Facebook’s definitions of NCII, a one-time link is sent to the individual’s e-mail. The link will take the individual to a portal where they can directly upload the images. All submissions are then added to a secure review queue where they will be reviewed by a small team specifically trained in reviewing content related to NCII abuse.
  4. NCII will be hashed and deleted: All images that are reviewed and found to meet Facebook’s definition of NCII will be translated into a set of numerical values to create a code called a “hash.” The actual image will then be deleted. If an image is reviewed and Facebook determines it does not match their definition of NCII, the individual will receive an email letting them know (so it’s critical that someone use an email that cannot be accessed by someone else). If the content submitted does not meet Facebook’s definition of NCII, then the concerned individual may still have other options. For example, they may be able to report an image for a violation of Facebook’s Community Standards.
  5. Hashed images will be blocked: If someone tries to upload a copy of the original image that was hashed, Facebook will block the upload and provide a pop-up message notifying the person that their attempted upload violates Facebook’s policies.

This proactive approach has been requested by many victims, and may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis. People who believe they’re at risk of exposure and are considering this process as an option should carefully discuss their situation with one of Facebook’s partner organizations. This will help them make sure they’re fully informed about the process so that they can feel empowered to decide if this is something that’s appropriate for their unique circumstances.  

For more information about how survivors can increase their privacy and safety on Facebook, check out our Facebook Privacy & Safety Guide for Survivors of Abuse.

 

[1] NCII refers to private, sexual content that a perpetrator shares publicly or sends to other individuals without the consent of the victim. How we discuss an issue is essential to resolving it. The term “revenge porn” is misleading, because it suggests that a person shared the intimate images as a reaction to a victim’s behavior.

New Internet of Things (IoT) Resources

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The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to internet-connected devices that are able to connect with other devices and to be controlled remotely through a device or app. IoT devices have become commonplace in many homes and can serve as important tools for increased efficiency and for users to connect with friends and family. Unfortunately, IoT devices can also be misused to stalk, harass, and surveil. For more information about the misuse of IoT devices, check out Thermostats, Locks and Lights: Digital Tools of Domestic Abuse, a recent New York Times article in which NNEDV was interviewed regarding the misuse of “smart home” devices in domestic violence cases.

While misuse of IoT devices appears to be rising, it can be hard to identify all of the risks and safety options associated with common IoT devices. To assist in better understanding IoT in domestic violence cases, NNEDV has created a new set of resources, including: 

Technology is constantly changing, so stay connected to Techsafety.org for upcoming new content!