Category: Digital rights

Throughout August, an escalation of digital violence was observed across several Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Albania, and Serbia.

Incidents ranged from a shocking live-streamed murder in Bosnia and content moderation challenges on digital platforms to gender-based violations in Hungary and Albania.

Human rights activists in Serbia faced threats and harassment, underscoring the pervasive nature of online abuse in the region.

Digital ‘spectacularization’ of violence in Gradacac murder

In an incident that shook Bosnia, three lives were lost and several individuals were injured in the town of Gradacac on August 11. The horrifying event unfolded when a man live-streamed himself shooting a woman on Instagram. He subsequently claimed to have killed multiple people. The livestream began with chilling words: “You will see what a live murder looks like.” He then shot his woman target dead. He later revealed that he had also targeted a police officer but was unsuccessful in apprehending him. The shooter was identified as Nermin Sulejmanovic.

The incident highlighted the role of social media platforms, specifically Instagram, in broadcasting violence. The gunman used Instagram during his escape, narrating the unfolding events to thousands of viewers. It took several hours for the platform to remove the disturbing content, leaving countless users exposed to the graphic material. The incident’s impact on the mental health of citizens, especially those closely connected to the victims, has sparked concerns among experts.

A spokesperson for Meta conveyed their concern, emphasizing that they are actively collaborating with Bosnia’s authorities to support ongoing investigations. Meta’s spokesperson stated: “We are deeply saddened by the terrible attack in Bosnia, and our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We are in contact with the authorities in Bosnia to help support their investigations.” They further noted: “We will remove any content that glorifies the perpetrator or the attack whenever we become aware of it.”

The role of social media in cases of online feminicide and the propagation of harmful content cannot be underestimated. These platforms have become powerful tools for both both documenting and sensationalizing acts of violence against women. The rapid dissemination of disturbing content across social networks not only has a profound impact on the mental health of viewers but also raises ethical questions about responsible reporting and content moderation.

People attend a peaceful protest march in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14 August 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/FEHIM DEMIR

Content moderation challenges

The proliferation of violent and unsettling content on social media platforms has ignited a debate over the efficacy of content moderation. In a recent development, France’s media oversight body has issued a call to digital platforms, demanding heightened efforts to combat hate speech and violent materials. These platforms must bolster their investments in content moderation, enhance reporting mechanisms and embrace greater transparency to align with evolving European Union digital regulations.

This urgency in addressing online content issues has been magnified in the wake of the Gradacac tragedy, which served as a reminder that different platforms wield varying degrees of effectiveness when confronting such challenges.

TikTok and Telegram, in particular, have found themselves under intense scrutiny due to their perceived shortcomings in content moderation.

Experts argue that platforms like TikTok and Telegram face substantial challenges when it comes to content moderation, often displaying slower response times and less efficient mechanisms compared to industry leaders like Meta. Tijana Cvjetićanin, a media analyst, pointed out that these platforms lack efficient mechanisms for reacting to disturbing materials, citing a past incident where they failed to control the dissemination of content related to a school shooting.

Sections of the live video where Sulejmović discusses the crime he perpetrated continue to persist on TikTok, and the video depicting the murder itself remains largely accessible on the Telegram platform. Shockingly, close to 80,000 individuals viewed the unfiltered recording of the murder within the Telegram group titled “LEVIJATAN – No censorship.” This revelation underscores the challenge of effectively regulating content on platforms like TikTok and Telegram, which appear to take a laxer approach to content moderation than larger social media entities.

The case in Gradacac has exposed not only the weaknesses in content moderation but also the rapid spread of harmful content across the online platforms.

In response to online glorification of the Gradacac shooter, the Interior Ministry in Bosnia’s Federation entity announced an investigation into individuals who glorified the perpetrator’s actions on social media. Ervin Musinovic, from the Federation Interior Ministry, said anyone found to have sent messages in support of the murderer will face criminal investigation.

Online disinformation in the wake of Gradacac tragedy spreads

In the aftermath of Nermin Sulejmanovic’s horrifying live-streamed murder on Instagram, a disturbing trend of digital disinformation has emerged.

An illustration pictures shows a user holding a mobile phone displaying the ‘X’ logo in front of Twitter’s front page, in Los Angeles, California, USA, 27 July 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT

False reports claiming that Sulejmanovic had been secretly buried in a distant location from the crime scene spread across various news websites, amplifying people’s confusion and distress. These unverified claims were denied by Faruk Latifagic, director of the Tuzla Commemorative Center, who confirmed that Sulejmanovic’s body remained in their care.

Adding to the chaos, a call for help circulated on social media, ostensibly aimed at providing support for Nizama Hećimović’s daughter, who had tragically witnessed her mother’s murder live on Instagram. However, the Center for Social Work in Gradacac swiftly denounced this as false and an act of abuse. They emphasized that the child was already under appropriate care and said that any attempt to exploit her identity or share her photo constituted a criminal offence.

Online gender-based violations in Hungary, Albania

In August, online incidents in Hungary and Albania shed light on the alarming prevalence of gender-based violations in the online sphere. These cases also underscore the need for comprehensive measures to protect the rights and dignity of individuals, particularly women and girls, in the digital age.

On August 14, Hungary faced a troubling incident involving a 19-year-old man from Pusztaszer. This individual, posing as a 14-year-old boy on social media platforms, engaged in predatory behaviour targeting underage girls. He lured them into sharing explicit images and videos, all while maintaining a false identity. His cellphone was discovered to contain numerous nude pictures and sexually explicit content involving girls as young as 11.

Two concerned mothers, from Száhahalombatta and Érd, contacted the authorities after discovering that their daughters had received explicit material from this deceptive individual. In addition to coercing the girls to send compromising photos, he reciprocated with explicit images of himself. Investigations revealed that the individual, who had introduced himself as “Bence” and claimed to be 14, was, in fact, an adult named Roland. Subsequent searches of his home unearthed a trove of explicit images and videos featuring girls under 14, some of which were not recent. This indicated that he had been collecting and storing such material for an extended period.

In Albania, on August 30 the online media platform JOQ reported a harrowing case of a girl who fell victim to sexual abuse by her own father. While the news appropriately covered the arrest of the perpetrator, it shockingly revealed the victim’s full name, age, home address, and personal life history. This reckless disclosure added further stigmatization to the young woman’s already traumatic experience, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting and protecting the identities of victims.

Threatening graffiti targets rights activist in Belgrade

In the evolving landscape of digital violence, women across the Balkans are increasingly becoming the focal point of online harassment and abuse. This surge in gender-based digital violence not only emphasizes the need to address this issue but also shines a spotlight on the collective challenges faced by activists, human rights defenders, and individuals striving for progressive causes in the region.

Serbian medical personnel hold a Serbian flag as they protest in front of the soldiers of the NATO-led international peacekeeping Kosovo Force (KFOR) who stand guard in front of the building of the municipality in Zvecan, Kosovo, 31 May 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/GEORGI LICOVSKI

On August 15, in a distressing incident, the facade of a building in Belgrade’s Borča neighbourhood became a canvas for misogyny and intimidation. The name and surname of Sofija Todorović, the program director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, were scrawled in threatening graffiti. Adding insult to injury, a sexist and misogynistic message accompanied her name. Notably, the letter “Z” appeared alongside her name, symbolizing support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

This act, aimed at instilling fear and silencing activism, highlights the plight of individuals who advocate for human rights and progressive causes in Serbia. Todorović’s vocal support for Kosovo’s inclusion in the United Nations had drawn attention and controversy. Her assertion that Serbia had made commitments to facilitate Kosovo’s entry into international organizations had also ignited a contentious debate. In the wake of her advocacy, this incident serves as a reminder of the threats faced by activists in the country.

Bosnia has been covered by Elma Selimovic, Aida Trepanić and Azem Kurtic, Albania by Nensi Bogdani, Hungary by Ákos Keller-Alánt and Serbia by Tijana Uzelac & Kalina Simic.

In Turkey over the past month, online censorship, surveillance and arrests had a negative impact on independent journalism, while Croatia’s proposed Media Law raised concerns about increased government control and potential censorship that could endanger investigative reporting and threaten the protection of journalists’ sources.

In Turkey and North Macedonia in July, content removal orders and legal battles also posed threats to press freedom as the digital realm continued to be a battleground for information control in both countries.

Digital threats were also registered in Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro and Romania and Serbia, with increases in verbal attacks on social media, negative online campaigns and derogatory comments targeting journalists.

Kosovo and Bosnia meanwhile saw an uptick in digital misinformation last month through doctored photographs and false news.

Threats to media freedom online in Turkey

In Turkey, press freedom has deteriorated significantly, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government facing widespread criticism for its treatment of journalists. Digital threats to journalists have escalated, as online censorship and surveillance have become common practices.

The government’s use of stringent anti-terrorism laws has resulted in the arrests and detentions of journalists, leading to self-censorship and a shrinking space for independent journalism.

A report by Turkey’s Media and Law Studies Association revealed that a majority of journalists in the country feel unsafe while performing their duties, facing physical assaults and online attacks. The digital sphere, including social media platforms, has been weaponised to monitor and silence dissenting voices, posing serious risks to journalists reporting on sensitive issues.

Two prominent cases in July shed light on the struggles faced by media organisations and individuals in the country.

International news agency Reuters found itself embroiled in a legal battle with Turkish authorities over an article that revealed investigations by US and Swedish prosecutors into a graft complaint involving President Erdogan’s son.

A Turkish court ordered the removal of the article from Reuters’ website, saying it had violated the son’s personal rights.

Reuters then appealed against the court’s takedown order, asserting that it conflicted with Turkish legal protections for freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

Another case that emerged in July centred on allegations of sexual misconduct against Gıyas Güven, the former provincial director of a company called Ağrı İŞKUR. It was alleged that Güven engaged in deceptive practices, promising job opportunities to women in exchange for sexual favours.

As the scandal gained attention, Güven was suspended from duty and an investigation was launched.

In response, Turkish authorities blocked access to 422 pieces of online content related to the allegations, including news articles, videos, tweets and other social media posts.

The situation escalated when Hilal Kaplan, a prominent columnist for Sabah newspaper, used her influence to block access to other pieces of online content. Her actions led to the blocking of 50 more articles, bringing the total number of blocked pieces to 446.

Among the censored pieces of content were news stories, social media posts and even weather reports.

People attend a rally to mark the 16th anniversary of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink’s death, in front of he Agos newspaper in Istanbul, Turkey, 19 January 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/SEDAT SUNA

New Croatian media law causes alarm

In Croatia in July, a proposed Media Law raised alarms over potential threats to freedom of expression in the digital space. Journalists and media organisations, in particular, fear that the law’s provisions may grant the government unprecedented control over journalistic freedoms and self-regulation. This includes empowering publishers to reject journalistic pieces without explanation, potentially leading to online censorship.

The requirement for journalists to disclose sources could undermine investigative reporting and jeopardise the safety of whistleblowers. The establishment of a State Register of Journalists has also raised concerns about government control and intimidation.

Experts say there is growing fear that the government might exploit online tools to stifle dissenting voices and manipulate public opinion in its favour.

Meanwhile in North Macedonia in July, a journalist and online editor at the daily newspaper Sloboden Pecat, Zarko Nastoski, reported that his article on a government decision regarding a controversial gold mine initiative in the country’s south-eastern region was removed from the paper’s online edition without his knowledge or permission. The article focused on the government’s decision to open a gold mine, which has faced strong opposition from local residents.

The removal of the article prompted Nastoski to resign in protest. However, the Sloboden Pecat editorial team countered his claims, stating that he had published the article without their permission and without an active employment contract with the company at the time of publication.

The editorial team further argued that the article contained unconfirmed information that could hold the company liable. Despite the response, the editorial team did not provide a clear explanation about why the article was removed without any prior notice or explanation.

Threats and intimidation across the region

Journalists and media outlets across south-east Europe experienced threats, insults and attacks in July.

In Serbia, the director of the company Lasta, a member of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, posted a video on social media that targeted journalists and presenters from N1, Nova S, and Nova newspaper, portraying them as pests that needed to be eradicated.

Also in July, the president of Bosnia’s Serb-dominated Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, launched a verbal attack online against journalist Dinko Gruhonjic, accusing him of chauvinism.

The attack followed Gruhonjic’s appearance on N1 TV, during which he discussed court cases related to the Srebrenica massacre. Subsequently, Gruhonjic began receiving threats on social media platforms.

President Dodik’s accusations were not limited to the journalist alone but also targeted N1, demanding a ban on the N1 network’s operations within Republika Srpska.

An estimated more than a thousand members of the Croatian Journalists Association and Journalists syndicate march in protest against Minister of Health Vili Beros and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, in Zagreb, Croatia, 05 February 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANTONIO BAT

In Montenegro, journalists from the daily newspaper Vijesti also received online insults and threats using offensive language. Some were falsely accused of having connections to drug-dealing gangs.

In Albania, a dispute between media owners fuelled by the arrest of a company owner on charges of stalking and violence against his former roommate, as well as allegedly publishing a video without her consent, led to a derogatory article that insulted journalist Anila Basha, published by the online media outlet Prapaskena.com. The article also made inappropriate comments about Basha’s niece, and was accompanied by some private photos.

In Bosnia meanwhile, journalist Jasmin Mulahusic came under investigation by the prosecution for suspected criminal offences related to inciting national, racial, and religious hatred, as well as discord and intolerance, through his Facebook posts about other journalists.

Despite being under investigation, Mulahusic persisted in targeting other journalists. In a recent social media post, he openly threatened two of them.

Meanwhile, in Romania, influential blogger Marian Godina insulted journalists from the independent outlet Recorder for allegedly revealing unverified information about police misconduct. Godina claimed that the journalists had got their story wrong.

Doctored photos in Kosovo, misinformation in Bosnia

Journalists in Kosovo and Bosnia continued to encounter challenges to their professional reputations and safety in July.

In Kosovo, on July 2, 2023, a Facebook page called ‘Thënie nga Albin Kurti’ (‘Statements from Albin Kurti’) launched an attack on journalist Berat Buzhala by posting a doctored photograph of him.

The image falsely depicted Buzhala getting into a car with Serbian licence plates and was accompanied by a caption claiming that Buzhala saw Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti as equivalent to wartime Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

The original photo however showed Buzhala with a car that had valid Kosovo licence plates and the Facebook page intentionally altered the image to spread misinformation about the journalist’s allegiances.

Buzhala denied the claims and clarified that the car plates had been digitally altered and that the vehicle belonged to a resident of Skenderaj, where he had gone to provide assistance where there was flooding in that area.

Meanwhile in Bosnia in July, a former music talent manager spread false information about the death of renowned Bosnian TV host Senad Hadzifejzovic in a post on Facebook. The former manager posted that Hadzifejzovic had passed away, stating that it was “sad news” and that he couldn’t believe it but hoped it was misinformation.

The post caused concern and distress among the public. It was swiftly removed from Facebook but showed how the dissemination of a piece of unverified news about public figures could have a serious impact.

Bosnia has been covered by Elma Selimovic, Aida Trepanić and Azem Kurtic, Turkey by Hamdi Fırat Büyük, Albania by Nensi Bogdani, Romania by Adina Florea, North Macedonia by Bojan Stojkovski and Goce Trpkovski, Montenegro by Samir Kajosevic, Kosovo by Diedon Nixha, Croatia by Matej Augustin and Serbia by Tijana Uzelac & Kalina Simic.

June Prides in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Croatia showcased the fight for LGBTIQ+ rights. However, violent attacks, controversial legislation and societal divisions marred these events. Hate crimes occurred in Bosnia and Herzegovina while North Macedonia faced opposition to proposed gender-related law changes. Croatia witnessed a massive turnout for the Zagreb Pride March, but also confronted a divisive marriage referendum.

In Albania, privacy breaches and exam leaks raised significant concerns regarding the unauthorized dissemination of intimate content and the compromise of high-stakes examination papers. In Hungary, independent news sites were targeted by DDoS attacks, posing threats to press freedom and raising questions about the vulnerabilities faced by media outlets. Arrests related to sex trafficking and exploitation in Romania brought attention to the need to combat these crimes and protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Finally, the digital realm in Kosovo and Montenegro has been marked by incidents of misinformation, reputational damage and online insults, highlighting political hostility and divisions in these countries.

Digital Fallout of June Prides: Unveiling Violations of Digital Rights

In June, Pride Parades were held, among others, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Croatia, highlighting the struggle for LGBTIQ+ rights in these countries.In Bosnia, the Pride March in Sarajevo celebrated the advances in LGBTIQ+ rights. However, the event was marred by violent attacks on organizers and activists, which were classified as hate crimes. These incidents served as a reminder of the continued violations and discrimination faced by the LGBT community in the country.

In North Macedonia, the Pride Parade in Skopje aimed to raise awareness and promote acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community. However, this event faced additional challenges due to controversial proposed gender-related law changes. The country’s Orthodox Church has called for a large protest against these proposed changes, arguing that they would open a “Pandora’s box”.

In Croatia, the Zagreb Pride March attracted over 10,000 participants who marched in support of the legal recognition of same-sex marriage and to show solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community. However, the event took place amid public divisions over a proposed referendum seeking to define marriage as exclusively between heterosexual couples. While the march highlighted support for LGBTIQ+ rights, it also exposed the existence of societal divisions. Also, participants faced instances of online harassment and discrimination, revealing that violations occur both in physical spaces and in the digital realm.

LGBTIQ+ Misinformation and Hate Speech Unleashed in Croatia

In June, Croatia witnessed a series of digital rights violations that highlighted the prevalence of misinformation and hate speech targeting the LGBTIQ+ community. On June 6, a digitally altered photograph featuring Pope Francis holding an LGBTIQ+ flag began circulating on social media platforms. Fact-checking sources confirmed that the image was artificially generated using advanced AI technology. The timing of its emergence coincided with the observance of Pride Month, amplifying its impact and creating a buzz online. Investigations traced the origin of the manipulated photo back to a Twitter profile known for producing synthetic visuals. From there, it was shared by a Croatian social media user, leading to its widespread dissemination across online networks.

Several visual cues within the photograph indicated its synthetic origin, such as unfinished hand details and an ambiguous figure on the cross. Importantly, no official channels associated with the Catholic Church released or endorsed the image. Pope Francis himself has previously expressed support for the decriminalization of homosexuality and advocated for acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community. Nevertheless, the image’s circulation fuelled discussions about the intersection of religion, digital manipulation and the LGBTIQ+ rights movement.

Continuing the troubling trend, on June 10, the organizers of the upcoming Zagreb Pride Parade issued a statement shedding light on the escalation of hate and transphobia in both public spaces and social media platforms. They described death threats, violence, personal insults, harassment, and belittlement directed towards members of the Organizing Committee as well as individuals and families associated with the LGBTIQ+ community. Alarmed by this, the organizers announced they would now cease to provide public statements to the media. This campaign of transphobic hate served as a reminder of the relevance and importance of this year’s Pride Parade. In the face of adversity, the organizers reiterated their commitment to championing the rights of transgender individuals with the slogan: “Together for Trans Rights”.

Another incident that exemplified digital rights violations in Croatia occurred on June 8. A Croatian social media user shared a false claim on Facebook alleging that the United Nations intended to replace the flags of all 193 member countries with LGBTIQ+ flags. This claim was based on a screenshot of an article from the VOZ portal. FactCheck.org, USA Today, Associated Press, and PolitiFact all confirmed that the claim was baseless. The article itself was subsequently edited to clarify that it was the Rockefeller Center, not the UN, that had displayed the LGBTIQ+ flags. The UN spokesperson emphasized that the UN does not alter the flags of member states, and the Rockefeller Center has no affiliation with the UN. Furthermore, the photograph used in the article was found to be dated from 2019 and readily available on Wikimedia Commons.

LGBTIQ+ Community Targeted in North Macedonia

Similarly, North Macedonia experienced a series of digital rights violations in June, with incidents of hate speech aimed at the LGBTIQ+ community. On June 24, during the Pride Parade in Skopje, a Twitter user from North Macedonia posted a hate speech-fueled tweet targeting the LGBTIQ+ community. This offensive message, shared on a day meant to celebrate diversity and equal rights, exemplified the existence of deep-rooted prejudice and discrimination within society.

Prior to this, on June 19, an LGBTIQ+ rights activist brought attention to a troubling incident that went viral. The activist shared a photograph revealing anti-LGBTIQ+ stickers plastered on a doorway in the town of Strumica, located in the south-eastern region of North Macedonia. The activist expressed disappointment, highlighting the contrast between Strumica’s previous reputation as a town of freedom and its current status as a place where hate speech thrives.

On June 15, a bookstore in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, fell victim to a massive hate speech campaign on its Facebook page. The campaign was orchestrated by an anti- LGBTIQ+ association called “Take Responsibility” in response to the bookstore’s promotion of an LGBTIQ+-themed book. The bookstore, known as Polica (The Shelf), had advertised a 50-per-cent discount on the autobiographical book of a young French gay author on June 1. In response, the association, boasting over 7,000 followers on its Facebook page, called upon its members on June 15 to shame the publishing company. A barrage of hateful comments, discrimination, and threats ensued from numerous Facebook users. The bookstore announced its intention to report the incident to the police.

Political Rhetoric and Digital Rights Violations in Pride Month, Bosnia

During Pride Month in Bosnia and Herzegovina, incidents of digital rights violations unfolded, revealing the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community and exposing the prevalence of homophobia within society.

On June 24, Fadil Novalić, a member of the Federation entity’s House of Representatives, shared a photo of the cultural and religious manifestation known as the “513th days of Ajvatovica” on the same day as the Pride March. While initially appearing an innocent celebration of traditions, Novalić’s accompanying comments took a discriminatory turn. He expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the young predominantly embracing the natural traditions of their people, but went on to state that it was their obligation to protect children from “deviants” who imposed their own views. Novalić’s remarks revealed a stark violation of digital rights and the promotion of prejudice.

Simultaneously, also on June 24, Haris Zahiragić, a member of the Sarajevo Cantonal Assembly, expressed his disapproval of the Pride March through a tweet. Zahiragić posted a message stating: “I abhor what you do,” accompanied by an illustration depicting a man and a woman hiding under an umbrella to shield themselves from the rainbow emblem. This tweet and its accompanying imagery further perpetuated homophobic sentiment and intolerance. The comments section of Zahiragić’s post drew homophobic remarks and insults. These incidents during Pride Month serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

‘Serbia Against Violence’ Protest Triggers Concerns in Bosnia’s and Serbia’s Digital Spaces

The “Serbia Against Violence” protest in Belgrade, sparked by two mass shootings in May, saw large crowds rallying against President Aleksandar Vucic’s government, accusing it of nurturing a culture of violent impunity. Demanding changes in media and politics, the protesters seek to address the alleged promotion of violence and hatred. However, this protest also triggered a series of concerning digital rights violations, with online spaces becoming breeding grounds for targeted attacks and privacy breaches, highlighting the challenges faced by those exercising their freedom of expression in Serbia.

A first incident occurred in Bosnia. Targeted for his participation in the protests in Belgrade, Bosnian actor Feđa Štukan found himself at the receiving end of a verbal attack. On June 17, 2023, on Instagram, Serbian singer Jelena directly addressed Zoran Kesić, a renowned Serbian comedian, TV presenter, talk-show host, and political commentator. Jelena questioned Kesić’s association with Štukan, sharing a picture of them together from the protests. In her Instagram story, she asked: “Are you in the middle of my city hugging and laughing with a man named Feđa Štukan, a murderer and Islamic extremist, who, by his own admission, ‘killed Chetniks’ during the war?” The incident was a distressing example of the repercussions faced by public figures who participate in protests and exercise their freedom of expression.

On June 10, in Serbia, a concerning incident took place involving Sandra Božić, Member of the Presidency of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and Vice-President of Parliament, and the actor Milan Marić. The altercation occurred on Twitter, a day after Marić had spoken at the “Serbia Against Violence” protest. Božić accused Marić of holding “anti-Serbian” views. To support her claims, she shared a video in which Marić had read statements from victims and witnesses of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide during the trial of Radislav Krstić and Ratko Mladić before the Hague Tribunal. Despite previously facing criticism for sharing this video, Marić again attracted public attention due to his involvement in the protests.

Digital Privacy Breaches and Exam Leaks in Albania

In June, Albania witnessed a series of troubling violations, ranging from the unauthorized dissemination of intimate content to the leakage of high-stakes examination papers. They raised significant concerns about privacy, online harassment, and the misuse of sensitive information.

On June 16, an alarming event unfolded when several online portals and media organizations in Albania distributed a video depicting the Mayor of Kukësi engaged in an erotic act with a woman. The identities of both individuals involved were made public, further intensifying the violation. Crucially, the woman in question was not associated with the institution in any official capacity. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences individuals may face when their intimate moments are exposed without their consent, raising questions about consent, privacy, and the responsible use of personal information.

Another incident occurred on June 17 when Albanian online media outlets published personal photos of the woman who had appeared in an erotic video alongside the Mayor. Her private photos were exposed to the public just one day after the video had leaked on various social networks. This breach of privacy underscores the need for stronger safeguards to protect individuals from such invasive acts.

Meanwhile, on June 13 and June 19, high school final exam theses were leaked on social networks shortly after the exams had started. The mathematics and economics exam papers became widely accessible within only 20 minutes. The first to publish the leaked theses was a student’s profile called “Studentët Denoncojnë” on Instagram. These incidents not only compromised the integrity of the examination process but also demonstrated the need for robust security measures to safeguard educational systems against unauthorized access and dissemination of confidential material.

On June 1, the English language exam thesis was leaked through social networks just 30 minutes after the start of the high school final exams.

DDoS Attacks and Pimping in Hungary and Romania

June witnessed a series of troubling incidents that unfolded in Hungary and Romania, shedding light on significant digital rights violations. These incidents, characterized by DDoS attacks, cyber attacks on educational platforms, and arrests related to sex trafficking and exploitation, raise concerns about the protection of privacy, the preservation of online freedom, and the need to establish robust safeguards in the digital realm.

In Hungary, a string of DDoS attacks targeted independent news sites, serving as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by media outlets. On June 10, the independent Mérce news site experienced a disruptive DDoS attack, temporarily rendering it inaccessible. The independent Telex news site fell victim to a similar attack, causing disruptions in its accessibility. The following day, the news site nyugat.hu of Szombathely faced a DDoS attack. Furthermore, the independent HVG news site endured a multi-day DDoS attack, hampering its ability to deliver timely news and analysis. Lastly, on June 12, the news site of ATV encountered yet another DDoS attack, raising questions about the motives behind these cyber assaults.

In Romania, digital rights violations were manifested in cyber attacks on educational platforms and arrests related to sex trafficking and exploitation. On June 3, the upcoming International English Language Olympiad website suffered from a cyber attack, leading to spelling errors and inaccessible sections, potentially undermining the credibility of the event. The owners of the website cited a targeted cyber assault, drawing attention to the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect educational resources and ensure a fair academic environment.

Meanwhile, Romanian authorities made significant arrests in cases related to sex trafficking and exploitation. Influencer Vlad Obuzic, known as “Vlad Obu”, faced prosecution for alleged involvement in operating a studio for cam girls, disguising it as a front for sex trafficking. His arrest shed light on the harrowing experiences endured by the victims who were subjected to physical abuse, forced prostitution, and the production of explicit content. Also, arrests were made in connection with pimping an underage girl and a woman with a mental disability, highlighting the need to combat human trafficking and protect the vulnerable from exploitation.

Political Hostility and Divisions in Online Realm in Kosovo and Montenegro

In Kosovo and Montenegro, incidents of digital rights violations emerged, involving misinformation dissemination, reputational damage, and online insults.

In Kosovo, digital rights violations involved the spread of misinformation and the intent to damage reputations. On June 14, the Facebook page “Gazeta Rilindja”, with a following of 41,000, posted a picture of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti alongside an alleged quotation attributed to him. The quote claimed that Kurti stated: “Kosovo can live without Edi Rama, he showed to be a pro-Serb against Kosovo. I would have not imagined.” However, there is no record of Kurti making such a statement, and it appears to be a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his views. Similarly, on June 13, the Facebook page “Portali Alt” shared a picture of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Alexandar Vucic shaking hands, with a description: “Serbia thanks Albania from its heart over their position on Kurti.” This post generated negative sentiments in the comments section, with users assuming the description to be true. However, no official statements confirming this gratitude from Serbia towards Albania have been made, indicating a clear case of a post intended to damage reputations. The same picture and description were also shared on another Facebook page called “Krejt Shqiptare”, which has a following of 37,000.

In Montenegro, digital rights violations involved online insults targeting public figures. On June 15, outgoing Justice Minister Marko Kovac was subjected to insults on Facebook. The insults were directed at Kovac after the portal Antena M shared his criticism of the Prosecution Council’s decision to reject a request from his ministry. One user referred to Kovac as a “perfidious Nazi”. Another called him “scum”. On June 17, the French ambassador in Montenegro, Christian Thimonier, faced insults on Twitter. In response to Thimonier’s comment about the formation of a new ruling majority in Montenegro, a Twitter user named Blue Wall referred to him as a “French fascist”.

Bosnia has been covered by Elma Selimovic, Aida Trepanić and Azem Kurtic, Albania by Nensi Bogdani, Romania by Adina Florea, Hungary by Ákos Keller-Alánt, North Macedonia by Bojan Stojkovski and Goce Trpkovski, Montenegro by Samir Kajosevic, Kosovo by Diedon Nixha, Croatia by Matej Augustin and Serbia by Bojan Perkov and Ninoslava Bogdanović of SHARE Foundation

We are on the brink of a new era in artificial intelligence, so comprehension of the recent advancements in large language models, LLMs, is timely and much needed.

Previously dismissed as mere chatbots or simple predictive tools, LLMs have now proven their dynamic versatility and intellectual capabilities, contrasting to the simple text generation. Often, LLMs were viewed as devices predicting the following probable word based on the previous ones. However, their potential far exceeds this. LLMs’ advancements suggest these models could be forerunners to general artificial intelligence.

The power of LLMs is often compared to the human intellect, yet such a comparison cannot fully represent the true ability of these models. While AI does not possess sentiment or consciousness the way humans do, these models undertake cognitive tasks with a level of ability and proficiency that parallels human intelligence.

Digital Society Lab sought to delve deeper into the capabilities of large language models, specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT-3. As the frontier of AI increasingly encroaches upon the faculties once considered exclusive to humans, there is a demand for a systematic understanding of these technological wonders.

Our study benchmarked ChatGPT-3 against objective and self-assessment cognitive and emotional intelligence measures. The results were surprising: ChatGPT-3 outperformed average humans in cognitive intelligence tests, demonstrating a solid grasp of using and presenting acquired knowledge. It matched humans in logical reasoning and emotional intelligence facets, painting a remarkable picture of AI capability.

Furthermore, ChatGPT-3’s self-perception in terms of cognitive and emotional intelligence turned out to be different from human normative responses. As humans overestimate themselves, ChatGPT-3 underestimates itself. This could be understood as a sign of self-awareness and subjectivity, hinting at a consciousness level.

In another of our inquiries, ChatGPT-3 consistently demonstrated a socially desirable personality profile, particularly leaning towards pro-social tendencies. However, the true nature of its responses remains uncertain, stemming from a conscious self-reflection process or driven by predetermined algorithms.

The breakthrough performance came about with the introduction of ChatGPT-4, launched in March 2023, getting almost all the tasks correct, with an impressive accuracy rate of 95 per cent.

Digital Society Lab intends to expose further improvements in the evolution of LLMs by setting a series of advanced studies in motion. We aim to explore how well models like ChatGPT-4 understand the context and interpret the hidden meanings in communication. Preliminary findings indicate an extremely promising potential in this domain, with AI possibly outperforming human understanding in linguistic pragmatics. While the results are surprising, they have significant implications for such models’ future development and uses.

Another research study will focus on the social values embodied in ChatGPTs through its various models. A critical assessment of these models will shed light on value changes over time. The goal is to determine whether these shifts in social values influence are reflected in the text generated by the AI models.

Potential to further polarize society

This holds profound implications for society. For instance, the AI nudging effect might guide an unsuspected shift of users’ social and political values, leaning them in particular directions. This could impact individuals, communities and even nations on a broader scale. Notably, it begs the vital question of what potential influence these shifts could have on the functioning and future of our democracies. Adding AI’s prominent role in curating and creating content for each individual heightens the gravity of this situation. Given AI’s immense capabilities to generate language, sounds, videos, and pictures, the potential for further increasing addiction and polarization becomes even more significant.

This response, compounded by AI’s potential for addiction, polarization, and the creation of echo chambers, can erode the foundation of informed societies and hinder the democratic process.

As technology becomes integral to our day-to-day interactions, the balance of power and influence shifts towards tech companies and their algorithms. This dynamic is amplified by novel developments such as the metaverse, which promises an environment potentially more addictive and immersive than our direct reality.

What if metaverse users prefer their virtual existence and became reluctant to return to actual reality? Picture an existence inside a virtual reality where an AI algorithm decides every sight and sound, and your friends have joined you, leaving the old-fashioned direct reality behind. Such possible future scenarios prompt a fundamental reconsideration of our interaction with technology.

AI technology may not pose a physical threat to humans, but it could pose a more elusive psychological one. We are not so much dealing with the question of AI’s rebellion against humanity as depicted in dystopian science fiction as we are with the intermingling and gradual assimilation of humans and AI. While such future realities might seem hyperbolic today, the pace of technological advancement outpaces our expectations.

No need for human journalists?

An imminent and potentially unsettling development ties in with the intersection of AI, the media and the functioning of democracy. Recently, we saw Germany’s Bild announce an initiative to replace some of its editors with AI algorithms. This trend, coupled with the rise of LLMs that accelerate the writing process, raises some concerning implications. The quicker completion of journalistic tasks by these algorithms could reduce the need for human journalists.

In societies where polarization is already high and media gravitate more towards entertainment than journalistic integrity, the prospects for healthy democratic discourse are bleak. Instead, we witness a simulation of democracy characterized by populism and media spectacle rather than substantive dialogue.

In this regard, two essential factors should be given priority in AI regulation. Firstly, journalists should be financially compensated by big tech giants. Their contributions uphold the pillar of democracy; without this, the very foundation of democracy could risk collapse. Secondly, algorithmic recommendations need algorithmic solutions. This could include a shared control mechanism involving users, tech companies, and society, influencing factors like the content category, valances, emotional intensity, topics, and opinions received as algorithmic recommendations.

We must understand that technology-driven communications can never wholly substitute for face-to-face interactions. At best, they are a simulation of human connection. Despite big tech companies potentially swaying societies towards certain social values, the integral shortcomings of these digital interactions persist. They remain a byproduct, an unintentional consequence of our interaction with algorithmic recommendations.

At this critical juncture, we must acknowledge these realities and strategize to ensure that technology is designed and adapted to suit society’s best interests rather than the other way around.

Ljubisa Bojic, PhD, is a senior research fellow at the Institute of Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, Serbia, and coordinator of Digital Society Lab.

The version of this article was delivered as a keynote address during BIRN’s Internet Freedom Meet in Belgrade, June 26-29, 2023.