Call For Stories: Technology And Human Rights At The Qatar World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is an exciting event for many around the world. For those in the Arab region, this event will be even more special given that it’s taking place in the region for the first time. 

SMEX is calling for story pitches on the intersection of technology and human rights in the context of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. We’re interested in articles that address different aspects of how human rights in the digital space are impacted during the World Cup and the period preceding it, and (potential) human rights implications of technologies being deployed as part of this year’s tournament. 

Stories can cover the following: 

• Violations of freedom of expression online and censorship of World Cup coverage 
• Restrictions on use of VoIP apps in Qatar and how it impacts those traveling there for the tournament 
• Use of technology to control migrant workers 
• Cyber Security and surveillance risks associated with the deployment of advanced technologies during the event 
• General state of internet freedom and digital rights in Qatar and what fans should expect 

Other stories are also welcome as long as they cover digital rights in the context of the World Cup. 

Writers, journalists, bloggers, researchers, and activists can submit their pitches in Arabic or English and stories can be drafted in either of these languages. Stories should be between 800 – 1000 words. Authors will get remunerated for their published stories.