Study Day in Nazareth Concludes: Freedom of Expression and Digital Security During Crises and War

November 9, 2025 - 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media concluded, on Friday (7 November 2025), its study day titled “Freedom of Expression and Digital Security During Crises and War” in Nazareth, with the participation of more than 60 journalists, activists, and representatives of civil society organizations. The gathering provided a professional forum to discuss the laws, policies, and practices that restrict the digital sphere of Palestinians in Israel, and ways to safeguard freedom of expression and privacy amid crises and wars.

The day opened with welcoming remarks by Rubin Tarbieh, a member of 7amleh’s Board, who emphasized the need to enhance digital literacy and the role of civil society in defending digital rights. The program began with a legal presentation by Attorney Aseel Ibrahim-Khader (NAS & Co) on the new amendment to the Privacy Protection Law and its implications for the work of civil society organizations.

The first session, “Challenges to Freedom of Expression in the Digital Space During Wars and Crises,” moderated by journalist Amal Orabi, featured Nadim Nashif, 7amleh’s Executive Director, who offered a critical reading of social media platform policies and their impact on Palestinian discourse; Attorney Abeer Baker, who addressed the legal dimensions of restrictions on freedom of expression; and Saja Abu Fanni, who presented findings from 7amleh’s research on digital security among Palestinian youth in Israel, with a focus on threats intensified by the war on Gaza.

George Khoury, a digital security expert at 7amleh, delivered a keynote titled “Privacy and Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” examining the escalating risks to personal data and mechanisms to mitigate them. The second session, “Gender-Based Violence in Times of Crises and Wars,” moderated by journalist Maisoon Zoabi, opened with researcher Afnan Kanaaneh presenting the study “War and Digital Shadows: Palestinian Women Between Voice Confiscation and Body Exposure in Digital Space.” This was followed by discussion and commentary from Nisreen Tabari, Director of Kayan, on transformations in the digital sphere and shrinking spaces for women’s expression, and Naila Awwad, General Director of Women Against Violence, on fieldwork challenges and digital repression faced by women.

Researcher Habib Makhoul also presented findings from “Digital Divide: Discrimination in Digital Infrastructure Against Palestinian Citizens in Israel,” outlining systemic discrimination in internet and communications infrastructure and services. The day concluded with three practical workshops: “Digital Security for Journalists and Activists” and “Digital Security from a Gender Perspective.”

In closing, participants stressed the need for ongoing coordination between human rights and media organizations and the adoption of effective digital safety practices that protect privacy and sustain the Palestinian narrative online, alongside monitoring legislative changes and advocating for equitable digital policies.