How civil society adapts to AI and surveillanceCEFR A2
29 Apr 2026
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Christian Wiediger, Unsplash
In April 2026 Global Voices published a Spotlight series about human perspectives on AI. As part of a related project, IRIS, with support from Luminate and the Open Society Foundations, commissioned ten case studies from organisations across the Global Majority. The studies came from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab region, Nigeria, Tunisia, India and Hong Kong.
The research finds three main responses by civil society: Co‑opting, Countering and Innovating. For example, some groups use AI to test messages that change public opinion, while others campaign against facial recognition and surveillance. Many groups focus on local work to avoid national scrutiny, and they also share lessons across borders. The studies say funders should support flexible, quick responses.
Difficult words
- perspective — A way people see or think about somethingperspectives
- commission — To officially ask for work or a reportcommissioned
- case study — A detailed report about one examplecase studies
- organisation — A group that works for a shared purposeorganisations
- civil society — Groups and organisations outside government
- surveillance — Watching people to collect information about them
- scrutiny — Close and careful examination or attention
- funder — A person or group that gives moneyfunders
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the three responses (co-opting, countering, innovating) do you think is most useful? Why?
- Have you seen AI used in your local community? Give one simple example.
- Why might groups share lessons across borders?
