How civil society adapts to AI and surveillanceCEFR B1
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 on human perspectives on AI. The International Resource for Impact and Storytelling (IRIS), supported by Luminate and the Open Society Foundations, commissioned ten case studies from organisations and researchers across the Global Majority. The studies include regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab region, Nigeria, Tunisia, India and Hong Kong.
Authors identify three broad civil society responses: Co‑opting, Countering and Innovating. Co‑opting means working with technology and culture to advance goals — for example, using AI to test messages that reduce public support for police violence. Countering includes campaigns against facial recognition and other digital harms. Innovating covers new forms of journalism and engagement, like offline gatherings and immersive installations.
The studies also highlight two spatial moves: groups often turn to hyperlocal work to protect grassroots voices, and they connect across borders to share lessons and build solidarity. Flexibility matters: micro‑groups, informal collectives and volunteer networks often form and change quickly. Researchers argue that funders should support this agility and sustained networks of technical and narrative support.
Brett Davidson, founder of Wingseed LLC, works with IRIS as lead for narrative infrastructure building.
Difficult words
- commission — to formally order or pay for workcommissioned
- civil society — groups and organisations outside governmentcivil society responses
- hyperlocal — focused on a very small local area
- grassroots — ordinary local people and community groupsgrassroots voices
- solidarity — support and unity between people or groups
- infrastructure — basic systems and services for organisationsinfrastructure building
- agility — ability to change quickly when needed
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen local community groups use technology or events to protect their voices? Describe one example.
- Do you think small informal groups can change quickly more than large organisations? Why or why not?
- How could organisations in different countries share lessons and build solidarity on a topic you care about?
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