Regarding the approval of the organic law of intelligence
The Intelligence Law proposed in Ecuador raises deep concerns about its potential impact on the rights and freedoms of those who live in the country. While national security is a legitimate objective, this law, as it was approved, opens the door to excessive state control and indiscriminate surveillance, diluting the protections granted to all of us by the Constitution and international instruments.
One of the most alarming points is the broad and ambiguous definition of “threat to state security,” which could be used to criminalize social protest, political dissent, or any expression the government deems inappropriate. This, altogether with the lack of effective and prior judicial oversight mechanisms for intelligence work, leaves us all vulnerable to potential abuses. This law grants intelligence agencies disproportionate power, with limited oversight, which clearly poses enormous risks for everyone, but most of all, for individuals and communities that oppose the government.
Another critical aspect is the collection, storage, and use of personal data without informed consent and without a clear and specific justification. This represents a serious violation of the right to privacy. The likelihood that this information could be used for purposes other than security, or that it could be susceptible to leaks or misuse, is a real threat that cannot be ignored, considering the precarious state of public digital infrastructure in Ecuador.
Furthermore, the law could affect press freedom and the work of journalists by allowing surveillance of their sources and communications under the excuse of security, threatening the media’s ability to report critically and weakening one of the essential pillars of a free society.
In summary, the Intelligence Law, as it was approved, represents a significant risk to civil liberties and a step toward a surveillance state.
Given the lack of legal guarantees offered by the state, we choose self-defense through technology!
To prevent surveillance of your mobile phone communications, use Signal and avoid regular calls.
To avoid the surveillance and threats to the integrity of your emails, use encrypted email.
In the face of the potential seizure of your devices, always keep them encrypted.
To prevent attacks on your accounts, use password managers and multi-factor authentication.
Does your organization need help strengthening its security? Contact us!
emergencias@autonomia.digital