Today EFF and other internet and digital rights organizations are announcing the Alliance for Encryption in Latin America and the Caribbean (AC-LAC). The Alliance is a platform for collective capacity building and information, based on the principle that encryption is an essential tool for security and respect for human and fundamental rights in the region, including freedom of expression and privacy.

The virtual launch event is October 21, with the participation of member organizations. It is open to the public.

This regional Alliance seeks to advance a proactive agenda to promote and defend encryption in Latin America and the Caribbean. It aims to strengthen the use of encryption and generate an ecosystem of trust, security and stability within information and communications technologies (ICTs), particularly the critical infrastructure of the internet and its applications and services.

ac-lac mission

The platform, comprised of 14 organizations throughout the region, seeks to coordinate efforts with encryption initiatives at the global, regional, and national levels, and generate spaces for exchanging information and mobilizing actions to respond to the effects weakened encryption have on security and fundamental rights.

The member organizations, which have outlined a joint agenda despite their diverse natures and interests, are:  Access Now, ALAI, APC; Article 19; Coalizão Direitos na Rede (CDR); Derechos Digitales; EFF; Karisma Foundation; IP.rec; IRIS; ISOC Brazil; Nic.br; R3D. The eLAC initiative will participate as an observer member. The Alliance  is open to new members who share its  principles and ideas.

On  Thursday, October 21, during Global Encryption Day, AC-LAC will present its regional pro-encryption agenda. A live event will be held to introduce the Alliance and its mission, and discuss why encryption is imperative for a more secure internet.

In addition to the 14 member organizations, AC-LAC counts on the Institute for Digital Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (IDD LAC) as the Alliance's secretariat.

Follow us on our social networks: twitter: @aclac_alianza and linkedIn: AC-LAC or on our website www.ac-lac.org for more information.