The report investigates the ways in which governments in three Balkan countries (Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece) use new and emerging digital technologies, and the impact that this has on citizens' civil liberties. The launch took place on Monday 29th January, 15h-16h15 at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, Rue du Luxembourg 47-51, 1050 Brussels & and online.

This report investigates the ways in which governments aim to co-opt new and emerging digital technologies to forward their agendas, and what impact that might have on citizens’ civil liberties. The ease with which governments can exploit such powerful systems is a viable cause for concern. When digital technologies are integrated into government operations, there is a risk of overreach, discrimination and the erosion of civil liberties. Without robust regulations and oversight, illiberal digital practices can ensue, some of which we define as monitoring and tracking individuals’ online activities, targeting specific populations based on race, religion or political affiliations, and suppressing dissenting voices.