Networks of (in)security: how global counter-terrorism and security norms threaten civic space and human rights
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27 November 2025
Global counter-terrorism and security norms are propelling the introduction of pre-emptive, automated and algorithmic forms of surveillance and profiling, says new research published today by Statewatch. This is reinforcing racism and discrimination, inhibiting free movement, and giving authoritarian states new tools of control. The research calls for an organised response to this long-term state project, and sets out some guiding questions for future work.
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Networks of (in)security focuses on the development of interconnected, transnational digital infrastructures that can facilitate political repression, threatening civic space and human rights.
These include tools for the surveillance of travel and travellers, and the development and spread of ‘watchlists’ of alleged, known or suspected to be involved in terrorism and organised crime.
As the research underscores, both terms are increasingly being used by states to delegitimise political opponents, dissidents and ‘undesirables’.
The research highlights four key effects of this growing transnational security architecture:
- experimental technologies are reinforcing racism and discrimination;
- state borders are being reshaped and reinforced, introducing new barriers to free movement;
- authoritarian states are receiving new tools of surveillance, control and repression;
- redress for affected individuals remains extremely difficult, if not impossible.
It calls for an organised response to this long-term state project, to defend civic space, civil liberties and human rights.
See the dedicated microsite to explore the research.
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Further reading
Networks of (in)security: how global counter-terrorism and security norms threaten civic space and human rights
Global counter-terrorism and security norms are propelling the introduction of pre-emptive, automated and algorithmic forms of surveillance and profiling, says new research published today by Statewatch. This is reinforcing racism and discrimination, inhibiting free movement, and giving authoritarian states new tools of control. The research calls for an organised response to this long-term state project, and sets out some guiding questions for future work.
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