SMEX is organizing a full-day workshop to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) on June 21, led by speakers and moderators from Global Partners Digital (GPD), and SMEX.

In Lebanon, telcos and major tech companies tend to impact users’ privacy and freedom of expression.

A 2018 report by SMEX found that out of 66 mobile telecom operators in the MENA region, only 14 published terms of service, 7 published privacy policies, and 4 published both. None of them are Lebanese. 

The Lebanese mobile operators are planning to introduce Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology that could lead to an increase in targeted surveillance. One of them has ignored an exploit in their SIM Application Toolkit protocol, enabling third-party companies to access SIM cards and send SMS messages without the owner’s knowledge.

Likewise, ride-hailing apps share riders’ personal information, including full names and mobile numbers, with drivers. In many instances, this practice has violated users’ privacy and potentially threatening their safety.

How can tech companies ensure they are respecting privacy and free expression in their products and services?

This workshop aims to increase the capacity of tech companies in implementing CSR standards by increasing their knowledge of substantive issues relating to privacy and free expression and their application to the tech sector.

The one-day workshop will be divided into two parts. 

The morning sessions (from 9 AM)  will host Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to increase the capacity of civil society organizations to engage with the tech sector on relevant privacy and free expression issues.

In the afternoon (from 1 PM - 5 PM), tech startups will join the CSOs to identify together key issues related to privacy and freedom of expression in Lebanon. The startups will learn about what their obligations and responsibilities are as a business to protect privacy and freedom of expression and how their businesses will benefit from respecting them. 

At the end of the workshop, we will discuss the lessons learned during the day and what next can we do to promote CSR in the tech sector.

The ecosystem for tech start-ups is booming in Lebanon and the region, with many of them paving the way for a global exit. But how are these companies considering corporate social responsibility as they develop their business models?

Seats are limited! Register now!

⏲ Friday, June 21, 2019 at 9 AM -5 PM
9 AM - 5 PM for CSOs
1 PM - 5 PM for startups
🏡 Beirut, Hamra, Antwork (The Grid, Block B)