“Online security, strong authentication, and digital identity protection are all key components to free speech in 2020.”
Strong authentication specialist Yubico is emboldening its crusade for free speech, announcing this week that it has launched the Yubico for Free Speech Program. The company, known for its flagship FIDO Certified security keys, has long worked with nonprofits like Freedom of the Press, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the Human Rights Foundation. The new program is a formalization of its business ethics, aimed at expanding Yubico’s reach when it comes to protecting expression in media, in politics, and in vulnerable communities including activist groups against racism, LGBTQ violence, and domestic abuse.
Announcing the initiative on the Yubico blog, the company also outlined a commitment to donating one YubiKey for every 20 purchased to nonprofits and the companies they serve. Online security, strong authentication, and digital identity protection are all key components to free speech in 2020. As Yubico points out: modern cyberthreats facing vulnerable communities such as coercive force and doxxing (the act of publishing a victim’s home address and personal contact information) are tools used to suppress individual voices.
Making strong authentication technology more accessible helps to protect users from such online intimidation tactics. This is especially true now as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is accelerating digitization and remote work trends, giving rise to increased fraud and cybercrime.
Commenting on Yubico’s free speech commitments, Harlo Holmes, Director of Newsroom Digital Security at Freedom of the Press, said his organization encourages all clients and trainees to use Yubikeys.
“This new program will make hardware tokens available to so many who have wanted to bolster their security, but couldn’t quite justify the expense,” said Holmes. “We’re thrilled to support Yubico in their initiative to bring a safer internet to those on the front lines of great causes.”
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