Webinar: Digital Evidence Collection and Freedom of Expression and Privacy

Hosted

7 Oct 2025, 14:00-7 Oct 2025, 15:30

Webinar

Please join us for a webinar organised by the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Speakers:

Mehdi Benchelah, Senior Project Officer, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, UNESCO
Sabin Ouellet, Former Chief Prosecutor, Canada; President, S2G Management
Simon Clements, Former Chief Crown Prosecutor, England and Wales; International Rule of Law consultant
Pedro Borges Mourão, State Prosecutor, Public Prosecutor's Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Facilitator:
Irina Beridze, Executive Programme Manager, International Association of Prosecutors

This webinar is built on the recently launched IAP-UNESCO Guidelines for Prosecutors on Digital Evidence Collection in Compliance with International Standards on Freedom of Expression and Privacy.

The session will explore how prosecutors can apply these guidelines in practice, navigating the challenges of collecting digital evidence while safeguarding the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and privacy.

The authors of the guidelines will discuss not only the technical tools and methods available for gathering and analysing digital evidence, but also the broader legal and ethical frameworks that prosecutors must operate within. They will examine how fundamental freedoms may be affected during criminal proceedings, and how these rights can be safeguarded in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The webinar will also address emerging challenges such as the role of artificial intelligence in digital investigations from a human rights perspective, the implications of cross-border access to digital evidence, and the growing need for stronger cooperation between state authorities, private companies, and civil society organisations.

Practical case studies will demonstrate the complexities of digital evidence collection and highlight best practices, with a focus on balancing legitimate law enforcement interests against the need to prevent disproportionate restrictions on fundamental rights.

This 90-minute webinar will be held in English, and no interpretation will be provided. However, attendees can access automated translated captions via the Zoom platform during the webinar. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.

The webinar is open to prosecutors, legal professionals, investigative journalists, media representatives, human rights actors, and internet and social media platforms worldwide who are specialised in digital evidence collection, cybercrime, freedom of expression, or with an interest in learning more about these topics.

Please note that this webinar will be recorded.

For more details, please contact Ms. Irina Beridze, Executive Programme Manager of the IAP, at epm@iap-association.org.

We look forward to welcoming you at the webinar!