Washington, DC - Mobile phones have become increasingly prominent features in global development projects, offering innovative and effective ways to address development challenges. Sustaining the positive benefits of mobile-centric projects, however, requires international organizations and non-profits to also address the risks involved in the use of mobile technology. A new report from the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute finds that international organizations have often overlooked many of the hazards associated with mobile technology usage, and failed to provide the necessary digital privacy and security safeguards. The report, "Dialing Down Risks, Mobile Privacy and Information Security in Development Projects<http://newamerica.net/publications/policy/dialing_down_risks_mobile_privacy_and_information_security_in_global_development>," investigates the tangible short-term privacy harms as well as long term privacy concerns posed by ICT4D in the developing world. Drawing specific examples and lessons from public health, financial inclusion, and transparent governance projects, the analysis finds that the risks associated with mobile technology usage are often amplified in the unstable and resource-scare communities in which they operate. According to the report's author, Hibah Hussain, "In order to achieve lasting and positive socioeconomic change, the deployment of mobile technology in the developing world must occur in tandem with thoughtful, well-researched policies, informed design, and community engagement." Technology policy and human rights groups have advocated for greater privacy and security, but organizations have yet to meaningfully address these concerns. The report recognizes that while no single policy or technical solution can guarantee full privacy and information security, organizations must nonetheless take steps to protect user data. http://oti.newamerica.net/pressroom/2013/new_report_mobile_technology_raises... -- Melody Clark Communications Specialist Technology & Social Change (TASCHA) melclark@uw.edu<mailto:melclark@uw.edu> | 206.303.7910 Twitter: @taschagroup<https://twitter.com/taschagroup> | @melodyrclark<https://twitter.com/#!/melodyrclark> tascha.uw.edu<http://tascha.uw.edu/>