Access Now
@accessnow.org
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We defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk 🌎.
Access Now alongside ten other civil society organizations joined in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. court to uphold the permanent injunction against NSO Group and protect encryption from Pegasus spyware. Read more ▶️
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
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Access Now urges the Ninth Circuit to protect encryption from NSO’s spyware - Access Now
Yesterday, Access Now and ten other civil society organizations filed an amicus brief in the U.S.’ Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals calling to protect encryption from NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware and...
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/access-now-urges-the-ninth-circuit-to-protect-encryption-from-nsos-spyware/
3 days ago
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La desinformación impacta cada vez más en los procesos electorales de América Latina. Frente a este desafío, proteger los datos personales es fundamental para garantizar el acceso a información de calidad y fortalecer los derechos de la ciudadanía. Lee más:
www.accessnow.org/publication/...
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Mi Privacidad es mi Voto: Fortaleciendo la integridad informativa en América Latina - Access Now
El vínculo entre la desinformación y la privacidad La desinformación impulsada por internet y el uso de las redes sociales supone un desafío que muchos
https://www.accessnow.org/publication/vinculo-entre-desinformacion-y-privacidad/
4 days ago
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Human rights groups, researchers, and activists have had their Facebook and Instagram accounts geo-blocked following reported gov’t requests from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Meta must uphold human rights, not enable digital repression. Learn more 🔽
www.alqst.org/en/post/meta...
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Meta blocks human rights accounts from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
The undersigned NGOs condemn Meta’s decision to restrict the Facebook and Instagram accounts of independent NGOs, researchers, and civil society figures from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia and…
https://www.alqst.org/en/post/meta-blocks-human-rights-accounts-from-reaching-audiences-in-saudi-arabia-and-the-uae
4 days ago
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In case you missed it, here’s the recording for our conversation on digital risks in war and conflict, highlighting how humanitarian organizations, civil society, and tech platforms can contribute to keeping populations safe online.
youtu.be/BcU4FmTcvRk
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Digital security in war and conflict: challenges for civil society and tools for resilience
Actors engaged in humanitarian protection and human rights now recognize digital-related harms as a component of war and conflicts. Humanitarian organizations, as well as other actors that intervene…
https://youtu.be/BcU4FmTcvRk
5 days ago
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We reiterate our demand:
@microsoft.com
must publish the findings of its review into Israel’s usage of Azure cloud services for the mass surveillance and targeting of Palestinians, and to take concrete steps to end any role in grave human rights violations. 🔽
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Microsoft: it’s time to come clean about your ties to the Israeli military - Access Now
Through a new joint letter, we're calling on Microsoft to publish the findings of its review into the Israeli military’s use of the company services.
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/microsoft-come-clean-about-your-ties-to-the-israeli-military/
7 days ago
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Today, we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia — a global moment of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, and resistance against hate, discrimination, and violence.
#IDAHOBIT
8 days ago
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Don’t forget to join us on May 19 at 9:00 am EST / 3:00 pm CET 🔽
add a skeleton here at some point
10 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Forus
19 days ago
Elections ≠ more freedom. Across countries, transitions are being used to: 🚫 silence civil society 📵 shut down internet 👁️ expand surveillance 👉 Read the analysis by
#EUSEE
with insights from
@accessnow.org
:
eusee.hivos.org/from-electio...
#CivicSpace
#Democracy
#KeepItOn
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reposted by
Access Now
Mohammed Al-Maskati
18 days ago
I’m excited to be among such wonderful people to discuss "Right Sizing Safeguards." Are we doing enough to protect our stakeholders and organizations? Register and join us :
us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
@accessnow.org
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Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression by
@article19.bsky.social
www.article19.org/resources/za...
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Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression - ARTICLE 19
The Zambian government's cancellation of global digital rights conference RightsCon is a direct attack on freedom of expression and assembly.
https://www.article19.org/resources/zambia-rightscon-cancellation-is-a-blow-to-freedom-of-expression/
16 days ago
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Technology can amplify risks for civil society in the context of war and conflict — but centering digital rights can also enhance humanitarian and protection responses. Join our Digital Security Helpline’s webinar on May 19 to learn more 🔽
www.accessnow.org/event/digita...
18 days ago
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Gov’ts continue to shut down the internet during school exams, claiming it prevents cheating. There’s no evidence it works. But there’s clear evidence it violates rights + cuts people off from essential services. Here’s what’s on our watch list for 2026 🔽
www.accessnow.org/campaign/no-...
19 days ago
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People in Iran remain cut off from the internet. We told BBC these communications blackouts are “a clear violation of human rights and they can never be justified.” 🧵
www.bbc.com/news/article...
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Smuggling Starlink tech into Iran to beat the internet blackout
Sahand tells the BBC World Service he sends satellite internet terminals into Iran to help show "the real picture".
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgzk91leweo
20 days ago
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The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled
www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
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The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled
Access Now, the group that organizes RightsCon, says Zambian officials asked it to exclude Taiwanese participants if it wanted the event to proceed as planned.
https://www.wired.com/story/the-chinese-government-pressured-zambia-to-cancel-the-worlds-largest-digital-rights-conference/
23 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
23 days ago
Following our April 29 announcement, we believe it's important to be transparent about the context that led to the decision. We want to explain, where we can, why this was made on such short notice, only days before we were set to host RightsCon. Read:
www.rightscon.org/rc26-stateme...
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A statement to our community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia
Our official statement to the digital rights community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia
https://www.rightscon.org/rc26-statement/
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Access Now
RightsCon
25 days ago
It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.
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7 days to go until
#RightsCon2026
! Across Africa, our partners are taking action — from resisting internet shutdowns and election surveillance to advancing safer data practices. Here are a few must-attend sessions to add to your calendar:
rightscon.summit.tc/t/rightscon-...
27 days ago
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Network control is increasingly shaping how connectivity is governed, disrupted, and experienced across Africa and beyond. Felicia Anthonio is joining SplinterCon to explore shutdowns, network control tech, and resilience efforts across the region.
splintercon.net/events/right...
28 days ago
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We told
@euobserver.com
: internet shutdowns in conflict zones have “life-and-death consequences,” and are often “a precursor to atrocities and violence against civilians.” Shutdowns put people’s lives and rights at risk. Read more 🔽
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Reporting when the internet goes dark
For journalists, access to the internet is central to reporting the news. When governments shut it down, reporters find ways around the blackout, but the work comes at a cost. Here are the…
https://euobserver.com/209980/reporting-when-the-internet-goes-dark/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Access Now
TechRadar | the technology experts [Unofficial]
about 1 month ago
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2025 was the worst year on record for internet shutdowns as censors move to more targeted blocks
Access Now's latest report on internet shutdowns reveals that 2025 was the worst year on record for digital freedom. With VPNs and satellite internet increasingly under fire, we recap the year’s biggest threats and look at what’s next for global connectivity.
https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/2025-was-the-worst-year-on-record-for-internet-shutdowns-as-censors-move-to-more-targeted-blocks
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Together with
@pressfreedom.bsky.social
, Data Rights, Human Constanta, we’ve filed an amicus brief before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning alleged spyware use against journalists and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan. Read more:
www.accessnow.org/publication/...
about 1 month ago
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In Nigeria, overbroad provisions in the Cybercrimes Act continue to be used to target journalists, civil society + online expression. Join our webinar tomorrow to unpack the law, ongoing legal challenges + how to report on it through a human rights lens. 🔽
www.accessnow.org/event/advanc...
about 1 month ago
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When connectivity disappears during crises, the consequences are often deadly. In the World Disasters Report 2026 by
@ifrc.org
, our contributions across 3 chapters trace a clear pattern: when people lose access to reliable, timely information, they become isolated and face greater risk.
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Fight for the Future
about 1 month ago
As
@meeks.house.gov
stands up for a clean FISA reauthorization to preserve the data broker loophole for warrantless spying on everyone in the US, Fight for the Future,
@stopspyingny.bsky.social
and
@accessnow.org
have issued the following joint statement:
www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2026-04...
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Statement: Rep. Meeks voting for a clean FISA reauthorization is disrespectful & dangerous
Statement: Rep. Meeks voting for a clean FISA reauthorization is disrespectful & dangerous As Rep. Meeks (D-NY) stands up for a clean FISA reauthorization to preserve the data broker loophole that all...
https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2026-04-14-rep-meeks-fisa-disrespectful-dangerous/
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Today marks 3 years of war in Sudan. Beyond the devastating humanitarian toll, connectivity remains under attack: internet shutdowns, damaged infrastructure + repeated disruptions cut people off from information + safety. Connectivity is an essential humanitarian infrastructure.
about 1 month ago
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Are you attending
#DRIF2026
? We’ll be there and would love for you to join our session tomorrow at 10:10 GMT, where we’ll unpack how internet shutdowns have become a go-to tactic for governments across Africa to control information around elections, and how to push back.
#KeepItOn
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Fight for the Future
about 1 month ago
We told Meta their new glasses will be weaponized by stalkers, abusers, federal agents and sexual predators to harm some of the most vulnerable in our communities.
www.wired.com/story/meta-r...
@acluwa.bsky.social
@accessnow.org
@epic.org
@civilrightsorg.bsky.social
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Meta Is Warned That Facial Recognition Glasses Will Arm Sexual Predators
More than 70 organizations, including the ACLU, EPIC, and Fight for the Future, say the AI smart glasses feature would endanger abuse victims, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.wired.com/story/meta-ray-ban-oakley-smart-glasses-no-face-recognition-civil-society/
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reposted by
Access Now
Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)
about 1 month ago
Joint Action❗️
#SaudiArabia
: NGOs call for immediate release of Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid, whose 14-year sentence was upheld recently
@alqst.bsky.social
@accessnow.org
@dawnmenaorg.bsky.social
@eff.org
gc4hr.org/actions/ngos...
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NGOs call for immediate release of Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid, whose 14-year sentence was upheld - Gulf Centre for Human Rights
We, the undersigned organisations, express deep concern over the continued arbitrary detention of the Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid, whose 14-year prison sentence was recently upheld. We call for his ...
https://gc4hr.org/actions/ngos-call-for-immediate-release-of-saudi-wikipedian-osama-khalid-whose-14-year-sentence-was-upheld/
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Together with Rightify Ghana, we urge members of parliament in Ghana to put human rights first and reject the dangerous 2025 Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill! If passed, it’ll violate LGBTQ+ people’s fundamental rights.
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
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Stop political scapegoating: Ghanaian MPs must reject dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ bill - Access Now
Access Now and Rightify Ghana have urged the government of Ghana to put human rights first and reject the repressive Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/ghanaian-mps-must-reject-anti-lgbtq-bill/
about 1 month ago
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Espionage enables repression! In collaboration with Lookout +
@smex.org
, our Digital Security Helpline exposes a hack-for-hire phishing campaign targeting journalists and dissidents in the MENA region. Here’s what we found, and what it means for civil society 🧵
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
about 2 months ago
313 internet shutdowns. 52 countries. One year. Iran just hit 36 days offline – on track for a record. Governments are getting sophisticated. So what can people do to fight back? 🎧 Somewhere on Earth – listen now:
www.spreaker.com/episode/the-...
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The Dark Side of the Kill Switch: Inside 2025's Record-Breaking Internet Shutdowns - Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dark-side-of-the-kill-switch-inside-2025-s-record-breaking-internet-shutdowns--71014514
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
about 2 months ago
We know our community is navigating uncertainty around traveling to RightsCon 2026 through the Gulf region. Following the escalation of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, multiple countries across the region have closed their airspace.
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
about 2 months ago
Visa Deadline Alert! 🚨 If you're joining us in Zambia for
#RightsCon2026
, the window for visa support is closing. You have until April 3 to request your supporting documents. To check if you need a visa, how to request the documents, and the e-Visa process, go to:
www.rightscon.org/rc26-visa/
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Get your e-Visa to join us in-person in Zambia for RightsCon 2026
The visa process for RightsCon 2026 is now available. In this post we outline the steps needed and the support the RightsCon team will provide.
https://www.rightscon.org/rc26-visa/
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NEW | 2025 was a record year for internet shutdowns — 313 times. Authorities imposed shutdowns to control information and restrict access. The
#KeepItOn
coalition spent last year documenting shutdowns across the world. These are the findings ⬇️ 🧵
about 2 months ago
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As conflicts escalate, so does digital propaganda for war. In this session, @zaghdoudist explores how to build a coordinated, human rights-based response, and whether a framework inspired by the “Rabat Plan of Action” can guide policy and accountability.
events.ringcentral.com/events/pdaf-...
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منتدى فلسطين للنشاط الرقمي - PDAF 2026 - Mar 30 | RingCentral Events
Get tickets to منتدى فلسطين للنشاط الرقمي - PDAF 2026, taking place 03/30/2026 to 03/31/2026. RingCentral Events is your source for engaging events and experiences.
https://events.ringcentral.com/events/pdaf-2026
about 2 months ago
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AI is increasingly shaping humanitarian work — but sometimes organizations might not even be aware of it. Our new report examines how algorithmic systems are quietly entering the humanitarian tech stack through existing digital platforms and services. Read:
www.accessnow.org/ai-infiltrat...
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Buyer beware: how AI is infiltrating humanitarian aid operations - Access Now
Our new research unpacks how AI tools are dodging procurement vetting to infiltrate humanitarian organisations' operations.
https://www.accessnow.org/ai-infiltrating-humanitarian-aid/
about 2 months ago
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For those who missed the first webinar from our digital security series on spear phishing, you can now catch-up! Watch here ⬇️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmkH...
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Spear phishing: how to stay safe and prevent advanced attacks against civil society
Spear phishing is a form of phishing that is highly targeted, aimed at compromising the data and communications of specific individuals or groups — such as high-profile activists, journalists, and…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmkH_ny2LSQ
about 2 months ago
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Every year, authorities cut more people around the world off from the internet. Next week we’ll release our new report: “Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025.” Visit our website for more:
www.accessnow.org/campaign/kee...
about 2 months ago
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We’re proud to announce that we’ve joined the Stop Killer Robots (@StopKillerRobots) coalition, a global network of 300+ organisations across 70+ countries working to ensure machines aren’t entrusted with life or death decisions. 🤖🎉
stopkillerrobots.org/a-global-pus...
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Our member organisations – Stop Killer Robots
Menu
https://stopkillerrobots.org/a-global-push/member-organisations/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
2 months ago
Traveling to
#RightsCon2026
in Zambia? Your visa process starts NOW. If you need a visa to attend, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. Don't miss the deadline: April 3 is the last day to request your supporting documents Read more ▶️
www.rightscon.org/rc26-visa/
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Reminder: Iran has been offline since Feb 28, when U.S. + Israeli strikes began. Not a glitch. When bombs fell, Iranian authorities pulled the plug, leaving millions with no internet, no visibility, no calls for help, no accountability. End the shutdown.
#KeepItOn
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
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Access Now demands end to Iran’s continued internet blackout amid war
Access Now condemns the ongoing near-total internet shutdown in Iran and urgently calls on authorities to immediately restore full internet access.
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/iran-connect-the-population-statement/
2 months ago
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Arzu Geybulla didn't just study repression — she lived it. Grew up under it. Is targeted by it. And has spent more than a decade in exile because of it. In our latest blog, our new Co-Executive Director reflects on her path leading her to Access Now. Read more:
www.accessnow.org/fighting-for...
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Fighting for fragile freedoms, online and off
Access Now’s new Co-Executive Director reflects on her journey fighting for human rights in the digital age.
https://www.accessnow.org/fighting-for-fragile-freedoms-online-and-off/
2 months ago
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5 years after the coup, Myanmar's junta continues to systematically oppress its people — mass arrests, killings, internet shutdowns. Now they want legitimacy through military-controlled elections. Access Now's Wai Phyo Mint & Darika Bamrungchok write. ⬇️
www.techpolicy.press/five-years-a...
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Five Years After Coup, Myanmar’s Digital Authoritarianism Enters New Phase
If Myanmar’s digital authoritarianism goes unchecked, it signals that governments can dismantle fundamental rights and still be treated as legitimate actors.
https://www.techpolicy.press/five-years-after-coup-myanmars-digital-authoritarianism-enters-new-phase/
2 months ago
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Iran's near-total internet shutdown has been ongoing since February 28. Connectivity dropped 98%+ after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, triggering further escalation across the region. [THREAD 🧵 1/3]
2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Mohammed Al-Maskati
3 months ago
Had the pleasure of moderating a Digital Security Webinar by the Helpline at
@accessnow.org
. We discussed how surveillance, phishing, and harassment impact civil society 🎥 Recording:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmkH...
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Access Now is heading to
#SXSW2026
! 🎉 We're proud to be featured in three sessions, bringing our work on digital rights and cybersecurity to one of the world's premier stages for technology and culture. Here's where to find us 🔽 🧵
2 months ago
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NEW | Hundreds of companies are pitching shady surveillance tech to EU migration agencies through industry events that evade lobbying transparency rules. See the 450+ companies involved ⬇️
www.accessnow.org/companies-po...
2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
mahsa alimardani
3 months ago
A manifesto by some of us dreamers aka Iranian Internet freedom lady nerds fed up with the internet shutdowns endangering the lives of our loved ones and our people in Iran.
@azadehakbari.bsky.social
@farzdusa.bsky.social
@royapak.bsky.social
& Afsaneh Rigot.
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Digital attacks on civil society are growing more sophisticated — and we need to face them together. Tomorrow, March 10 at 9 AM ET / 2 PM CET, join us for the launch of "Safe and Strong", a new webinar series on digital resilience. Register:
accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
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Spear phishing: how to stay safe and prevent advanced attacks against civil society - Access Now
Join us to learn and take action to prevent spear phishing and other digital attacks against activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
https://accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
3 months ago
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How can you detect spear-phishing attacks before it’s too late? Join the first webinar of our new series, “Safe and Strong,” on March 10, which will cover new trends and share practical tips for civil society to raise its defenses. Register here:
accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
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Spear phishing: how to stay safe and prevent advanced attacks against civil society - Access Now
Join us to learn and take action to prevent spear phishing and other digital attacks against activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
https://accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
3 months ago
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