In a new piece by Recorded Future News, Natalia Krapiva, Tech Legal Counsel at Access Now, explains how Russia’s digital controls create a sense that “everything is controlled and listened to,” thereby encouraging self-censorship. Read: therecord.media/russia-upgra...

Digital rights are under attack around the world. But we're fighting back. Help us protect activists, changemakers, and advocates across the globe. Fund the good fight. Donate to Access Now ▶️ accessnow.org/donate

Spyware attacks threaten the privacy and safety of people around the world. Following a landmark ruling against NSO Group, WhatsApp is seeking to hold the company accountable for violating the court’s order and continuing attempts to target users.

From Azerbaijan to Zambia, the fight for digital rights is global. Donate now ▶️ accessnow.org/donate

Las elecciones de Perú también se deciden en tu pantalla. Los algoritmos usan tus datos personales para segmentar desinformación e influir en las decisiones electorales. Proteger tu privacidad es clave para defender la democracia. Lee más: www.accessnow.org/publication/...

The Human Rights Tech Clinic connects you with global experts to help address evolving digital security and accessibility needs. Visit our booth at #DRAPAC26 for a consultation! June 8 | 11:30 AM–5:30 PM June 9 | 10 AM–4 PM Coordinated by Access Now, Digital Defenders Partnership & Decent Design.

"As civil society organizations face increasingly sophisticated digital attacks, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline has become a critical support system for journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and vulnerable communities worldwide." By News Junkie. www.newsjunkie.net/article/digi...

"Si una pequeña comunidad en Guatemala está haciendo una labor comunitaria, desde los centros de poder, desde las grandes ONG, debemos ver eso como una extensión del espacio cívico", dice Alejandro Mayoral Baños, codirector de Access Now. ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/es/notic...

"There's no way to look at the facts without seeing that this administration is not going to forcefully work to counter spyware — and actually might be quite comfortable using it," said Michael De Dora, U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager, speaking to NPR. www.npr.org/2026/05/19/n...

The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

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...

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/...

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...

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

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. 🔽

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

Don’t forget to join us on May 19 at 9:00 am EST / 3:00 pm CET 🔽

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

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

Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression by @article19.bsky.social www.article19.org/resources/za...

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...

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-...

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...

The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled www.wired.com/story/the-ch...

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...

It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.

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-...

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...

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 🔽

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/...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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

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

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...

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...

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 🧵

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-...

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.

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/

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 ⬇️ 🧵

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-...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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/