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.

بعد ثلاث سنوات من اعتماده، يثير المرسوم عدد 54 تساؤلات جدية حول أثره على حرية التعبير والحق في الخصوصية في تونس. في هذه الورقة، نشرح المخاطر القانونية والسياسية لهذا النص 🔽 www.accessnow.org/publication/...

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/

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...

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...

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...

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]

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...

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 🔽 🧵

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...

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.

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

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

How the EU is building a dystopian, surveillance-driven, deportation machine. Read the full piece by Access Now’s Caterina Rodelli, Stefi Richani of Equinox, and journalist Hope Barker. ⬇️ euobserver.com/205537/how-t...

As part of our Helpline plan this year, we will hold a series of webinars. The aim of this series is to raise awareness of digital security across topics that concern everyone, to connect civil society and the private sector, and to bring them together to contribute to the discussion in one place.

Digital systems are being turned against humanitarians while physical access keeps shrinking. On March 4, join our online #HNPW session on how cyber threats against aid actors hinder their capacity to protect people.. and what to do about it vosocc.unocha.org/Report.aspx?... @accessnow.org

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: accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars

Exciting announcement from Access Now 🎉 After more than 15 years of operations, we are transitioning to a co-leadership model and are thrilled to welcome @arzugeybulla.bsky.social as our new Co-Executive Director alongside Alejandro Mayoral Baños. Read more: ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/press-releas...

An “exit” without transparency isn’t enough. We’re once again calling for AppLogic Networks to provide proof that it has fully withdrawn from Egypt + address the digital repression its tech facilitated, Including disclosure + remedies for those targeted. www.accessnow.org/press-releas...

Gabon must #KeepItOn Access Now + the #KeepItOn coalition demand authorities in Gabon immediately restore access to social media. Denying millions of people their right to freedom of expression + information, is a human rights violation. Read more ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/press-releas...

A new 7 Minute Futures is live! Alejandro Mayoral Baños from @accessnow.org joins me to talk about why indigenous wisdom is the missing piece in tech governance. Listen, subscribe, and meet me over on Substack to talk about it. Links in the first response!

We’re back with a reminder: don’t forget to register for “The AI Cyber Nexus: a strategic dialogue on global security, trust, and governance,” where we’ll explore how AI governance and cybersecurity intersect and what it means for people’s rights. www.accessnow.org/event/access...

Have you ever asked a question ChatGPT refuses to answer? Or used an AI agent that deleted your data? Check out part 3 of our blog series on AI and Digital Security, where we explore how AI tools impact access to and availability of systems we rely on:

Propaganda in wartime is nothing new. But today’s targeted social media ads, powered by personal data + algorithmic profiling, make war-related content more dangerous than EVER. Here’s why social media platforms must prioritize human rights over revenue: www.accessnow.org/wp-content/u...

Gabon must #KeepItOn + respect human rights! Access Now + the #KeepItOn coalition call on the authorities in Gabon to reverse their harmful decision to deny millions of people access to social media. www.bbc.com/news/article...

Who should control our digital world? Alejandro Mayoral Baños, Access Now’s Co-Executive Director, speaks to @AJStream on digital sovereignty. www.aljazeera.com/video/the-st...

Ahead of the #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026, we co-hosted a high-level dialogue with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on AI, equity, and digital security for marginalized communities.

In Russia, connectivity disruptions are upending daily life and putting people in danger, cutting them off from work, services, and even urgent medical care and contact with loved ones when they need connection most. Learn what this means for people:

What do internet shutdowns mean for people’s freedom of expression, access to information, and democracy across Africa + how can we push back? Felicia Anthonio, our #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager, breaks it down on NMT Media Foundation’s Free Speak podcast. 🔽 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3iS...

Internet shutdowns in wartime = isolation, control, and silencing of people — and must no longer be seen as an inevitable cost of war. Here’s how shutdowns harm people, drawn from testimonies from Gaza + Sudan: www.accessnow.org/publication/...

Are you heading to the AI Impact Summit? Join us and Global Partners Digital on February 20 for “The AI-Cyber Nexus,” where we’ll explore how AI and cybersecurity intersect and what that means for security and public trust. Learn more and register 🔽

AppLogic Networks must be more transparent about its exit from Egypt! Together with partners, we’re calling for more transparency, accountability, and remedies for digital repression and attacks on press freedom linked to its tech in the country. Read more 🔽 www.accessnow.org/press-releas...

Can you trust a chatbot’s answers? And is there any way to clean up the AI slop overwhelming the internet? In part two of our series on AI and digital security, we dive into the murky world of LLMs and information 🔽 www.accessnow.org/artificial-i...

“The worst part of the shutdown is that none of the daily injustices happening on the island come to light.” This is just one voice among many from Annobón, where authorities continue to impose an island-wide internet shutdown. It’s time to #KeepItOn!

No more AI Act loopholes! We demand that EU co-legislators reject attempts to remove a key transparency safeguard from the AI Act. Read more in our open letter ⬇️

AI is everywhere, but should people really trust it? This #SaferInternetDay, we’re calling for AI tools that respect the privacy, security, and human rights of everyone, especially at-risk communities. You can read our blog to learn more: www.accessnow.org/artificial-i...

Whether in Ukraine, Myanmar, or Gaza, cyberwarfare is putting people’s lives at risk. But do traditional ceasefires account for this digital side of modern conflict? Here’s why peace texts must address online harms, and what a digital ceasefire could look like.

Has your favorite chatbot spilled your gossip? Did an AI agent just expose your credit card details? Our new blog series on AI and digital security shows how AI tools threaten privacy and confidentiality, and why human rights safeguards are essential. www.accessnow.org/artificial-i...

“Rand Hammoud, the surveillance campaigns lead at Access Now, said Pall Mall leadership needs to set up “clear criteria for industry engagement … to protect the credibility of an initiative that depends on good faith participation.” therecord.media/spyware-make...

“NSO has been frustrating investigations, discrediting victims and researchers and putting enormous resources into actively trying to avoid accountability and providing remedy to victims in U.S. and other courts." @natynettle.bsky.social Read more ⬇️ therecord.media/spyware-make...

End-to-end encryption keeps our messages private, secure, and our rights protected. But it’s under attack. Client-side scanning (CSS) undermines all three, creating new risks and threatening free speech. Learn more: www.accessnow.org/why-client-s...