Access Now
@accessnow.org
📤 907
📥 47
📝 235
We defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk 🌎.
pinned post!
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...
14 days 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 🧵
1 day ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
2 days 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
7 days 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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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/...
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https://www.accessnow.org/publication/three-years-of-decree-45-in-tunisia/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
8 days 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 ⬇️ 🧵
9 days 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
10 days 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/
14 days 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
14 days 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...
14 days 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/
14 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
RightsCon
16 days 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/
16 days 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/
21 days 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/
27 days 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]
29 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Mohammed Al-Maskati
30 days 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 🔽 🧵
29 days 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...
29 days ago
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reposted by
Access Now
mahsa alimardani
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month ago
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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...
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How the EU is building a dystopian, surveillance-driven, deportation machine
Like much recent EU migration legislation, the proposal was presented without a comprehensive fundamental rights impact assessment. Sixteen UN experts have already raised concerns about its…
https://euobserver.com/205537/how-the-eu-is-building-a-dystopian-surveillance-driven-deportation-machine/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Mohammed Al-Maskati
about 1 month ago
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.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Access Now
Just Giulio
about 1 month ago
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
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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:
accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
about 1 month ago
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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...
about 1 month ago
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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...
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From Sandvine to AppLogic Networks: a rebrand doesn’t mean reform - Access Now
Access Now, alongside several human rights organizations and independent news platforms, are calling on AppLogic Networks (previously Sandvine) to substantiate its announced corporate reforms…
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/from-sandvine-to-applogic-networks-a-rebrand-doesnt-mean-reform/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Access Now - #KeepItOn: authorities must reverse social media shutdown order and restore access in Gabon
We urgently demand the government of Gabon to immediately reverse orders to shut down social media indefinitely in the country. The order is in gross violation of national and international human…
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/keepiton-social-media-restore-access-in-gabon/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Javier Pallero
about 2 months ago
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!
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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...
about 2 months ago
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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:
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Artificial Insecurity: access and availability in the age of AI - Access Now
In the third part of our blog series, we look at how the availability of systems is impacted by the proliferation of large language models.
https://www.accessnow.org/artificial-insecurity-access-and-availability/
about 2 months ago
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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...
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Gabon suspends social media 'for spreading false information'
The media regulator said the ban would be in place "until further notice".
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2rg2vndk1o
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Who should control our digital world?
A few tech corporations control most of the world's data. Some countries have been fighting to change that.
https://www.aljazeera.com/video/the-stream/2026/2/17/who-should-control-our-digital-world
about 2 months ago
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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.
about 2 months ago
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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:
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Internet shutdowns in Russia hit new record
Internet shutdowns in Russia have been breaking records, with authorities cutting connectivity and blocking apps across the country.
https://www.accessnow.org/russias-record-war-on-connectivity/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Africa Unplugged: The Fight Against Internet Shutdowns.
In this special edition of the NMT Media Foundation’s Free Speak podcast that took place during the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa - FIFAfrica 2025 Conference in Windhoek, from the 24th to the…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3iSC2R0PH4
about 2 months ago
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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/...
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Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms - Access Now
Our latest report, Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms, unpacks the serious harms that internet shutdowns inflict on civilian populations during armed conflict.
https://www.accessnow.org/publication/internet-shutdowns-typology-of-harms/
about 2 months ago
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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 🔽
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Access Now at India AI Impact Summit 2026 - Access Now
Bharat Mandapam The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a high-profile international event involving heads of state and government, ministers, senior
https://www.accessnow.org/event/access-now-at-indian-ai-impact-summit-2026/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Access Now - Addressing human rights abuses and attacks on press freedom facilitated by AppLogic Networks in Egypt
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/human-rights-abuses-facilitated-by-applogic-networks-in-egypt/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Artificial Insecurity: threats to information integrity - Access Now
In the second part of our series on AI and digital security, we examine how LLMs threaten information integrity.
https://www.accessnow.org/artificial-insecurity-information-integrity/
about 2 months ago
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“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
!
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Why Annobón’s internet shutdown should matter to the world - Access Now
The ongoing internet shutdown in Annobón has cut off 5,300 residents from each other, from their loved ones abroad, and from the world, even as the government of Equatorial Guinea continues cracking…
https://www.accessnow.org/shutdown-stories-annobon/
about 2 months ago
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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 ⬇️
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Access Now - A call to EU legislators: protect rights and reject the call to delete transparency safeguard in AI Act
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject the deletion of the Article 49(2) transparency safeguard for high-risk AI systems that is…
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/a-call-to-eu-legislators-protect-transparency-safeguard-in-ai-act/
about 2 months ago
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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...
about 2 months ago
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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.
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Digital ceasefire: the path to peace goes online - Access Now
Learn how Access Now is working with peace-building experts to discuss what a digital ceasefire should look like.
https://www.accessnow.org/digital-ceasefire-the-path-to-peace-goes-online/
about 2 months ago
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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...
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Artificial Insecurity: how AI tools compromise confidentiality - Access Now
In the first part of our blog series on the dodgy digital security practices underlying advanced AI tools, we unpack how LLMs can jeopardize the confidentiality of people’s data.
https://www.accessnow.org/artificial-insecurity-compromising-confidentality/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Access Now
Fionnuala NÍ Aoláin KC (Hons)
2 months ago
“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...
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Spyware maker is hijacking diplomatic efforts to limit commercial hacking, civil society warns
Spyware maker NSO Group trumpeted the company’s participation in the Pall Mall Process, which drew criticism from civil society leaders and government officials who called out human rights abuses.
https://therecord.media/spyware-maker-pall-mall-process-reputation
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“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...
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Spyware maker is hijacking diplomatic efforts to limit commercial hacking, civil society warns
Spyware maker NSO Group trumpeted the company’s participation in the Pall Mall Process, which drew criticism from civil society leaders and government officials who called out human rights abuses.
https://therecord.media/spyware-maker-pall-mall-process-reputation
2 months ago
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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...
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Why client-side scanning is a lose-lose proposition
Client-side scanning (CSS) on encrypted platforms undermines people’s privacy and security by circumventing end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
https://www.accessnow.org/why-client-side-scanning-is-lose-lose-proposition/
2 months ago
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