STANDING UP TO SURVEILLANCE
We fight surveillance laws, policies, and practices that undermine human rights. From investigating spyware attacks that target human rights defenders to fighting biometric surveillance systems that put entire communities at risk, we work to hold manufacturers and investors accountable for the impact of dangerous surveillance tech and push for strict regulations to prevent widespread abuse.
Ban Biometric Surveillance
Some surveillance technologies are so dangerous that they inevitably cause far more problems than they solve. The use of facial recognition and remote biometric technologies in publicly accessible spaces enables mass surveillance and discriminatory targeted surveillance.
Resources
Data Protection
Geneva Declaration: international community unites to end spyware abuse
Access Now and the Government of Catalonia are calling for an end to the proliferation of surveillance tech through the Geneva Declaration.
Digital Security
New guide: surveillance technology investors face significant risks if human rights are ignored
A new guide on effective due diligence will help shareholders with investments in surveillance technology prevent and mitigate human rights risks.
As the WEF meets, pressure is on world’s powerbrokers to shut down spyware industry
Brett Solomon, Daily Maverick
Data Protection
Sonic surveillance: why you don’t want AI snooping on you
The threat voice recognition technology poses to our rights needs to be addressed now — before our voices become yet another piece of biometric data to be used against us.
Digital Security
Unsafe anywhere: attacked by Pegasus, women activists speak out
Front Line Defenders and Access Now’s new report, “Unsafe anywhere: women human rights defenders speak out about Pegasus attacks,” unpacks the first-hand experiences of women navigating an increasingly hostile and dangerous environment.
Digital Security
MENA Surveillance Coalition: stop all surveillance tech sales to the region’s autocratic governments
The MENA Surveillance Coalition is demanding the immediate end to the sale of surveillance technology to Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) autocratic governments.
Latest Updates
US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who abuse spyware to target journalists, activists
Visa restrictions on the way for commercial spyware vendors
One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations
In a positive but limited step, the U.S.’s new sanctions policy will deny visas to individuals who are involved in, facilitate, or financially benefit from the misuse of commercial spyware.
35 Jordanian lawyers, journalists, and activists infected by Pegasus spyware
“أكسس ناو”: التجسس على 30 صحافياً ومحامياً وناشطاً في الأردن ببرمجية بيغاسوس الإسرائيلية
Dozens in Jordan targeted by authorities using NSO spyware, report finds
NSO’s Spyware Used to Hack Phones of Jordan Critics, Report Says
Digital rights groups identity 35 Pegasus hacking victims in Jordan
تقرير: هكذا اُستخدم برنامج “بيغاسوس” للتجسس على أكثر من 30 صحفياً وناشطاً وسياسياً في الأردن
New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan
A new joint investigation reveals the widespread use of Israeli-owned NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in Jordan.
Between a hack and a hard place: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan
Access Now launched the new investigation report on how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan.
CPJ calls for an investigation into the targeting of journalists with Pegasus spyware in Jordan
The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain
Today marks three years since Myanmar’s junta seized power in a violent coup. Access Now is calling on the international community to offer resources to resist digital oppression.
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
Access Now and a coalition of human rights organizations call on the international and business community to resist the digital coup in Myanmar.
UN Cybercrime Convention: FAQ on necessary reforms
What is the UN cybercrime convention, what’s wrong with its current draft, and how can you engage with it? Read our FAQ to know.
What the U.S. can and must do to reconnect Gaza
Gaza is suffering under its ninth recent telecommunications and internet shutdown. We outline how the U.S. can help reconnect Gaza.