News & Updates

News & updates

Stay up to date with Access Now’s latest news, analysis, reports, events, community resources, and more. For a weekly digest in your inbox, subscribe to the Access Now Express, or scroll down to see the latest.

Private tech, humanitarian problems: how to ensure digital transformation does no harm
Connectivity
ConnectivityPostGlobalEnglish

Private tech, humanitarian problems: how to ensure digital transformation does no harm

13 Feb 2024

Our new report, Mapping Humanitarian Tech: exposing protection gaps in digital transformation programmes, examines how humanitarian-tech partnerships impact people and communities at risk.

Post
Private tech, humanitarian problems: how to ensure digital transformation does no harm
13 Feb 2024
Private tech, humanitarian problems: how to ensure digital transformation does no harm
#StopSilencingPalestine: U.S. Senator joins civil society's call
Content Governance
Content GovernancePress ReleaseIsraelEnglish

A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms

12 Feb 2024

Access Now joins over 70 civil society organizations in urging Meta to abstain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms.

Press Release
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
12 Feb 2024
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
India fake news
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaArabic

المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء

9 Feb 2024

تنضم أكساس ناو إلى 46 منظمة مجتمع مدني في إعلان يهدف إلى دعم الحفاظ على المرسوم رقم 88 الخاص بتنظيم الجمعيات.

Press Release
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
9 Feb 2024
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
#KeepItOn during elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 

9 Feb 2024

The warring parties in Sudan must immediately end the disruption of internet access across the country and #KeepItOn!

Press Release
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
9 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseGlobal

Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty

8 Feb 2024

Given fundamental concerns from stakeholders, we urge governments to consider withholding support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty.

Press Release
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
8 Feb 2024
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 

8 Feb 2024
Press Release
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
8 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseGlobal

Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

7 Feb 2024

The UN cybercrime treaty draft poses substantial risks to global cybersecurity and good faith cybersecurity researchers.

Press Release
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
7 Feb 2024
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Armenia spyware victims: Pegasus hacking in war
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseNorth America

One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations

6 Feb 2024

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.

Press Release
One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations
6 Feb 2024
One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections

6 Feb 2024

As Pakistan heads into elections on 8 February 2024, authorities must guarantee uninterrupted internet access for everyone across the country. 

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 

6 Feb 2024

Access Now, the #KeepItOn coalition, and organisations from across globe urge authorities to #KeepItOn during the 2024 Pakistan elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
Senegal Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all

5 Feb 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition denounce the ongoing internet shutdown in Senegal on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
Azerbaijani government #KeepItOn elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAzerbaijanEnglish

Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections

5 Feb 2024

Access Now is calling on the government of Azerbaijan to ensure unrestricted access to the internet throughout the election. 

Press Release
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
5 Feb 2024
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAzerbaijanEnglish

#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections

5 Feb 2024

The government of Azerbaijan must ensure people can access open and secure internet when they need it the most and #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
TikTok
Content Governance
Content GovernancePress ReleaseAsia Pacific

Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 

1 Feb 2024

The 2023 fact-checking amendment contradicts the right to free speech and expression under Indian and international law.

Press Release
Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 
1 Feb 2024
Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 
Image of the investigation report on how Pegasus crushes civic space in Jordan
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseIsrael

New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan

1 Feb 2024

A new joint investigation reveals the widespread use of Israeli-owned NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in Jordan.

Press Release
New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan
1 Feb 2024
New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan
Image of the Investigation report: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationJordanEnglish

Between a hack and a hard place: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan

1 Feb 2024

Access Now launched the new investigation report on how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan.

Publication
Between a hack and a hard place: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan
1 Feb 2024
Between a hack and a hard place: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan
header image: pushing back against IMEI registration in Myanmar
Connectivity
ConnectivityPress ReleaseAsia PacificEnglish

The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain

31 Jan 2024

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.

Press Release
The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain
31 Jan 2024
The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain
Myanmar's digital dictatorship
Connectivity
ConnectivityPress ReleaseAsia PacificEnglish

A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship

31 Jan 2024

Access Now and a coalition of human rights organizations call on the international and business community to resist the digital coup in Myanmar.

Press Release
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
31 Jan 2024
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityGuideGlobalEnglish

UN Cybercrime Convention: FAQ on necessary reforms

25 Jan 2024

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.

Guide
UN Cybercrime Convention: FAQ on necessary reforms
25 Jan 2024
UN Cybercrime Convention: FAQ on necessary reforms
Header image: data protection in Africa
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPostAfricaEnglish

How governments can strengthen data protection in Africa

25 Jan 2024

Digitisation in Africa has led many countries to develop data protection laws. We explore ways to strengthen these frameworks.

Post
How governments can strengthen data protection in Africa
25 Jan 2024
How governments can strengthen data protection in Africa

Access Now in the news

ヨルダン国王への公開書簡
Cybersecurity

Civil society warns of ‘critical gaps’ in UN’s draft cybercrime treaty

13 Feb 2024
News
Civil society warns of ‘critical gaps’ in UN’s draft cybercrime treaty
Voice of America ↗
13 Feb 2024
Civil society warns of ‘critical gaps’ in UN’s draft cybercrime treaty
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored

12 Feb 2024
News
Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored
The New Arab ↗
12 Feb 2024
Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored
EU terrorist content regulation
Content Governance

This website tracked hate crimes in India. Then the government took it offline

12 Feb 2024
News
This website tracked hate crimes in India. Then the government took it offline
WIRED ↗
12 Feb 2024
This website tracked hate crimes in India. Then the government took it offline
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

AI ‘resurrects’ long dead dictator in murky era of deepfake electioneering

11 Feb 2024
News
AI ‘resurrects’ long dead dictator in murky era of deepfake electioneering
CNN ↗
11 Feb 2024
AI ‘resurrects’ long dead dictator in murky era of deepfake electioneering
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024

10 Feb 2024
News
I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024
WIRED ↗
10 Feb 2024
I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024
How to get rid of targeted ads on TikTok (only in the EU)
Freedom of Expression

Researchers call out TikTok for removing feature that counts views for Gaza war videos

10 Feb 2024
News
Researchers call out TikTok for removing feature that counts views for Gaza war videos
The New Arab ↗
10 Feb 2024
Researchers call out TikTok for removing feature that counts views for Gaza war videos
Mapping the risks of emerging biometric and AI technology
Artificial Intelligence

London underground is testing real-time AI surveillance tools to spot crime

8 Feb 2024
News
London underground is testing real-time AI surveillance tools to spot crime
WIRED ↗
8 Feb 2024
London underground is testing real-time AI surveillance tools to spot crime
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout

8 Feb 2024
News
Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout
The New Arab ↗
8 Feb 2024
Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election

8 Feb 2024
News
Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election
The Record ↗
8 Feb 2024
Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it

7 Feb 2024
News
A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it
WIRED ↗
7 Feb 2024
A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it
Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic
Surveillance

US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who abuse spyware to target journalists, activists

7 Feb 2024
News
US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who abuse spyware to target journalists, activists
ABC News ↗
7 Feb 2024
US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who abuse spyware to target journalists, activists
Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic
Surveillance

Visa restrictions on the way for commercial spyware vendors

6 Feb 2024
News
Visa restrictions on the way for commercial spyware vendors
Forbes ↗
6 Feb 2024
Visa restrictions on the way for commercial spyware vendors
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay

6 Feb 2024
News
Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay
Newzroom Afrika ↗
6 Feb 2024
Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay
Digital Identity Toolkit
Digital Identity Systems

Tunisia’s biometric ID project back on the table but advocates want data protection guarantees

5 Feb 2024
News
Tunisia’s biometric ID project back on the table but advocates want data protection guarantees
Biometric Update ↗
5 Feb 2024
Tunisia’s biometric ID project back on the table but advocates want data protection guarantees
Image of the Investigation report: how Pegasus spyware crushes civic space in Jordan
Surveillance

35 Jordanian lawyers, journalists, and activists infected by Pegasus spyware

2 Feb 2024
News
35 Jordanian lawyers, journalists, and activists infected by Pegasus spyware
OCCRP ↗
2 Feb 2024
35 Jordanian lawyers, journalists, and activists infected by Pegasus spyware
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar

2 Feb 2024
News
‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar
MediaTalks ↗
2 Feb 2024
‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar

Events

Join us at an upcoming event hosted by Access Now or our partners, and reach out to connect with us in person or online.

Key issues in data protection framework in Africa event header
Data Protection

Understanding key issues in data protection framework implementation in Africa

January 29 @ 1:00 pm 3:30 pm EAT

Event
Understanding key issues in data protection framework implementation in Africa

January 29 @ 1:00 pm 3:30 pm EAT

Understanding key issues in data protection framework implementation in Africa
Digital Security

Lanzamiento de la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia

18 December 2023 @ 11:00 am 12:00 pm CST

Las personas en movimiento también tienen derecho a la privacidad. Es por esto que 30 organizaciones lanzamos la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia para resguardar los derechos humanos de las personas migrantes a partir de la protección de sus datos personales.

Event
Lanzamiento de la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia

18 December 2023 @ 11:00 am 12:00 pm CST

Lanzamiento de la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia
Internet Governance Forum

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Japan 2023

8 October 2023 @ 8:00 am 12 October 2023 @ 5:30 pm JST

Event
Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Japan 2023

8 October 2023 @ 8:00 am 12 October 2023 @ 5:30 pm JST

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Japan 2023
FIFAfrica 23
Internet Shutdowns

Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2023

27 September 2023 @ 9:00 am 29 September 2023 @ 5:00 pm EAT

The annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) will be held in Dar es Salam, Tanzania on September 27-29, 2023.

Event
Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2023

27 September 2023 @ 9:00 am 29 September 2023 @ 5:00 pm EAT

Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2023