Access Now

Following one of the deadliest earthquakes in its history, Myanmar faces an even more severe crisis. The disaster intersects with increasing authoritarian rule, leading to heightened repression via blackouts, surveillance, and digital control. In this compelling op-ed for Tech Policy Press, Wai Phyo Myint, Asia-Pacific Policy Analyst, and Faiz Naeem, Asia-Pacific Program Associate, explore how the catastrophe is being used as a tool to suppress civilians and extend state authority. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eRVADFPk

On June 26, youth-led protests erupted in Togo following recent constitutional reforms that abolished presidential elections, consolidated Faure Gnassingbe’s 20-year rule, and indefinitely extended his term. Authorities reacted with deadly force and blocked platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Signal, and Telegram. The #KeepItOn coalition strongly condemns this assault on fundamental rights and freedoms. Read our full statement ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e8ubJ5Ef

On June 26, youth-led protests erupted in Togo following recent constitutional reforms that abolished presidential elections, consolidated Faure Gnassingbe’s 20-year rule, and indefinitely extended his term. Authorities reacted with deadly force and blocked platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Signal, and Telegram. The #KeepItOn coalition strongly condemns this assault on fundamental rights and freedoms. Read our full statement ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e8ubJ5Ef

Giulio Coppi on Defending Digital and Human Rights in the AI Age on Humanitarian AI Today. We're super excited to finally have Giulio on the series. Giulio Coppi, Senior Humanitarian Officer at Access Now, an organization that fights for human rights in the digital age, discusses protecting digital rights in situations of conflict and violence and critically examines ethical dilemmas facing the humanitarian community surrounding the collection and use of data and applications of AI. And we touch on data sharing, information integrity, the role of private tech in humanitarian response, public-private sector engagement, corporate commitment to human rights and the involvement of AI companies in building surveillance and defense verticals during a time when human and digital rights are being dangerously undermined and attacked by state and non-state actors. https://lnkd.in/ddY2rGpa

Coopération Canada et Resilient Societies sont ravies d'annoncer la première vague de conférencier-ère-s qui participeront à Raviver l'espore : Le Sommet inaugural sur l'espace civique d'Ottawa, qui se tiendra du 21 au 23 avril 2026 ! #SECO2026 Nous sommes honoré-e-s d'accueillir un groupe de conférencier-ère-s inspirant-e-s dont le leadership et l'expérience vécue façonneront les discussions à venir : ⭐ Oleksandra Matviichuk, directrice du Centre pour les libertés civiles (Ukraine), lauréate du prix Nobel de la paix (2022) ⭐ Alejandro Mayoral Banos, PhD, directeur exécutif, Access Now ⭐ Jane Rabinowicz, présidente et directrice générale de la Fondation McConnell ⭐ Dr Sima Samar, défenseuse mondiale des droits de la personne et ancienne président de la Commission indépendante des droits de la personne en Afghanistan ⭐ Mandeep Tiwana, secrétaire général de CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation ⭐ Claire Trottier, présidente de la Fondation Euphrosine | Euphrosine Foundation. Le Sommet sur l'espace civique d'Ottawa est une nouvelle plateforme mondiale visant à résister à la répression, à revendiquer le pouvoir civique et à réimaginer un avenir démocratique plus inclusif. Ce rassemblement audacieux réunira des leaders de la société civile, des militant-e-s de l'espace civique, des gouvernements, des donateur-euse-s, des médias, des universitaires et des personnes alliées du secteur privé afin de susciter l'espoir et de stimuler le changement. Vous cherchez une occasion de diriger, de créer des liens et d'être à l'avant-garde du renouveau démocratique ? Consultez notre offre de partenariat, qui décrit comment votre organisation peut s'engager, contribuer et jouer un rôle de premier plan grâce à des possibilités de partenariat sur mesure, une visibilité stratégique et des programmes collaboratifs. Réservez la date et devenez partenaire pour protéger l'#EspaceCivique pour tous-tes ! https://lnkd.in/ezeCxFpm

How can we push back against repression and digital surveillance in the WANA region? Bread&Net aims to provide answers to the most critical questions for the WANA digital rights community, because our shared challenges demand community-led solutions. Pitch an idea for a workshop, talk, or discussion on one of 16 themes at Bread&Net, taking place in Beirut this October. Whether you're a researcher, journalist, or technologist, this is your space to lead, question, and work together. Deadline: July 15, 2025 | 📍 Beirut Submit your session: https://lnkd.in/efP3wF53

As deadly protests escalate in Kenya, amid alarming human rights abuses by authorities, Access Now and partners are calling on Vodacom to launch an independent, public human rights assessment of Safaricom's law enforcement information sharing practices. Safaricom handles sensitive data of 45 million users. If shared improperly, it could aid unlawful surveillance and violence. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable! Read the open letter:

The ICRC has just released a legal analysis on the lawfulness of internet shutdowns during armed conflict under IHL. For years, civil society and human rights groups, including Access Now, have highlighted the severe human consequences of connectivity disruptions, especially in conflict areas. Read more:

We’re looking for a production partner! RightsCon is in search of a production firm to support the planning and delivery of RightsCon 2026 in Africa. Read our blog to learn more about the scope of work, the expertise we're looking for, and how to submit a proposal: https://lnkd.in/eEnhunDg

“I do not understand why everyone from the island should be isolated and punished. This is robbing our people of their basic dignity, and it is sad, very sad,” says a resident of Malabo. In July 2024, the government of Equatorial Guinea plunged the island of Annobón into a total internet and mobile blackout. The supposed reason? Protests against environmental destruction. This isn’t just about connectivity. It’s about dignity, freedom, and survival. Read their stories: https://lnkd.in/ermBQgpb