Access Now

The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled wired.com/story/the-chin…

Following our April 29 announcement, we believe it's important to be transparent about the context that led to the decision. We want to explain, where we can, why this was made on such short notice, only days before we were set to host RightsCon. Read: rightscon.org/rc26-statement/

It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.

If you’re heading to RightsCon, our session on May 6th is one session you don’t want to miss. As elections approach, activists and human rights defenders are increasingly facing targeted hate, digital surveillance, and coordinated online attacks. Join us for a powerful session where we’ll unpack: -The realities of surveillance during election periods -Practical tactics activists can use to stay safe and resilient. This is more than a conversation; it’s about equipping you with real tools for real risks. If you’re at #RightsCon2026, come through. Be part of the room. Be part of the strategy.

7 days to go until #RightsCon2026! Across Africa, our partners are taking action — from resisting internet shutdowns and election surveillance to advancing safer data practices. Here are a few must-attend sessions to add to your calendar: rightscon.summit.tc/t/rightscon-20…

@FelAnthonio In case you missed it: in 2025, Africa saw 30 internet shutdowns across 15 countries. But people are meeting this growing repression with increasing resistance. Learn more 🔽 accessnow.org/press-release/…

Network control is increasingly shaping how connectivity is governed, disrupted, and experienced across Africa and beyond. @FelAnthonio is joining SplinterCon to explore shutdowns, network control tech, and resilience efforts across the region. #participate" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">splintercon.net/events/rightsc…

We told @euobs: internet shutdowns in conflict zones have “life-and-death consequences,” and are often “a precursor to atrocities and violence against civilians.” Shutdowns put people’s lives and rights at risk. Read more 🔽 euobserver.com/209980/reporti…

الأخطار تتصاعد في الفضاء الرقمي، والمجتمع المدني بات في مرمى الاستهداف. يمكنك الإطلاع على التقرير كاملاً والتعرف على طرق لحماية نفسك ومجتمعك: accessnow.org/mena-phishing-…

بالتعاون مع @SMEX و@Lookout، فريق خط مساعدة الأمن الرقمي التابع لأكسس ناو يكشف عن هجمة تصيد إلكتروني نفّذها قراصنة مأجورون، استهدفت بين عامَي 2023 و2024 الصحفيين المصريين البارزين @MostafaAlasar و@a_altantawyeg.

Access Now's latest report on internet shutdowns reveals that 2025 was the worst year on record for digital freedom. With VPNs and satellite internet increasingly under fire, we recap the year’s biggest threats and look at what’s next for global connectivity. techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privac…

@pressfreedom @dataRights_ @HumanConstanta Our submission outlines States’ obligations, including the need for strict safeguards, independent oversight, and accessible remedies in cases of secret surveillance. Without these protections, spyware will continue to be used to silence journalists and shrink civic space.

Together with @pressfreedom, @dataRights_ + @HumanConstanta, we’ve filed an amicus brief before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning alleged spyware use against journalists and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan. Read more: accessnow.org/publication/am…

In Nigeria, overbroad provisions in the Cybercrimes Act continue to be used to target journalists, civil society + online expression. Join our webinar tomorrow to unpack the law, ongoing legal challenges + how to report on it through a human rights lens. accessnow.org/event/advancin…

Read our contributions in Chapters 1, 5, and 8 of the World Disasters Report by @ifrc. #WDR2026 wdr26.org/en

You can also check out our report to read testimonies from Gaza and Sudan, and learn how internet shutdowns in conflict zones inflict psychological, political, and societal harm 🔽 accessnow.org/publication/in…

When connectivity disappears during crises, the consequences are often deadly. In the 2026 World Disasters Report, our contributions across 3 chapters trace a clear pattern: when people lose access to reliable, timely information, they become isolated and face greater risk.

The winner of the Privacy and Human Rights Award has been chosen! The award recognizes individuals and organizations that excel in safeguarding privacy and other fundamental rights. Join us at #RightsCon2026 closing ceremony to discover this year’s winner!