Access Now

Protecting Defenders Online: United Nations Human Rights Council 49th Session Side Event
2022-03-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | https://www.accessnow.org/hrc49-side-event
In partnership with Access Now, the United States and European Union Trade and Technology Council (U.S.-EU TTC) Partnership will hold Protecting Defenders Online, a hybrid side event during the UN Human Rights Council’s 49th Session. The event will highlight threats faced by women human rights defenders online, best practices for governments to counter these threats, and civil society recommendations for the UN (OHCHR), the U.S. and the EU to consider.

Tuesday, 29 March 2022, 9am-10am EST / 15:00-16:00 CETWatch Protecting Defenders Online live: https://www.accessnow.org/hrc49-side-event

Speakers:

Vita Volodovska, Director of the Digital Security Lab (@DSLab_Ukraine)

Lina Alhathloul, Head of Monitoring and Communications at ALQST for Human Rights (@LinaAlhathloul)

Lisa Peterson, Acting Assistant Secretary Bureau of Democracy, Labor and Human Rights (@StateDRL)

Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights (@EamonGilmore)

Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office at Geneva (@CataDevandas)

Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders (@dooley_dooley)

Moderators:

Laura O’Brien, Senior UN Advocacy Officer, Access Now (@lo_brie @accessnow)

Veronika Lapina, Protection Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, Frontline Defenders @FrontLineHRD

Co-organizers:

The European Union – European External Action Service (EEAS) (@eu_eeas)

The United States – Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (@StateDRL)

In partnership with: Access Now (@accessnow)

Co-sponsors:

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva (@CRONUGVA)

Frontline Defenders (@FrontLineHRD)

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Ethiopia 2022
2022-11-28 08:00 - 2022-12-02 17:00 (Africa/Addis_Ababa)
The 2022 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be held online and in-person in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 28 November to 2 December. This year’s summit takes place in the shadow of a two-year internet blackout in Ethiopia’s Tigray region that Access Now and the global #KeepItOn coalition are campaigning to end.

The communications shutdown has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis brought about by the civil war. In the wake of the recent truce agreement, lifting the blockade demands the urgent attention of all IGF organizers and participants, including representatives from the African Union.

Access Now is participating in IGF 2022 both in-person and online, as we work to amplify the voices of people whose lives and rights are directly impacted by the decisions taken at this and other international fora. We cannot have a truly resilient internet or shared, sustainable, common future if we systematically silence or ignore those most at risk of rights violations. Internet governance and corporate practices must be grounded in human rights principles and support the enjoyment of fundamental rights for all. These principles are all the more important during crises, whether in Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Ukraine, or elsewhere.

Hosted by:

Secret surveillance: countering spyware’s threats to freedom of the press and expression
2023-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Growing evidence from civil society shows that governments across the world have relentlessly used targeted surveillance technology against journalists. From Hungary and Poland to Thailand, El Salvador to Jordan, journalists and media workers have been the targets of invasive and rapidly-advancing spyware.

The intersectional impacts of spyware illustrate the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.” Spyware deters independent reporting and investigations into political corruption and human rights violations, and by consequence, hinders justice and accountability.

Multi-sectoral stakeholders from around the world have joined civil society’s efforts urging the international community to put an end to this abuse. In this event, we ask the ultimate question: How can the U.N. and governments build on civil society’s work and push for international action against the proliferation and abuse of spyware?

Join Access Now and partner organizations as we tackle these questions and renew our calls to protect freedom of expression and human rights for all.

Watch the event discussion

Hosted by:

RightsCon Costa Rica
2023-06-05 08:00 - 2023-06-08 17:00 (America/New_York) | Costa Rica Convention Center
Hosted by:

RightsCon offers a platform for thousands of participants around the world to convene, connect, and contribute to a shared agenda for the future. Join our global community of business leaders, activists, technologists, policymakers, journalists, philanthropists, researchers, and artists, and explore opportunities to advance human rights in the digital age.

Sponsors

#KeepItOn: Stakeholders’ dialogue on internet shutdowns ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections
2023-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
The event aims at bringing together relevant stakeholders in Sierra Leone to discuss how the internet and digital platforms can contribute to advancing inclusive and transparent elections in the country. The event would also highlight threats and challenges in the digital rights space in the country including the negative impacts of internet shutdowns and acts of censorship on electoral processes.

Watch the event discussion

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From catalyst for freedom to tool for repression: social media and gendered disinformation in Tunisia?
2023-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Tunis) | Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
This event on social media and gendered disinformation in Tunisia was recorded and shared publicly afterwards on this RSVP page.

Heralded by many as a blueprint for advancement towards gender equality in the MENA region, Tunisia’s rapid slide into autocracy is dangerously threatening women’s political participation, equal rights and democracy. Social media companies are failing to target malign actors who are using their platforms to spread politically-motivated disinformation, allowing algorithms to amplify sexist harassment and abuse.

As a result, women in politics and women leaders, particularly those who defend women’s rights and democracy, are uniquely attacked through gendered disinformation campaigns aimed at both portraying them as unfit for the public sphere and eroding democratic institutions altogether.

Join us in launching #ShePersisted’s newest case study, From Catalyst for Freedom to Tool for Repression: A #ShePersisted Analysis of Gendered Disinformation in Tunisia, the fourth of five country-specific case studies in the #MonetizingMisogyny research series analyzing the patterns, impact and modus operandi of online attacks and gendered disinformation campaigns targeting women leaders.

Moderator:

Aymen Zaghdoudi, MENA Senior Policy Counsel for Access Now

Speakers:

Ikram Ben Said, Founder of Aswat Nissa

Lilia Labidi, anthropologist, psychologist, and former Minister for Women’s Affairs in Tunisia

Hanène Zbiss, investigative journalist and journalism professor

Lucina Di Meco, Co-founder of #ShePersisted and author of the report

Sarah Hesterman, Program Associate with #ShePersisted and co-author of the report

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Media briefing: critical human rights issues at stake in the draft UN Cybercrime Treaty
2023-08-23 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | United Nations Secretariat Building
New York — On Wednesday, August 23, at 1:30 pm Eastern Time (10:30 am Pacific Time)experts from Access Now, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Human Rights Watch, and other internationalallies will brief reporters about critical flaws in the draft UN Cybercrime Treaty that threatenhuman rights.

The treaty, under negotiation by UN Member States for more than a year, is intended to fosterinternational cooperation against cybercrime. It will facilitate the rewriting of criminal lawsaround the world, potentially expanding the criminalization of online speech and expandingcross-border surveillance by law enforcement.

Without strong human rights safeguards, the draft treaty could severely undermine the privacy,freedom of expression, and other fundamental rights of millions of people, in particularjournalists, activists, and people and groups who face discrimination and marginalization.

Speakers at the briefing include experts on human and digital rights who are participating intreaty negotiations as observers. They will highlight key concerns emerging in the first week ofthe treaty’s sixth negotiating session, where the draft text will be reviewed. The session isscheduled at the UN in New York from August 21 through September 1.

The briefing will be live-streamed from New York.

SPEAKERS:

Deborah Brown, Senior Researcher and Advocate on Technology and Rights, Human RightsWatch

Raman Jit Singh Chima, Global Cybersecurity Lead and Senior International Counsel, Access Now

Victor Kapiyo, Lawyer and Human Rights Defender, Kenya ICT Action Network

Katitza Rodriguez, Policy Director for Global Privacy, Electronic Frontier Foundation

Carey Shenkman, Human Rights Attorney, Article 19

MODERATOR:

Ioannis Kouvakas, Senior Legal Officer and Assistant General Counsel, Privacy International

WHERE:

United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) Briefing RoomUnited Nations Secretariat Building405 East 42nd StreetRoom S-308New York, NY 1001

For a UN Cybercrime Treaty timeline:

https://www.eff.org/pages/un-cybercrime-treaty-timeline

For more about the UN Cybercrime Treaty:

https://www.eff.org/issues/un-cybercrime-treaty

CONTACT:

Katitza Rodriguez (English/Spanish): Electronic Frontier Foundation in New York,katitza@eff.org. Twitter/X: @txitua

Deborah Brown (English), Human Rights Watch in New York, +1-347-920-8978; orbrownd@hrw.org. Twitter/X: @deblebrown

Raman Jit Singh Chima, Global Cybersecurity Lead and Senior International Counsel at Access Now: raman@accessnow.org, press@accessnow.org. Twitter/X: @tame_wildcard

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Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2023
2023-09-27 09:00 - 2023-09-29 17:00 (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam) | Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
This year, the annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) convened by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) will be taking place from 27 to 29 September 2023 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Some of the topics that the Forum will highlight include:

Data protection and privacy

Online movement building

Internet shutdowns

Content regulation

Turning policy into action

Here is where to find the Access Now team at FIFAfrica23.

Hosted by:

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Japan 2023
2023-10-08 08:00 - 2023-10-12 17:30 (Asia/Tokyo)
The 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum will be hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s overarching theme is: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People.

Building on the results of the call for thematic issues the MAG decided that the 18th annual IGF programme will develop around the following sub-themes:

AI & Emerging Technologies

Avoiding Internet Fragmentation

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety

Data Governance & Trust

Digital Divides & Inclusion

Global Digital Governance & Cooperation

Human Rights & Freedoms

Sustainability & Environment

Below are some of the events Access Now will be joining at IGF 2023. Go to the official website for the registration process, and to confirm time, date, and locations of sessions, which may change.

Sunday, 8 October, 2023

Day Zero #149: Scoping civil society engagement in digital cooperation Sunday, 8th October, 2023 (04:30-06:30 UTC) | Room I

Based on the United Nations (UN) Global Digital Compact (GDC) process’ most recent developments such as the thematic Deep dives and the UN SG Policy Brief, this session aims to gather input from Civil Society members in order to better scope our stakeholder engagement. During this opportunity, we also plan to discuss what are the better paths of engagement in moments such as the beginning of negotiations at the Ministerial meeting that will be initiated after the Issues Paper, as well as the Summit of the Future.

Moderated by Sheetal Kumar (on site) and Bruna Martins dos Santos (online), this day zero event features rapporteur Michaela Shapiro, and speakers Valéria Betancourt and Peter Micek.

Monday, 9 October, 2023

Session #166: Digital ID and human rights civil society communityMonday, 9 October, 2023 (08:45-09:45 UTC) | Room C-2

This session is the first public gathering organized by a new transnational civil society community focused on digital ID and human rights. Members of the community will discuss their goals and collaboration, inviting IGF’s unique multistakeholder audience to participate and learn about the vision and current work of the coalition.

Organized by Access Now, OSF, Karisma, and Temple University on behalf of the Digital ID coalition, the gathering is moderated by Marianne Díaz Hernández and Temple University’s Laura Bingham and features Rapporteur Juan de Brigard, and speakers Yussuf Bashir, Haki Na Sheria, Thomas Lohninger, Matthew McNaughton, Ashanut Okile, and Laura Goodwin.

Workshop #356: Encryption’s critical role in safeguarding human rightsMonday, 9 October, 2023 (23:30 UTC) – Tuesday, 10 October, 2023 (00:30 UTC) | Room B-1

How can policymakers ensure that individuals who use encryption to protect their privacy and security are not subject to discrimination, surveillance, or other forms of harassment or repression? Should encryption be regulated at the national or international level, and how can this be accomplished without hindering technological innovation, impeding the free flow of information, or compromising users? Who stands to gain or lose if we have systems that cannot comply with access desires to encrypted communications from authorities? In exploring these questions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how public discourse is shaped to malign the terminology and concept of “encryption” to influence decision makers and legislators to advocate for building in backdoors. This session seeks to advance the encryption discussion by bringing together a panel of privacy-preserving technology providers, advocates, and grassroots organizers working on the frontlines defending people’s digital and human rights.

Organized by the Tor Project, the workshop is moderated by Tate Ryan-Mosley and Pavel Zoneff, and features rapporteur Roger Dingledine and speakers Rand Hammoud and Sharon Polsky.

Tuesday, 10 October, 2023

Town Hall #39: Elections and the internet: free, fair, and open?Tuesday, 10 October, 2023 (00:45-01:45 UTC) | Room I

How can states, civil society, and the private sector work together to anticipate, prepare for and, where possible, prevent internet shutdowns ahead of elections? This session will feature a panel of experts to examine the causes, trends and impacts of internet shutdowns – including on human rights, information integrity and democratic participation – in the context of elections. This Town Hall is facilitated by the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) Taskforce on Internet Shutdowns (TFIS). During 2023, the United Kingdom is chairing the FOC TFIS alongside FOC Advisory Network (AN) members, Access Now, and the Global Network Initiative. TFIS serves as a multinational and multistakeholder coordination and response mechanism on Internet shutdowns. TFIS works to improve coordination among like-minded countries, civil society, and the private sector in order to anticipate and respond to Internet shutdowns around the world.

This session is moderated by Kanbar Hossein-Bor, and features rapporteurs Laura O’Brien (on site) and Nicola Burgess, and panelists Felicia Anthonio (on site), Sarah Moulton, Nicole Stremlau, and Ben Jones.

Town Hall #28: The perils of forcing encryption to say “AI, AI captain.“Tuesday, 10 October, 2023 (01:15-02:15 UTC) | Room E

Increasingly, proposals across jurisdictions are pushing for content scanning or detection mechanisms in end-to-end encrypted environments. Many of them are premised on the claim that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can be utilized to scan content “without breaking encryption.” This claim is contentious and has received pushback from security experts, as such tools have serious limitations, are not a silver bullet that will solve the difficult questions around content moderation on encrypted platforms, and will indeed undermine encryption — an essential tool for online privacy and security. This panel will bring together experts on encryption and AI to create a platform for dialogue. We will explore questions such as “How can policy dialogues on these subjects be approached to ensure that the false binary of ‘privacy v. safety’ is not perpetuated, and to facilitate the development of a trust-based framework that equally prioritizes both?”

Moderated by Namrata Maheshwari (on site) and Daniel Leufer (online), this town hall features speakers Dr. Sarah Myers West, Udbhav Tiwari, Riana Pfefferkorn, and Eliska Pirkova.

Wednesday, 11 October, 2023

Open Forum #84 Shaping a UN Cyber Programme of Action Wednesday, 11 October, 2023 (23:30 UTC) – Thursday, 12 October, 2023 (00:30 UTC) | Room B-2

The Cyber Program of Action (PoA) is a proposal by a group of UN member states in 2020 for a permanent forum of institutional dialogue on responsible state behavior in cyberspace. So far, discussions relating to the Cyber PoA have not reached a wide audience, and has been limited to states and other actors active within discussions of the UN’s Open Ended Working Group on ICTs. This session will provide a much needed opportunity for stakeholders to receive updates on the proposal, the consultations held thus far and to provide their views into this ongoing process.

Moderated by Sheetal Kumar (on site) and Ellie McDonald (online), this open forum features rapporteur Raman Jit Singh Chima, and speakers David Fairchild, David Hevey, and Margaux Courteille.

Thursday, 12 October, 2023

Workshop #307: Data governance in broadband satellite servicesThursday, 12 October, 2023 (01:30-02:00 UTC) | Room A

How are national and international laws applied in the governance of LEO satellites and multi-orbital solutions in the context of data flows, privacy, personal data protection, and cybersecurity? What are potential benefits and challenges of satellite-dependent internet access in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? How can we ensure this technology is implemented sustainably, respects privacy and personal data protection, and addresses cybersecurity concerns? How can internet access be considered a fundamental human right and be made accessible to all, including marginalized communities and developing countries? What regulatory frameworks and policies are needed to ensure equitable and inclusive access to satellite-dependent internet services?

Organized by the Internet Society and civil society leaders from Eastern European Group, this roundtable is moderated by Kulesza Joanna (on site), and Dan York (online), and features panelists Akcali Gur Berna, Peter Micek, Larry Press, and Dr. Uta Meier-Hahn.

Hosted by:

Lanzamiento de la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia
2023-12-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Costa_Rica) | Church Center, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
Online: Zoom event

Hosted by:

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.

¡No te pierdas el lanzamiento! Nos acompañan:

Ángela Alarcón, Campaigner para América Latina y el Caribe en Access Now

Veridiana Alimonti, Directora Asociada de Políticas en América Latina en la Electronic Frontier Foundation

Käthy Krüger, Abogada para el Proyecto de Derechos Fronterizos en Al Otro Lado

Fernanda Acevedo, Coordinadora General en Hospitalidad y Solidaridad A.C.

Modera: Cindy Regidor, periodista en Confidencial y fundadora y editora de Nicas Migrantes

Add To Calendar

Confirmar asistencia

Deja aquí tus datos si deseas unirte al lanzamiento de la Coalición Latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia.

Understanding key issues in data protection framework implementation in Africa
2024-01-29 13:00 - 15:30 (Africa/Nairobi) | Baraza Media Lab
Africa continues to rise as a hub for digitization, and as it does, laws and policy frameworks follow. Data protection laws are part of the ever-changing legislative scene in Africa; and as the Malabo convention comes into force, we are uniquely positioned to shape what data protection will look like for years to come. How do we ensure we get the best deal out of this?

Speakers:

Dr. Mugambi Laibuta – Privacy and Data Protection Consultant

Grace Mutung’u – Independent Researcher

Victor Kapiyo – Researcher and Trustee, KICTANet

Megan Kathure – Independent Researcher

Cynthia Chepkemoi – Data protection officer – Kenya Women Microfinance Bank

Bridget Andere – Senior Policy Analyst – Access Now (Moderator)

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The 3rd Summit for Democracy (S4D) South Korea 2024
2024-03-18 08:00 - 2024-03-20 18:00 (Asia/Seoul)
Since its inception in 2021, the Summit for Democracy has provided a forum for the U.S. government and others to showcase their foreign policy initiatives in the face of rising authoritarianism and “organize collective action to address emerging challenges to democracy.” The 3rd Summit for Democracy will be hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, under the overarching theme of “Democracy for Future Generations.”

The summit will be hosted from March 18-20, 2024, with the following agenda:

Day 1: Ministerial-level meeting and expert roundtable

Day 2: Discussions and workshops led by domestic and foreign civil society

Day 3: Virtual summit

Below are the events Access Now will be co-organizing or participating in at the 3rd Summit for Democracy.

Access Now does not participate in these summits uncritically. All governments must do more to protect and promote human rights and democratic processes, online and offline. As we wrote during last year’s summit, “civil society is under attack, under pressure, and underfunded” and governments must “invest in and champion civil society, including digital civil society, as a voice that speaks truth to power.” We look forward to opening space at this summit for honest, critical discussions and directing resources toward efforts led by people and communities at risk.

Day 1, March 18, 2024

Access Now will be participating in the U.S. Government’s high-level side event, “Galvanizing Multistakeholder Action to Combat the Misuse of Commercial Spyware,” from 5:45 pm to 6:45pm KST at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to mark one-year of release of the Joint statement on efforts to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware.

Day 2, March 19, 2024

Ensuring AI governance and democratic governance go hand-in-hand

11:30 am -12:30 pm KST (Session no. 47) | Room 301

Organizer: Access Now, Microsoft, and National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Republic of Korea

Speakers:

YUN Chang-Hee(Ph.D.), Director of the AI Policy Research Team, AI Policy Division, National Information Society Agency.

Amy Larsen, Director, Microsoft’s Democracy Forward team

Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Policy Policy Director and Senior International Counsel, Access Now

The impact of online disinformation and actions to strengthen information integrity

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm KST | Room 315

Organizer: Global Democracy Coalition

Speakers:

Elaine Ford, Founding Director, Democracia Digital

Danielle Piatkiewicz, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Alliance of Democracies Foundation

Peter Micek, General Counsel, Access Now

Access for democracy: Preventing internet shutdowns and strengthening democracy

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm KST (Session no. 39) | Room 304

Organizer: Access Now and Internews

Speakers:

Kanbar Hossein-Bor, Deputy High Commissioner for the U.K., British High Commission in Bangladesh

Carly Ramsey, Director, Head of Asia Pacific, Japan and China Public Policy, Cloudflare

Artur Papyan, Director, Media Diversity Initiative – Armenia

Miraj Chowdhury, Managing Director, Digitally Right – Bangladesh

Moderated by Brittany Piovesan, Chief of Party – Greater Internet Freedom, Internews

You can also catch our RightsCon booth on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm local time, to learn more about RightsCon South Korea (February 2025)! Speak to our team to discover how you can engage at the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age.

REGISTER

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Digital Public Infrastructure: A Tool for Gender Equality?
2024-03-21 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | https://accessnow.org/dpi-a-tool-for-gender-equality
As more public services and information sources move online, women and girls, in all of their diversity, continue to face barriers to access to digital public infrastructure and repositories of knowledge and memory. This amplifies existing inequities by hindering their meaningful participation in public life and contributes to their further marginalization.

Digital commons, such as Wikimedia projects, are essential to provide wide access to accurate information, which in turn is fundamental for both human rights, including access to information (a component of the right to freedom of opinion and expression), as well as sustainable development by reaching the Sustainable Development Goals that support digital public goods that can be used by all.

This event aims to discuss the critical need for a robust digital public infrastructure that supports and safeguards global public goods for everyone in order to fulfill the promise of the internet. Such an information ecosystem requires not only investment in technical infrastructure to ensure easy and equitable access to public information, but also support for fields that produce and organize knowledge like journalism and academia. This support extends to legal structures and open and free licensing of many different types of information.

Speakers:

Dr. Manavpreet Kaur, Co-Founder, Punjabi Wikimedians

Marianne Diaz Hernandez, #WhyID Campaigner at Access Now

Kat Townsend, Expert Advisor, World Wide Web Foundation

Sandra Aceng, Executive Director, Women of Uganda Network

Moderator: Costanza Sciubba Caniglia, Anti-Disinformation Strategy Lead at Wikimedia Foundation

Watch the event discussion

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Lanzamiento del Manual del Pequeñx Vigiladx
2024-03-25 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires)
Los sistemas de vigilancia masiva con capacidades de recolección remota de datos biométricos, pueden capturarlos en el subte o metro, estaciones de bus, calles públicas muchos otros lugares. Para que funcionen, tienen que estar nutridos de una o varias bases de otros datos biométricos. Estos sistemas son propensos a cometer errores de identificación, sobre todo en personas de tez oscura, mujeres y personas adultas mayores.

Cuando las autoridades detienen a una persona porque uno de estos sistemas la confundió con un individuo que tiene récord criminal en la base de datos biométricos que poseen, se desencadenan una serie de eventos que ponen en riesgo su integridad. Estos casos se conocen como falsos positivos.

En este evento presentaremos el Manual del Pequeñx Vigiladx, una herramienta diseñada para ofrecer recomendaciones específicas para América Latina, con el objetivo de ayudar a las personas afectadas por falsos positivos y a sus seres queridos a navegar por el complejo sistema judicial en caso de enfrentar esta situación.

¡No te pierdas el lanzamiento! Nos acompañan:

Angela Alarcón, Campaigner, Latin America & the Caribbean

María del Carmen Verdú, referente de CORREPI

Patricia Díaz Charquero, Coordinadora de Datysoc

Modera: Yamlek Mojica, Communications and Engagement Officer for Latin America & the Caribbean

Si te lo perdiste, acá lo puedes ver

Hosted by:

Vigilancia y persecución: la represión de los DDHH en América Latina
2024-05-02 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Santiago) | Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, Santiago, Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 227, 8320275 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Bar El Bajo, Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, Building B, Floor – 1

[English below]

El evento se constituirá de dos paneles:

Panel I: Defender la libertad de prensa: Alternativas políticas para la protección de periodistas contra el spyware en América Latina4:00 – 5:15pm

La significativa evidencia de la sociedad civil ha demostrado que gobiernos alrededor del mundo han utilizado implacablemente tecnología de vigilancia selectiva contra periodistas. Tanto en México, como en El Salvador y República Dominicana, periodistas que realizan investigaciones e informes independientes han sido blanco de software espía invasivo.Las crecientes tendencias autoritarias en América Latina hacen que la falta de una posición política clara sobre el uso de tecnología de vigilancia sea particularmente preocupante, sobre todo cuando la libertad de expresión y los espacios cívicos continúan reduciéndose, lo que en última instancia plantea la pregunta: ¿Qué pueden hacer los gobiernos de América Latina para salvaguardar los derechos humanos y la libertad de prensa, y frenar el abuso de spyware?

Únate a Access Now, Derechos Digitales y gobiernos de la región en un panel orientado a la acción para resolver el problema del software espía.

Participan:

Mariana Belloso, periodista independiente (video introductorio)

Sergio Arauz, periodista y subjefe de redacción en el medio El Faro

Nicolás Sepulveda, periodista investigador en el Centro de Investigación Periodística de Chile (CIPER)

Ángela Alarcón, Coordinadora de campañas para América latina y el Caribe en Access Now

Michel Souza, Director de Políticas Públicas en Derechos Digitales.

Daniel Álvarez, Coordinador Nacional de Ciberseguridad del Gobierno de Chile

Marina Pita, Coordinadora General de Libertad de Expresión y Combate a la Desinformación en la Secretaría de Políticas Digitales del Gobierno de Brasil

Modera: Yamlek Mojica, oficial de comunicaciones para América latina y el Caribe en Access Now

Panel II: Cibercrimen, persecución penal y periodismo17:30 – 18:30

Ola Bini, defensor de derechos humanos y desarrollador de software, fue condenado el mes pasado en Ecuador por un presunto intento de acceso no autorizado a un sistema de telecomunicaciones. El fallo se produjo después de cinco años de un caso plagado de irregularidades, demoras, presiones políticas, pruebas endebles y violaciones del debido proceso, a pesar de la preocupación generalizada de activistas de derechos civiles, profesionales de la tecnología y expertos legales.

Esta sesión tiene como objetivo discutir el papel del periodismo en un caso que giró en torno a muchos temas más allá del cibercrimen, junto con Diego Cazar -autor de “Colateral”, un libro que cuenta la historia de Bini- así como activistas de derechos humanos.

Participan:

Ola Bini, experto en seguridad informática y fundador del Centro de Autonomía Digital (video introductorio)

Diego Cazar, autor del libro “Colateral” sobre la historia de Ola Bini, y director del medio ecuatoriano La Barra Espaciadora

Ángela Alarcón, Coordinadora de campañas para América latina y el Caribe en Access Now

Modera: Catalina Balla, Directora de Comunicaciones en Derechos Digitales.

Se servirá refrigerio.

_________________________________

The event will constitute two panels:

Panel I: Safeguard Press Freedom: Political avenues for the protection of journalists against spyware in LAC4:00 – 5:15pm

Growing evidence from civil society has shown that governments across the world have relentlessly used targeted surveillance technology against journalists. From Mexico, to El Salvador to the Dominican Republic, journalists engaging in independent reporting and investigations have been the targets of invasive spyware.The growing authoritarian trends in LATAM make the lack of a clear political position on the use of surveillance tech particularly worrying, as freedom of expression and civic spaces continue to shrink, ultimately begging the question: What can the governments in LATAM do to safeguard human rights and press freedom, and curb the abuse of invasive spyware?

Join Access Now, Derechos Digitales and governments from the region on an action-oriented panel to solve the problem of spyware.

Speakers:

Mariana Belloso, independent journalist (intro video)

Sergio Arauz, journalist and deputy editor-in-chief at El Faro

Nicolás Sepulveda, investigative journalist at Centro de Investigación Periodística de Chile (CIPER)

Ángela Alarcón, LAC campaigner at Access Now

Michel Souza, public policy director at Derechos Digitales

Daniel Álvarez, National Coordinator of Cybersecurity, Government of Chile

Marina Pita, General Coordinator of Freedom of Expression Policies and Fighting Disinformation, at the Digital Policies Secretariat in Brazil

Moderator: Yamlek Mojica, LAC Communications and Engagement officer at Access Now.

Panel II: Cybercrime, criminal prosecution and journalism5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Ola Bini, a human rights defender and software developer, was convicted last month in Ecuador, for an alleged attempt of unauthorized access of a telecommunications system. The ruling came after 5 years of a case plagued by irregularities, delays, political pressure, flimsy evidence, and due process violations, despite widespread concern from civil rights activists, technology professionals, and legal experts.

This session aims to discuss the role of journalism in a case that revolved around many topics beyond cybercrime, together with Diego Cazar -author of “Colateral”, a book telling Bini’s story- as well as human rights activists.

Speakers:

Ola Bini, digital security expert and founder of Digital Autonomy Center (Centro de Autonomía Digital) (intro video)

Diego Cazar, author of the book “Collateral” on the story of Ola Bini, and director of the Ecuadorian media La Barra Espaciadora

Ángela Alarcón, LAC campaigner at Access Now

Moderator: Catalina Balla, Communications Director at Derechos Digitales.

Drinks and Refreshments will be served.

Co-sponsors:

REGISTER FOR WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

World Press Freedom Day: Digital threats to free expression & climate discourse in Latin America and beyond
2024-05-04 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires)
Santiago, Chile — Together with Global Witness and IPANDETEC, we’re hosting a side event at the UNESCO 2024 World Press Freedom Day Conference entitled, “The Online Dangers to Freedom of Expression and Climate Communication in Latin America and Beyond.”

Central America stands out as one of the most hostile regions for the practice of journalism in the Americas. In this group of countries, various organizations report experiences ranging from judicial harassment to imprisonment and even murder. But increasingly attacks also take place in the digital environment, including defamation, doxxing, and censorship. These tactics deprive journalists of the ability to fully exercise their right to freedom of expression in a safe manner.

At a wider level, online hate, disinformation, and other digital threats present growing obstacles to reporting and communicating on the climate crisis. Journalists, climate scientists, and environmental defenders have long been instrumental to public understanding of our changing climate, documenting its shifts, sounding the alarm on its effects, and clarifying its remedies. However, online harassment and abuse can have serious impacts on their well-being and imperil their work.

This session looks at the digital threats to freedom of expression in Latin America and the intrinsic links to environmental and climate communication globally. It brings together experts, journalists, and human rights defenders to explore the challenges of online violence and related threats to democracy and climate action. Speakers will also share practices to promote resilient journalism and information ecosystems in the digital age.

SPEAKERS:

Paolo Nigro Herrero, Digital Security Helpline Shift Manager, Access Now

Yamlek Mojica, LAC Communications and Engagement Officer, Access Now

Disha Ravi, Climate justice activist, Fridays for the Future India

Henry Peck, Campaigner on Digital Threats, Global Witness

Lia Hérnandez, Board of Directors, IPANDETEC

Jenny Galindo, Associated Researcher, IPANDETEC

WHERE:

Centro Cultural Gabriela MistralRoom 5 (C1)Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 227, 8320275 Santiago, Región Metropolitana Chile

Hosted by:

REGISTER FOR WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

g0v Summit 2024
2024-05-04 09:00 - 2024-05-05 17:00 (Asia/Seoul)
g0v (gov-zero) is a grassroots community of software developers, designers, activists, educators, writers, and citizens, focused on improving civil society through technology and collaboration. Since its inception in 2014, the g0v Summit has facilitated cross-sector exchanges among open-source communities, NGOs, governments, academics, and netizens alike.

The 2024 summit will focus on the following themes:

“Nerd politics” vs. digital governance;

Data, AI, and community collaboration;

Grassroots, open, polycentric, and communal responses to political and technological authoritarianism;

Digital infrastructure grounded in empathy, inclusiveness, and plurality; and

Convergence of technology and social issues.

Here’s where you can find Access Now on day 1 of g0v Summit 2024.

Highlight

Defending digital rights in the age of digital authoritarianism

12:30 pm — 2:00 pm Taipei time | International Conference Hall

In today’s interconnected world, digital rights are fundamental for protecting personal privacy, free expression, and access to information. As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats intent on undermining these rights. Hosted by Access Now, this three-part discussion will focus on three examples of digital authoritarianism: the weaponization of internet shutdowns, spyware and the abuse of surveillance technologies, and threats against people’s data rights.

This Highlight session features Access Now’s Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director and Global Cybersecurity Lead; Michael De Dora, U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager; Namrata Maheshwari, Senior Policy Counsel and Encryption Policy Lead; and Golda Benjamin, Asia Pacific Campaigner. It will be moderated by Chihhao Yu, Co-director at IORG.

Community Track

Digital resilience: What to do if the internet Is out?

2:10 pm — 3:40 pm Taipei time | International Conference Hall

Since the 2021 coup in Myanmar, telecom companies have aligned with the military junta, making it easy for the military to order shutdowns at any time. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s largest telecoms provider Chunghwa claims that undersea cables have been cut 27 times in the past five years; a disproportionate rate compared with other parts of the world. The discussion will focus on learnings from both regions that can guide global stakeholders in strengthening digital resilience and safeguarding human rights.

This Community Track session features Wen Lii, Director of International Affairs, Democratic Progressive Party; Fu Shiang Ching, Research Associate at the Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica; and Golda Benjamin, Asia Pacific Campaigner at Access Now.

We will also be supporting our partners in the “East Asian civic tech communities amid global democratic backslide” keynote panel (R0, 10:10-10:40 am Taipei time) where you can chat with our experts about defending digital rights, in Asia Pacific and beyond.

REGISTER

Add To Calendar

watch the livestream

Hosted by:

DRAPAC and APrIGF 2024
2024-08-18 11:00 - 2024-08-22 17:30 (Asia/Taipei)
The Digital Rights Asia Pacific Conference (DRAPAC) 2024

August 18 – August 19

The Digital Rights Asia Pacific Conference (DRAPAC) 2024 is a pivotal gathering of digital rights advocates, policymakers, and tech experts dedicated to discussing and addressing pressing digital rights issues in the Asia Pacific region.

Below are some of the events Access Now will be joining at the Digital Rights Asia Pacific Conference:

Day 2, August 19

Who’s afraid of government super-apps? Digitalization’s impact on privacy and surveillance risks

10:30 am – 11:30 pm Taipei Time | Room 203, NTUH International Convention Centre

Digitalization and e-governance projects are rapidly gaining momentum in Asia, with examples like the Philippines’s eGov PH app and Taiwan’s pandemic management efforts. However, these projects raise important concerns about privacy and surveillance. Hosted by Access Now, this session will bring together regional stakeholders to discuss emerging and potential threats of such projects. Raman Jit Singh Chima, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Director, will lead the discussion.

How does the government use our personal data? Challenges in FOI, litigation and legislation

10:30 am – 11:30 am Taipei Time | Theatrette 301, NTUH International Convention Centre

As data sharing ramps up between government bodies and third parties, the question becomes: how can people reclaim control of their data? Featuring Poren Chiang, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Extern, this session will explore civil society’s efforts to fight for digital rights against the backdrop of long-term data exploitation and breaches, spotlighting case studies from Taiwan, including the authorized secondary use of the National Health Insurance Database and the widespread home registration data breach impacting nearly the entire population in the country.

The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024

August 21 – August 23

The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024 serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders across the region to engage in discussions on internet governance issues. This forum brings together representatives from government, private sector, civil society, and academia to address challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape.

Below are some of the events Access Now will be joining during the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum:

Day 0, August 20

For a better digital democracy: defend and strengthen digital rights with public-private partnership

1:30 pm – 5:30 pm Taipei Time | 2F, NPO HUB Taipei

Ahead of APrIGF 2024, Access Now and Wikimedia Taiwan will co-host a side event to explore AI, digital privacy, and the impact of civic groups on digital democracy, with the following agenda:

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Taipei Time: AI’s human right crisis and the role of civic sector

The discussion will be moderated by Namrata Maheshwari, Access Now’s Senior Policy Counsel and Encryption Policy Lead. Panelists joining the conversation include Isabel Hou, AI Academy Taiwan’s Secretary General; Peter Micek, Access Now’s Legal and UN Policy Director; and Isedua Oribhabor, Access Now’s Business and Human Rights Manager.

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm Taipei Time: Public-private partnership and digital privacy protection

This session will be moderated by Raman Jit Singh Chima, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Director. Panelists include Elizabeth Donkervoort, ABA ROLI’s East Asia Program Director; Faydah Dumarpa, the Commissioner for Emerging Technologies at the Philippines Commission on Human Rights; and Chia-Shuo Tang, Open Culture Foundation Taiwan’s Research Manager.

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Taipei Time: How could civic groups create policy impact in digital democracy?

This session will be moderated by Wei-Chen Lim, Open Culture Foundation Taiwan’s Executive Secretary. Panelists include Don Le, Article 19’s coordinator; Shruti Narayan, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Counsel; Faiz Naeem, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Program Associate, along with participants from the local internet governance community and members of Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline.

To attend this side event, please RSVP. It will be held in Mandarin and English with interpretation services available for both languages.

UPDATE: Reservations for this event are now closed!

Day 2, August 22

A multistakeholder approach to safeguarding information integrity through advancing internet governance in Asia and the Pacific

10:10 am – 11:10 am Taipei Time | 402CD, NTUH International Convention Centre

This session will tackle internet governance in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for safeguarding online information amid the 2024 elections and AI advancements. It will highlight the importance of a multistakeholder approach — engaging governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia — to drive effective governance. The session features Raman Jit Singh Chima, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Director.

Is Asia Pacific ready for AI? Balancing innovation, ethical governance, and marginalized needs

11:30 am – 12:30 pm Taipei Time | 402CD, NTUH International Convention Centre

The rapid growth and broad adoption of AI technologies across the Asia Pacific region raises ethical concerns due to its diverse cultural, legal, and socioeconomic landscape. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, effective governance is crucial to balance innovation with ethics. Featuring Poren Chiang, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Extern, this session will explore AI governance in the region, using frameworks focused on human rights, accountability, and transparency to uncover key lessons and address existing gaps.

Navigating the complex terrain of internet intermediaries liability and online frauds

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Taipei Time | Room 401, NTUH International Convention Centre

This panel will explore how recent regulatory trends might incentivize platforms to address online harms, while also weighing the potential human rights violations that could arise from compulsory regulatory measures like fines or network access restrictions. Featuring Raman Jit Singh Chima, Access Now’s Asia Pacific Policy Director, the discussion will focus on online fraud as a key example of harmful content that platforms need to manage.

REGISTER FOR DRAPAC

REGISTER FOR APrIGF

REGISTER FOR THE ACCESS NOW SIDE EVENT

United Nations General Assembly 79th Session (UNGA79)
2024-09-10 00:00 - 2024-09-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | United Nations Headquarters
Venue: United Nations Headquarters & surrounding New York City area, New York, USA (and virtual)

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) will start on Tuesday 10 September 2024. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Tuesday 24 September 2024 through to Monday 30 September 2024.

This year, the highly anticipated Summit of the Future will be held during UNGA79 with Summit of the Future Action Days on Friday 20 September and Saturday 21 September, followed by an official Heads of State and Government summit on Sunday 22 September and Monday 23 September, 2024. The Summit aims to address “the critical challenges and gaps in global governance exposed by recent global shocks.” The Summit will adopt three agreements: a Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations. Access Now has been actively following the Global Digital Compact process. For more information view our FAQ on the Global Digital Compact.

Below are some of the public events Access Now will be joining at UNGA79 2024. Follow the link below to the official United Nations website for the registration process, and to confirm time, date and locations of sessions, which may change. High-level debates will be livestreamed on UN Web TV.

Registration details

Add To Calendar

Thursday 19 September

Global Digital Compact Civil Society Strategic Discussion Space

Thursday 19 September, 2024 (08:00 – 12:00 EDT), Scandinavian House

In preparation for the finalization of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) this event aims to provide space for civil society organizations to critically discuss the final text and engage in strategic discussion around the implementation and follow-up of the GDC. This is an opportunity to align agendas on cross-cutting progressive issues and coordinate efforts across regions and themes.

The side event is coordinated by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), IT for Change, Equality Now, Alliance for Universal Digital Rights (AUDRi), Women at the Table/ <A+> Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms, Pollicy, Derechos Digitales, Women Rights Online, UN Women and UNFPA.

The side event will be held in English.

Register here to attend in person

Saturday 21 September

A Digital Future For All

Saturday 21 September, 2024 (10:30-17:00 EDT), United Nations Headquarters ECOSOC Chamber

This full day session is co-convened by the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology (OSET), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and “will bring forward-looking commitments from all stakeholders to harness innovation, science and data in a more inclusive, safe and sustainable manner” as part of the digital track of the Summit of the Future.

The Power of the Commons: Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient World

Saturday 21 September, 2024 (11:15-12:30 EDT), United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 2

The Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact offer an important opportunity to ensure that Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) are able to shape our digital world for the public good. This event will spotlight success stories and explore how DPGs and DPIs can ensure that people around the world have a say in how technology is developed and governed, bridge digital divides, empower communities, and advance Sustainable Development Goals. The event will also tackle governance challenges and map a path toward a globally inclusive digital future.

This side event is co-sponsored by the UN Member State Delegations of Mexico, Poland, and Germany, as well as the organizations Access Now (featuring Marianne Díaz Hernández as speaker), TUM Think Tank, Network of Centers, Wikimedia Deutschland, Wikimedia Czech Republic, and Wikimedia Europe.

The Critical Role of Human Rights in Realizing the Pact for the Future

Saturday 21 September, 2024 (13:00-14:15 EDT), United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 2

This side event will discuss the value of human rights in achieving sustainable development, peace, and security, and in ensuring the effective enjoyment of all human rights by all. It will showcase concrete applications of human rights as a bridge-builder between the people and the institutions of the State in a range of areas, including addressing inequalities, tackling discrimination, and confronting new and emerging challenges.

This side event is co-organized by the UN Human Rights Office, Costa Rica, South Africa, the European Union, Action for Sustainable Development, and CIVICUS. Further information, including the Concept Note of the event, will be shared in due course and posted on the OHCHR website.

Monday 23 September

War, famine, and satellites: Connecting the dots of the humanitarian impact of shutdowns in Sudan

Monday 23 September, 2024 (10:00-11:00 EDT), Access Now Office (and virtual)

A preventable, human-caused famine is unfolding in Sudan, and internet shutdowns are playing a direct role. With peace negotiations failing, humanitarian access efforts center on getting food into territories controlled by warring parties. With this event, we aim to supplement those crucial negotiations by exploring telecommunications and the role of digital connectivity in advancing peace and humanitarian access.

This expert discussion session alongside UNGA 79 would highlight the work of GISA, presenting findings from their briefing “Digital Lifelines: How Internet Connectivity Enables Vital Aid in Sudan.” The report is the result of the Sudan Crisis Response project, launched to enhance communication resilience for local humanitarian actors, journalists, and human rights defenders, and also tested a variety of connectivity solutions including low earth orbit satellites (LEOs).

Watch here

Wednesday 25 September

Foreign Policy Tech Forum: Accelerating Global Connectivity and Progress Toward the SDGs

Wednesday 25 September, 2024 (08:30 – 10:30 EDT), Rockefeller Plaza and Virtual

As emerging technologies reshape global dynamics, policymakers are tasked with developing robust frameworks that can keep pace, ensuring that innovation and technology advance the public good. They, along with industry, finance, development, and civil society, must navigate the complexities of supporting equitable growth, managing evolving threats, and addressing critical issues such as AI ethics, digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and more.

This year’s forum will explore how advanced technologies can foster greater connectivity and prosperity, emphasizing the crucial role of science, biotech, technology, and innovation (STI) within the UN framework. Through a series of panel discussions and one-on-one conversations, the FP Tech Forum @ UNGA79 will take a candid look at the state of technology, increasing global fragmentation, and the steps necessary to mitigate risks and leverage technology for material progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

REGISTER HERE

War, famine, and satellites: Connecting the dots of the humanitarian impact of shutdowns in Sudan
2024-09-23 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Venue: Access Now office – 54 W. 21st Street, Suite 404, New York 10010. Nearest subway: F Train stops at 23rd and 6th Avenue (and virtual on YouTube)

Speakers:

Mosaab Baba, Editor, Ayin

Shayna Lewis, Senior Advisor and Sudan Specialist, PAEMA

Moneim Adam, Program Director, Sudan Human Rights Hub (SHRH)

Kholood Khair, Founding Director, Confluence Advisory

Remote participants:

Khattab Hamad, Digital rights activist

Rawh Nasir, Researcher

Jawhara Kanu, Political economy analyst

Moderator:

Aymen Zaghdoudi, MENA Senior Policy Counsel, Access Now

Interventions from the floor:

Tom Rhodes, Managing Editor, Ayin

Kassem Mnejja, MENA Campaigner, Access Now

Peter Micek, General Counsel and UN Policy Manager, Access Now

Trevor Snapp, Executive Director, Gisa Group

Internet shutdowns are playing a direct role in the preventable, human-caused famine in Sudan, where faltering peace negotiations and humanitarian efforts struggle to bring some relief to populations living in areas disputed by warring parties. With this event, we aim to supplement those crucial negotiations by exploring telecommunications and the role of digital connectivity in advancing peace and humanitarian access.

This discussion alongside UNGA 79 is led by experts from leading platforms, research, and advocacy organizations at the forefront of digital human rights, access to knowledge, and humanitarian response online in Sudan and beyond, including those looking at the role of low-earth orbit satellites (LEO) internet providers like Starlink.

GISA group will present findings from their briefing Digital Lifelines: How Internet Connectivity Enables Vital Aid in Sudan. The report is the result of the Sudan Crisis Response project, launched to enhance communication resilience for local humanitarian actors, journalists, and human rights defenders, and also tested a variety of connectivity solutions, including LEOs.

Access Now will present the #KeepItOn coalition’s most recent report, Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023, using data on shutdowns in Sudan collected by the coalition, together with case studies and testimonies shared by people in Sudan to demonstrate the humanitarian impact of shutdowns.

Inviting participants to join the discussion live, the panel of experts will focus on the effects of shutdowns on vulnerable communities in conflict areas, how civil society, communities, and people are fighting back, and what the international community must do to change this situation, covering:

GISA findings from the Sudan Crisis Response project

#KeepItOn report highlights and campaign actions against internet shutdowns in Sudan

Framing the humanitarian impact of shutdowns, and challenges to accountability within the existing legal and regulatory frameworks

Digital security tips and tools

Furthermore, the experts will propose a set of concrete and actionable recommendations for stakeholders to address the ongoing situation.

Event goals:

We will offer actionable opportunities for participants, including:

to strengthen their digital security and data privacy practices, while engaging more safely in online platforms and services

to support locally-led responses to the challenges posed by shutdowns in conflict

to engage in ongoing workstreams at the United Nations, including the further promotion of digital access and connectivity related issues in UNGA resolutions, and the improvement of UNSC digital language overall

to join the fight against internet shutdowns in the #KeepItOn movement and beyond

Watch the event discussion

Access Now at the 11th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica
2024-09-25 09:00 - 2024-09-27 18:00 (Africa/Dakar) | United Nations Headquarters
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza in Dakar, Senegal

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), in partnership with Dakar-based AfricTivistes, will host the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2024 (FIFAfrica24) set to take place on September 25-27, 2024 in Senegal.

Over the past decade, the FIFAfrica conference has provided a space and garnered a track record of bringing together multi-stakeholder actors and shared efforts aimed at advancing rights, freedoms, participation, and innovation in the digital sphere.

Hosting the 11th edition of FIFAfrica in Senegal provides an avenue for civil society actors to engage with the current Senegalese government as well as other relevant actors in improving the human rights landscape in the country while exploring ways to advance digital rights in the country.

Senegal saw a deterioration of human rights in the last couple of years with increased reports of attacks on press freedom, a crackdown on opposition voices, both online and off, and the arbitrary arrest and detention of protesters in the lead up to the country’s elections. In 2023, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition recorded four incidents of shutdowns in a government attempt to muzzle free speech, control the flow of information, and crack down on anti-government protests in the country.

Access Now is a key partner of CIPESA and continues to actively participate in FIFAfrica to strengthen our partnership and expand our network within Africa and beyond. In view of this, we are happy to be hosting and participating in this year’s FIFAfrica.

Below are some of the events Access Now staff will be hosting or participating in at FIFAfrica24.

For those who cannot join in person, you can follow the hashtag #FIFAfrica24 on social media for details about how to engage virtually.

Check out the official website for more information about the event.

Registration details

Thursday and Friday, September 26 – 27, 2024

Digital Security Clinic | Access Now, CIPESA, Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI), Internews Network Zambia, 09:00 – 17:00 UTC

Access Now’s exhibition booth, 09:00 – 17:00 UTC at the Exhibition Center

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Benchmarking AI regulations – Assessing Sub-Saharan Africa’s alignment with international norms | CIPIT, Thomson Reuters Foundation and MISA Zimbabwe, 11:30-13:00 UTC at Adansonia

CIPESA and Access Now FIFAfrica24 Cocktail event

Friday, September 27, 2024

Beyond staying or going: Sudan’s insights on the future of digital rights in conflict zones, 14:00 – 15:30 UTC at Mermoz

Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of the silenced voices in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia
2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:30 (Africa/Accra)
Following the outbreak of conflict between the Amhara Fano and the Ethiopian military in the spring of 2023, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency and implemented a telecommunication blackout in the Amhara region starting in August 2023. These shutdowns have raised significant concerns about their impact on human rights, economic development, access to information, and civil society’s ability to function. The Amhara region, already facing challenges related to conflict, poverty, and displacement, has been further impacted by these restrictions on digital communication. The broader conflict in Northern Ethiopia, initially concentrated in Tigray but later spreading to Amhara, has exacerbated vulnerabilities and limited the capacity of local communities to respond to the crises.

This webinar seeks to explore the multifaceted consequences of internet shutdowns in the Amhara region, providing a platform for experts, activists, and scholars to share insights, experiences, and strategies for mitigating these impacts. The discussion will focus on the human rights, socio-economic, and political implications of shutdowns, as well as potential pathways for ensuring that digital rights are respected even in times of crisis.

Objectives

To Highlight Access Now’s research outputs and Amhara Association of America’s (AAA) investigative reports on the situation on the ground.

To analyze the socio-economic impact of internet shutdowns in the Amhara region, focusing on how these measures affect local businesses, education, and public services.

To discuss the human rights implications of internet shutdowns, including the suppression of freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to work.

To explore strategies for advocating against these shutdowns and appealing the government to restore full connectivity in the region.

Speakers

Henok Abebe – Human Rights Researcher and Advocate

Hone Mandefro Belaye – Advocacy Director, Amhara Association of America

Dr. Yohannes Enyew Ayalew – Academic and Digital Human Rights Researcher

Agerie, Program Coordinator for Africa

Kulsuma Nur, Researcher

Moderator: Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager, Access Now

X handles:

Hone Mandefro @HoMan99

Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew @yeayalew

Amhara Association of Amhara Association of America(AAA) የዐማራ ማህበር በአሜሪካ @AAA_Amhara

Watch the discussion

Hosted by:

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024: when digital rights collide with digital oppression
2024-12-13 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Berlin)
Saudi Arabia has a longstanding record of human rights violations, and in recent years, its digital authoritarianism has escalated to unprecedented and dangerous levels, including repression of free speech, persecution of human rights defenders, and severe restrictions on access to information. While the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 aims to promote multi-stakeholder and critical discussions on digital rights and the future of the internet, the decision to host the forum in a country with such egregious human rights violations and no civic space has raised grave concerns among civil society and activists about their ability to safely and meaningfully participate in the IGF discussions, with calls for a change of the host country and some organizations opting to boycott the event.

While the Saudi authorities weaponize international fora such as the IGF to promote a facade of tolerance and progress and to white-wash their abuses, it is more critical than shed light on the country’s rising digital repression. In response, this event will bring together Saudi activists, human rights organizations, and digital rights advocates to examine the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. It will highlight the ethical concerns surrounding IGF 2024 and amplify the voices calling for the protection of human rights in digital spaces, particularly in countries with a history of abuses.

Objectives

Raise awareness about the human rights crisis in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on digital repression including the escalating crackdown on freedom of expression online, surveillance and the use of spyware to target activists and dissidents, and the persecution and arbitrary detention of activists and journalists.

Examine the ethical implications of hosting the IGF in Saudi Arabia and discuss the paths forward to an inclusive IGF where civil society members can safely and meaningfully participate in important discussions about the future of the internet

Amplify the voices of Saudi activists and human rights defenders directly impacted by the regime’s policies.

Mobilize international solidarity and explore how the global community can advocate for greater accountability for Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, especially as IGF 2024 approaches.

Defining short-term and long-term plans for actions taken up by all stakeholders to bring about a peaceful change in the Kingdom.

Speakers

Yahya Assiri – Saudi Arabian human rights activist (ALQST)

Michael Page – Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division (HRW)

Dr. Hala Al-Dosari – Saudi human rights activist, scholar, and writer

Areej Al-Sadhan – Saudi human rights activist sister of political detainee Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan.

Moderator: Marwa Fatafta, MENA Policy and Advocacy Director

Watch the discussion

Hosted by:

Lanzamiento del informe "Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio" de la Coalición latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia
2024-12-18 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Mexico_City)
La Coalición latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia te invita este 18 de diciembre – día Internacional de la Persona Migrante – al lanzamiento del informe “Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio. Un diagnóstico sobre la vigilancia, protección de datos y seguridad digital en lugares de acogida de personas migrantes en México. Basado en testimonios.”

El miércoles 18 de diciembre a las 9 AM (hora México) tendremos un evento en línea de lanzamiento, dirigido a investigadores, organizaciones, personas y grupos con interés en aprender más sobre la protección de los derechos digitales y la seguridad digital de albergues, refugios y lugares de acogida de personas migrantes en México.

Sobre el informe

El informe brinda hallazgos obtenidos de los testimonios de diez albergues distribuidos a lo largo del norte, centro y sur de México. Es el resultado de una evaluación de riesgos relacionadas a prácticas de vigilancia y la vulneración de datos personales en contexto migratorio de México, así como de medidas de seguridad para mitigarlos.

Este informe busca facilitar información basándose en las experiencias de las personas que brindan apoyo en terreno a las personas en tránsito, y sugerir rutas de acción para un futuro trabajo colaborativo, donde se puedan atender las necesidades identificadas.

Sobre la Coalición #MigrarSinVigilancia

La coalición #MigrarSinVigilancia está conformada actualmente por más de 30 organizaciones de la sociedad civil organizada con presencia en América Latina. Funciona como un frente común para resguardar los derechos humanos de las personas migrantes a partir de la protección de sus datos personales.

La coalición es apartidista, inclusiva y sin fines de lucro. Más información en: https://www.accessnow.org/campaign/migrarsinvigilancia/

Speakers:

Ximena Mendieta, Asesora de proyectos en el área de Investigación, Centro LATAM Digital

Ángela Alarcón, LAC Campaigner, Access Now

Kathy Kruger, Coordinadora del Programa de Niños No Acompañados, Al Otro Lado.

Santiago Narváez, Oficial de investigación, Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales (R3D)

Si te lo perdiste, acá lo puedes ver

Organizado por:

Coalición Latinoamericana

RightsCon 2025, Taipei and online
2025-02-24 08:00 - 2025-02-27 16:15 (Asia/Taipei) | Taipei International Convention Center
Venue: Taipei International Convention Center

Each year, RightsCon convenes business leaders, policy makers, general counsels, government representatives, technologists, academics, journalists, and human rights advocates from around the world to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. In engaging fireside chats, hands-on workshops, strategic roundtables, private meetings, and a lively exhibition space, RightsCon is where a global movement comes together to build strategies and drive forward change toward a more free, open, and connected digital world.

Over the past 12 years, RightsCon has rotated to key hubs around the world, including San José, Tunis, Toronto, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro, Manila, and San Francisco, and grown, both in size and in scope to meet the evolving needs of a movement.

For its 13th edition, we’re excited to host RightsCon 2025 in Taipei and online from February 24 to 27. As a leading democracy in the region, Taiwan is recognized globally for the freest online environment and greatest human freedom in Asia, a whole-of-society approach to human rights, and a vibrant civil society community. As the routine location of large-scale international events, coupled with the rapidly growing presence of international NGOs and global tech companies, we look forward to hosting our first summit in East Asia in Taipei and returning to the Asia Pacific region after a decade.

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Situation of Press Freedom in Tunisia
2025-05-05 08:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | Hotel Golden Tulip Mechtel, Tunis, Tunisia
In September 2022, Tunisia adopted its first cybercrime law, which diverges significantly from international standards due to its inclusion of content-based offenses and disproportionate sanctions. Article 24 of the law criminalizes the sharing, sending, or publishing of false information, defamatory content, or other forms of expression using vague and overly broad language. It imposes severe penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years in prison, raising serious concerns about its impact on freedom of expression.

Article 24 has been widely used as a legal tool to prosecute journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, contributing to the suppression of media diversity, encouraging self-censorship, and discouraging public engagement in democratic debate.

One panel will focus on the recent legislative proposal to amend the cybercrime decree, exploring how to align it with international standards and instruments such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the UN Cybercrime Treaty, which is expected to open for signatures later this year.

Another panel will examine the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, with a focus on how journalists and media outlets can leverage AI tools while safeguarding journalistic ethics, copyright protections, and other fundamental rights.

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Strategic Workshop of the DSA Human Rights Alliance
2025-05-05 16:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Digital Rights Hub (Access Now Europe Office), Rue Belliard 12, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
With shrinking civic space, limited funding, and a general democratic decline in the EU and beyond, at-risk communities, including HRDs and exiled media, are becoming increasingly vulnerable online. Human rights defenders act as custodians of human rights. Online platforms often serve as their lifeline for accessing necessary information to continue their advocacy efforts. Nevertheless, HRDs encounter significant threats online, such as malicious cyber activities, online censorship, targeted internet shutdowns, arbitrary or unlawful online surveillance, harassment, smear campaigns, disinformation, and doxxing. While online platforms need heightened due diligence and implement adequate safeguards for HRD safety, the current state of the art remains inadequate.

The DSA human rights alliance strategic meeting will gather alliance members—civil society organizations defending digital rights and communities at risk globally—to strategize and explore methodologies to protect existing positions and advance a common agenda against an increasingly adversarial environment in the EU and beyond.

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Inter-American approach to the AI international regulatory landscape
2025-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Brussels) | Digital Rights Hub (Access Now Europe Office), Rue Belliard 12, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Depending on the context, the word “regulation” could be seen as a threat since it could imply an incompatibility with innovation and the deployment of emerging technologies such as AI. Even when AI has a good potential to safely support access to goods, justice, and public space, its development should raise the attention of policymakers and justice stakeholders to the risks it implies for human rights, law enforcement, and efficient access to the judicial system.

This session will explore key AI trends in these topics (access to social services, information integrity, law enforcement, and judicial activities), examining whether current approaches respect human rights, uphold state sovereignty, and address environmental impacts. It will provide an in-depth analysis of existing regulations and judicial decisions on AI and the Rule of Law in Latin America vis-à-vis the international regulatory landscape (e.g., UNESCO’s guidelines, European AI Act), focusing on mitigation strategies for human rights impacts.

Discussing regulatory and anti-regulatory approaches, case studies, and regional experiences with AI impacts on human rights, we will provide guidance on the relevant regional and international human rights laws, principles, and emerging jurisprudence that are useful to shape regulations, policies, and practices related to AI that are compatible with human rights and democratic institutions.

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Access Now at Web Summit Vancouver
2025-05-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Vancouver)
May 27 – May 30

Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada)

In May 2025, thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, media outlets, and leaders will convene at Web Summit Vancouver. Dubbed the “world’s premier tech conference” and “Glastonbury for geeks,” the summit is expected to gather over 15,000 attendees from the world’s tech community. Access Now will attend and participate, bringing to bear our unique perspective of the intersection between human rights and technology.

Check out the official website for more information about the event.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Freedom on the line: Why digital rights matter | Access Now | 16:00

The U.S. administration’s decision to freeze all foreign aid is only the latest in a series of developments that herald a significant downturn in funding for human rights, triggering deep and foundational crises for civil society globally. This session will highlight the current and emerging challenges for digital rights specifically, and a path forward.

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The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025
2025-08-26 10:00 - 2025-08-28 17:30 (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur)
AICB Centre for Excellence, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025 is a pivotal gathering of digital rights advocates, policymakers, and tech experts dedicated to discussing and addressing pressing digital rights issues in the Asia Pacific region.

Below are some of the events Access Now will be joining:

Day 1, 26 August

Tending to the network: the regional scene of digital security support

4:00pm–5:20pm, Kuala Lumpur time | Human Rights Tech Commons Southwest Corner, Second Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence

This social gathering brings together digital security support specialists from across the region to connect and discuss shared experiences and struggles. It is open to anyone providing digital security support to human rights defenders in the region, whether you’re a trainer, researcher, helpline staff, etc. The aim is to create a space where participants can surface their needs, intentions, and potential or future plans where others can support. Hosted by Digital Defenders Partnership (DDP) and Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline.

Day 2, 27 August

Digging deeper: how to embed infrastructure considerations within our work

10:00am–10:50am, Kuala Lumpur time | Theatrette 1.12, First Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence

Digital infrastructure decisions — regarding everything from data centers and cloud architecture to internet exchange points and submarine cables — have deep implications for rights, equity, and resilience. This session will explore why civil society must grapple with the politics of infrastructure and how to do so effectively. Featuring Darika Bamrungchok, Asia Pacific Policy Analyst at Access Now, who will surface regional case studies and entry points for advocacy collaboration.

Designing rights-respecting, culturally sensitive and inclusive DPI

11:00am–11:50am, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12, Second Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is foundational, but without rights-centered design, it can entrench exclusion or surveillance. This ideation workshop spotlights inclusive DPI frameworks tailored to cultural contexts across Asia‑Pacific. Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director at Access Now, will join the conversation to discuss strategies for embedding rights-based policymaking into DPI rollouts and policy frameworks.

From Vienna to Hanoi: how the UN Convention against Cybercrime will reshape Asia-Pacific

12:00pm–12:50pm, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12, Second Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence

The UN Cybercrime Convention, recently adopted after years of negotiations, is poised to impact national laws and enforcement practices across the region. This session will unpack the treaty’s implications for rights, sovereignty, and cybersecurity in Asia-Pacific, and explore how civil society can engage with implementation processes. Hosted by Access Now, the panel includes Faiz Naeem, Asia Pacific Program Associate at Access Now, Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia Pacific Policy Director at Access Now, Michael Caster, Head of Global China Programme at Article 19, and Sanhawan (Kay) Srisod, Senior Legal Adviser at ICJ

Future of Digital Rights in ASEAN – consultation on Cybersecurity, Digital Economy, and Artificial Intelligence

12:00pm–12:50pm, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12, Second Floor, AICB Centre for Excellence

As ASEAN develops frameworks on cybersecurity, AI, and digital trade, human rights must remain central. This roundtable consultation brings together civil society voices and policy thinkers to align advocacy strategies and enhance regional participation. It features Laura Naw, East Asia and ASEAN Programme Officer at FORUM‑ASIA, Rachel Arinii Judhistari, Lead Public Policy Speacialist Asia at Wikimedia Foundation, Darika Bamrungchok Asia Pacific Policy Analyst at Access Now, and Lorenzo Urbinati, Strategic Adviser at Oxfam, convened by Oxfam International alongside co‑hosts Wikimedia Foundation, FORUM‑ASIA, EngageMedia, and Access Now.

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