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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250506T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20250506T180000
DTSTAMP:20260916T045553Z
CREATED:20250501T001551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T045553Z
UID:10000101-1746547200-1746554400@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Inter-American approach to the AI international regulatory landscape
DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nDiscussing 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted by:
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/unesco-wpfd-2025-event-2/
LOCATION:Digital Rights Hub (Access Now Europe Office)\, Rue Belliard 12\, 1040 Brussels\, Belgium
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250528T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20250528T235959
DTSTAMP:20260916T044927Z
CREATED:20250509T081915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044927Z
UID:10000106-1748390400-1748476799@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Access Now at Web Summit Vancouver
DESCRIPTION:May 27 – May 30\n\n\n\nVancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Pl\, Vancouver\, BC V6C 0C3\, Canada) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 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. \n\n\n\nCheck out the official website for more information about the event. \n\n\n\n\n\nWednesday\, May 28\, 2025 \n\n\n\nFreedom on the line: Why digital rights matter | Access Now | 16:00 \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTRATION DETAILS
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/access-now-at-web-summit-vancouver/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kuala_Lumpur:20250826T100000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kuala_Lumpur:20250828T173000
DTSTAMP:20260916T044934Z
CREATED:20250819T074539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044934Z
UID:10000107-1756202400-1756402200@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025
DESCRIPTION:AICB Centre for Excellence\, Kuala Lumpur\, Malaysia \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nBelow are some of the events Access Now will be joining: \n\n\n\n\n\nDay 1\, 26 August\n\n\n\n\n\nTending to the network: the regional scene of digital security support \n\n\n\n4:00pm–5:20pm\, Kuala Lumpur time | Human Rights Tech Commons Southwest Corner\, Second Floor\, AICB Centre for Excellence \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 2\, 27 August\n\n\n\n\n\nDigging deeper: how to embed infrastructure considerations within our work \n\n\n\n10:00am–10:50am\, Kuala Lumpur time | Theatrette 1.12\, First Floor\, AICB Centre for Excellence \n\n\n\nDigital 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. \n\n\n\nDesigning rights-respecting\, culturally sensitive and inclusive DPI \n\n\n\n11:00am–11:50am\, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12\, Second Floor\, AICB Centre for Excellence \n\n\n\nDigital 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. \n\n\n\nFrom Vienna to Hanoi: how the UN Convention against Cybercrime will reshape Asia-Pacific \n\n\n\n12:00pm–12:50pm\, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12\, Second Floor\, AICB Centre for Excellence \n\n\n\nThe 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 \n\n\n\nFuture of Digital Rights in ASEAN – consultation on Cybersecurity\, Digital Economy\, and Artificial Intelligence \n\n\n\n12:00pm–12:50pm\, Kuala Lumpur time | Room 2.12\, Second Floor\, AICB Centre for Excellence \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/drapac-2025/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Windhoek:20250924T090000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Windhoek:20250926T173000
DTSTAMP:20260916T044951Z
CREATED:20250917T151600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044951Z
UID:10000108-1758704400-1758907800@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Access Now at the 12th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica
DESCRIPTION:Windhoek International Convention Center\, Windhoek\, Namibia \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2025 (#FIFAfrica25)\, hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) in partnership with Namibia’s Ministry of ICT and the Namibia IGF\, will take place in Windhoek\, Namibia\,  24-26 September\, 2025. \n\n\n\nSince its inception in 2014\, FIFAfrica has provided a vital platform for multistakeholder dialogue and collaboration on advancing digital rights across the continent.  \n\n\n\nAccess Now continues to participate at FIFAfrica to strengthen our partnerships in the region and engage on key areas of our work.  \n\n\n\nHere’s where you can find Access Now at FIFAFrica25: \n\n\n\n\nREGISTRATION DETAILS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTuesday 23 – Thursday 25 September\, 2025\n\n\n\n\nAfrica Cybersecurity Advocacy workshop | Internet Society (ISOC) Global Encryption Coalition (GEC) 09:00 – 17:00 daily \n\n\n\n[Workshop session]  Africa’s encryption landscape:  how African governments undermine the use of encryption | CIPESA & Access Now| Tuesday 23 September 2025 16:30 – 17:30 \n\n\n\nAbout: Access Now will join ISOC\, CIPESA and other partner organizations of the Global Encryption Coalition to host a three-day cybersecurity advocacy workshop on the sidelines of FIFAfrica25. The workshop is designed to equip encryption advocates with the knowledge and skills to fight anti-encryption legislation and address other evolving threats to encryption across the continent.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursday 25 September\, 2025\n\n\n\n\nBook launch: Internet shutdowns in Africa | 25 September 9:30 – 11:00 📍Brandberg \n\n\n\nJoin us and  our partners for the launch of a new book\, Internet shutdowns in Africa: Technology\, Rights and Power\, produced by African authors from 11 countries — including Access Now’s Kassem Mnejja\, Senior MENA Campaigner\, and Felicia Anthonio\, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager — showcasing the most comprehensive documentation to date of the incidents of internet shutdowns in the selected countries. In this session\, authors will unpack how and why shutdowns are imposed\, and their impact on peoples’ social\, economic and political rights in Uganda\, Ethiopia\, the Democratic Republic of the Congo\, Nigeria\, Sudan\, Nigeria\, Chad\, Senegal\, Burkina Faso\, Algeria\, and Zimbabwe. This is the first book of its kind dedicated to analysing internet shutdowns in Africa\, as well as various forms of resistance that citizens across Africa are using to circumvent\, challenge\, and end internet shutdowns. It is also the first book to include a comprehensive analysis of the power interests that give rise to internet shutdowns. This session will also engage with participants to share experiences and observations on the subject matter\, and connect with the authors. There will be copies of the book available for purchase and download. \n\n\n\n\nBook contributors: \n\n\n\n\nKassem Mnejja\, Access Now\, Senior MENA Campaigner\n\n\n\nFelicia Anthonio\, Access Now\, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFriday 26 September\, 2025\n\n\n\n\nPanel:  Data protection and cybersecurity in Africa: multi-country insights on key issues and opportunities for strengthening human rights protections | OXFAM and Access Now  08:30 AM – 10:00 AM 📍Kuiseb Hall.About: OXFAM and Access Now are hosting a panel discussion to explore key issues and opportunities for strengthening human rights protections in cyber policy and data protection implementation across Africa. The panel will feature speakers from Tunisia\, Somalia\, Kenya\, and Nigeria. \n\n\n\nPanel: #KeepItOn: Resisting internet shutdowns during conflict and turmoil – lessons from across Africa | Access Now and AWAFY Sudanese Organization 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 📍Omatako 4About: This session explores how governments across Africa deploy internet shutdowns as tools of repression during conflict and political instability. With a focus on the prolonged weaponization of blackouts and internet shutdowns during times of conflict in Sudan and Ethiopia’s Tigray region\, as well as insights from Equatorial Guinea and Senegal\, the session offers strategies for resistance\, advocacy\, and legal pushback\, centering local voices from these countries.
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/access-now-at-fifafrica-2025/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260216T000000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260220T235959
DTSTAMP:20260916T044802Z
CREATED:20260211T122325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044802Z
UID:10000109-1771200000-1771631999@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Access Now at India AI Impact Summit 2026
DESCRIPTION:Bharat Mandapam \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a high-profile international event involving heads of state and government\, ministers\, senior government officials\, international delegations\, industry leaders\, media\, and general delegates. Building on the momentum of previous multilateral initiatives\, including the Bletchley Park\, Seoul\, Paris\, and Kigali Summits\, the AI Impact Summit is envisaged to mark a shift from aspirations to impact\, demonstrating how AI can deliver tangible outcomes for people\, planet\, and progress. \n\n\n\nBelow are some of the events Access Now will be joining at the India AI Impact Summit: \n\n\n\n\n\n19 February\n\n\n\n\n\nFireside chat and high-level reception\n\n\n\n7:30 pm onwards\, Indian Standard Time | Fountain Lawn\, India International Centre Main Building  \n\n\n\nAccess Now\, along with Aapti Institute and AI Now\, is hosting an evening that steps away from the formal summit agenda and into a sharp\, thoughtful\, and candid exchange about where AI is headed and what is being left unsaid in official rooms. The centerpiece is a fireside chat bringing together three exceptional voices: \n\n\n\n\nBrando Benifei\, Member of the European Parliament and a key architect of the EU AI Act;\n\n\n\nKaren Hao\, the award-winning journalist and author of “Empire of AI\,” whose reporting has deeply shaped our understanding of power and technology; and \n\n\n\nSeema Chishti\, Editor of The Wire\, known for her incisive political analysis and journalism. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTogether\, they will reflect on AI\, governance\, and power in a provocative conversation designed to cut through the usual rhetoric and get to the real tensions shaping our digital future. Following the discussion\, we will host an informal networking reception from 9:00 PM onwards. We know schedules are packed\, so please feel free to join for the full discussion or simply stop by for the reception. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n20 February\n\n\n\n\n\nThe AI-Cyber Nexus: A Strategic Dialogue on Global Security\, Trust\, and Governance\n\n\n\n3:30 pm–4:25 pm\, Indian Standard Time | Chanakya Auditorium\, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan \n\n\n\nAccess Now and Global Partners Digital are co-organising this session at the India AI Impact Summit to move the conversation beyond hype and headlines toward real policy\, real risks\, and real choices. Rather than treating AI and cybersecurity as separate worlds\, this discussion brings them together\, asking what it actually means to build AI that is secure\, trustworthy\, and rights-respecting in practice. \n\n\n\nThis session aims to propose a technically grounded conversation on the cybersecurity implications of large language models and agentic AI. Using the confidentiality-integrity-availability (CIA) framework\, it will explore how advanced AI tools impact privacy\, encryption\, information integrity\, and resilience of critical services. Instead of abstract warnings\, panelists will draw on concrete experience from cybersecurity and AI governance to identify what governments\, companies\, and civil society should do\, and what they should avoid. \n\n\n\nThe panel will open by remarks from Access Now’s Executive Director\, Alejandro Mayoral Banos\, and will be moderated by Nirmal John\, Senior Editor at Economic Times. Panelists include Access Now’s Global Cybersecurity Lead\, Raman Jit Singh Chima; Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard\, Tech Ambassador\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark; Maria Paz Canales\, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Global Partners Digital; Udbhav Tiwari\, Vice President\, Strategy and Global Affairs at Signal; and Nikolas Schmidt Policy Analyst\, Division of AI and Emerging Tech at OECD. \n\n\n\nNote: This session is a part of the official agenda for the AI Impact Summit and requires registration with the event.
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/access-now-at-indian-ai-impact-summit-2026/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Lagos:20260421T130000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Lagos:20260421T143000
DTSTAMP:20260916T044752Z
CREATED:20260420T071937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044752Z
UID:10000111-1776776400-1776781800@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Advancing Rights-Centered reporting on Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act
DESCRIPTION:Since Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act was passed in 2015\, more than two dozen journalists\, human rights defenders and whistleblowers have been targeted by authorities\, using overbroad prohibitions on “cyberstalking” to punish critical online speech and silence opposition voices.  \n\n\n\nAlongside Human Rights Journalists Network\, Socio Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP)\, and Avocats Sans Frontiers Nigeria (E-Rights Nigeria Project)\, Access Now will be hosting a webinar on 21 April at 1:00 PM GMT+1 where we will unpack the human rights implications of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and discuss with journalists and human rights organizations\, rights based framing for reporting accurately\, responsibly\, and critically on cybercrime-related cases and ongoing reform efforts by civil society. \n\n\n\nThe speakers are:  \n\n\n\nModerator: Kehinde Adegboyega\, Executive Director\, Human Rights Journalists Network \n\n\n\nSpeakers:  \n\n\n\n\nNaro Omo-Osagie\, Africa Policy Manager\, Access Now\n\n\n\nAngela Uwandu Uzoma-Uwuchukwu\, Head of Office\, Avocats Sans Frontieres Nigeria (Convener E-Rights Nigeria Project)\n\n\n\nOlúwádàre A. Kóláwolé\, Deputy Director\, Socio Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRSVP\n\n\n\n\nJOIN THE WEBINAR
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/advancing-rights-centered-reporting-on-nigerias-cybercrimes-act/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20260708T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20260708T170000
DTSTAMP:20260916T044708Z
CREATED:20260702T154254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044708Z
UID:10000112-1783526400-1783530000@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Resisting anti-rights attacks on the LGBTQ+ movement in the digital age
DESCRIPTION:Session description:  \n\n\n\nThe rise of the anti-rights movement is accelerating the criminalization of LGBTQ+ people and identity in Africa.  \n\n\n\nIn Senegal\, the government’s amendment of Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code has triggered alarming crackdowns on LGBTQ+ people\, online and offline. In Ghana\, members of parliament recently passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill\, which will increase censorship and surveillance of LGBTQ+ people in Ghana. The threats to human rights are emerging not only at the national level\, but across the continent; anti-rights actors are now lobbying to pass the draft  African Charter on the Protection of the Family\, Sovereignty\, and Religious and Cultural Values at the African Union. This dangerous law would roll back LGBTQ+ rights\, women’s rights\, and sexual and reproductive health rights for millions of people in Africa.  \n\n\n\nThe digital space is playing a critical role in enabling both state and non-state actors to target LGBTQ+ people in criminalized contexts. In this webinar\, experts will unpack how the anti-rights movement is weaponizing narrative framing on family values to restrict rights\, how Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill will impact people across the continent\, and what we can do to fight back. \n\n\n\nWatch the event here: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\n\nEbenezer Peegah\, Executive Director\, Rightify Ghana \n\n\n\nMumbi Kanyogo\, Executive Director\, Kenya Comms Hub \n\n\n\nYvonne Wamari\, Senior Programme Officer – Africa\, Outright International\n\n\n\nModerator: Jaimee Kokonya\, Africa Campaigner\, Access Now\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosting organisations
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/resisting-the-anti-rights-attacks-on-the-lgbtq-movement-in-the-digital-age/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260715T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20260715T140000
DTSTAMP:20260916T044434Z
CREATED:20260706T095829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T044434Z
UID:10000114-1784120400-1784124000@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Not AI for Good
DESCRIPTION:Session description:  \n\n\n\nThis civil society-led counter-event to the AI for Good Global Summit takes a critical look at the overhyped role of AI in solving humanity’s long-standing problems\, and at the UN’s ongoing partnerships with tech companies increasingly implicated in human rights abuses\, violence\, and armed conflict.  \n\n\n\nBuilding on the recent joint civil society statement on AI in warfare\, launched by Access Now and Amnesty International — backed by over 350 signatories — and Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect’s joint webinar on Emerging Approaches to the Protection of Civilians in the Age of AI\, Not AI for Good calls for an urgent rethinking of the tech-solutionist vision currently driving the humanitarian sector. It also examines the growing role of tech companies as defense contractors\, and their part in exacerbating the very crises the humanitarian sector seeks to address. \n\n\n\nJoin us for an off-the-cuff and frank discussion about what goes unsaid at the AI for Good Summit\,  and to explore pathways toward a more just and fair humanitarian tech ecosystem. \n\n\n\nWatch the event here: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\nGiulio Coppi\, Senior Humanitarian Officer\, Access Now\n\n\n\nLuc Dockendorf\, Ambassador for Cybersecurity and Digitalisation\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, Luxembourg\n\n\n\nTina Mason\, Researcher\, Tech for Bad\n\n\n\nAbeba Birhane\, Principal Investigator\, Artificial Intelligence Accountability Lab (AIAL)\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted by:
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/not-ai-for-good/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260921T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260921T103000
DTSTAMP:20260924T121319Z
CREATED:20260915T023013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T121319Z
UID:10000117-1789981200-1789986600@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:From surveillance to governance: recentering human rights in the UN AI agenda
DESCRIPTION:Hybrid side event during UNGA81 High-Level Week \n\n\n\nIn-person attendance available upon request: email un@accessnow.org \n\n\n\n\njoin the livestream\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\n\nLouise Lund Henneberg\, Acting Director/Techplomacy\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, Denmark\n\n\n\nWafa Ben Hassine\, Chief\, Digital Technology and Human Rights Section\, Rule of Law\, Accountability and Civic Space\, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights\n\n\n\nBeatriz Busaniche\, Executive Director\, Fundación Vía Libre\n\n\n\nLuda Svystunova\, Head of Social Research\, Amundi\n\n\n\n\nWelcoming remarks: Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni\, Ambassador for Human Rights\, Democracy and the Rule of Law\, Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, SwedenModerator: Alejandro Mayoral Baños\, Co-Executive Director\, Access Now \n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the first session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance\, governments and stakeholders convened to have open\, transparent and inclusive discussions on artificial intelligence governance. We now gather experts across the spectrum of stakeholders during UNGA81 to reaffirm that human rights should be the stepping stone of this process\, instead of an afterthought. \n\n\n\nNone of this is irreversible\, but the security issues associated with advanced AI tools are the consequences of deliberately prioritizing profit and competitiveness over the security and safety of at-risk communities\, and they will not resolve on their own. Unbridled AI adoption combined with unacceptably lax corporate security practices demands urgent intervention at all levels\, starting from putting human rights back at the center of digital governance mechanisms. \n\n\n\nThis discussion has the objective to explore concrete\, actionable ways in which each stakeholder can contribute to oppose the normalization of surveillance. Experts will also discuss how to chart a way forward to reaffirm digital rights as the natural first line of defense against the abuses of AI technologies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted by: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCo-sponsors:
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/unga81-ai-governance/
CATEGORIES:Past event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20261001T090000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Dubai:20261001T170000
DTSTAMP:20261023T044710Z
CREATED:20260921T123413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T044710Z
UID:10000118-1790845200-1790874000@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Access Now at CIPESA’s 2026 FIFAfrica 
DESCRIPTION:InterContinental Resort\, Mauritius \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)\, will host the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2026 (FIFAfrica26) set to take place on September 28- October 1\, 2026 in Mauritius. \n\n\n\nOver the past decade\, the FIFAfrica conference has provided a space for connection and conversation 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. As open spaces for human rights conversations continue to shrink\, convenings such as these are more important than ever. \n\n\n\nAccess Now has been a key partner of CIPESA and continues to actively participate in FIFAfrica to strengthen our partnership and expand our network within Africa and beyond. We are happy to be part of this year’s FIFAfrica.  \n\n\n\nBelow are some of the events Access Now will be hosting or participating in at FIFAfrica26.  \n\n\n\n\n\n[Pre-event] Humanising Big Tech Accountability — workshop co-hosted by Nguvu Collective\, Luminate\, Access Now\, and The Oversight Lab.Date: Tuesday\, September 29\,Time: 8:30 am–1:00 pm local time (GMT+4).Room: Trochetia \n\n\n\n\n\n[Exhibition] Access NowDate: September 30 – October 1 \n\n\n\n\n\n[Panel] Lessons and Challenges: A Decade of Fighting to #KeepItOn in Africa and BeyondDate: Wednesday\, September 30Time: 11:30 amRoom: Barracuda \n\n\n\n\n\n[Panel] The Civic Space Quicksand: Data Protection as an Enabler of Human Rights —Date: Wednesday\, September 30Time: 2:00 pmRoom: Barracuda \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCheck out the official website for more information about the event. 
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/2026-fifafrica/
CATEGORIES:Past event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T100000
DTSTAMP:20261023T045314Z
CREATED:20260506T092234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T045314Z
UID:10000110-1791882000-1791885600@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Stronger together: civil society and the private sector as partners in cybersecurity awareness 
DESCRIPTION:For activists\, journalists\, human rights defenders\, and other members of civil society\, cybersecurity is a concrete matter that relates to the real-world risks and threats we face as a consequence of our work. Yet in the global conversation about cybersecurity\, a dual emphasis on geopolitics and the tech industry has put the focus on specific countries or technologies\, such as AI\, rather than on the individuals and communities at risk of attack. This leaves everyone more vulnerable.  \n\n\n\n\nIn this context\, and as we mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month\, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline is hosting a dialogue to bring together representatives from tech platforms and civil society to explore the current cybersecurity landscape and raise awareness about the real threats we are seeing.  \n\n\n\nThe webinar will take place on October 13\, 2026\, at 9:00 am EST / 15:00 pm CEST / 20:00 pm Jakarta. \n\n\n\nThis event is part of Safe and strong: a webinar series on digital security\, an initiative of the Digital Security Helpline to bring together civil society\, private sector partners\, and other support organizations\, to discuss how to increase resilience in the digital age. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegistration is available here. \n\n\n\n\n\nSAFE AND STRONG: A WEBINAR SERIES ON DIGITAL SECURITY\n\n\n\nis an initiative of the Digital Security Helpline to bring together civil society\, private sector partners\, and other support organizations\, to discuss how to increase resilience in the digital age. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers:  \n\n\n\nNighat Dad\, Executive Director\, Digital Rights Foundation Pakistan \n\n\n\nNighat Dad is the founder and Executive Director of the Digital Rights Foundation. She was a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on AI (HLAB) and a founding member of Meta’s Oversight Board. Her organization works on the cutting edge of the intersection of human rights and technology. Nighat has won numerous accolades\, including the Dutch Human Rights Award\, and has been a TED Fellow since 2017. She is a staunch advocate for digital rights and women’s rights for the global majority. \n\n\n\nAlexander Corbeil\, Trust & Safety Policy Leader\, Bluesky \n\n\n\nAlexander Corbeil is a Trust and Safety leader with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of international security and online safety. In his current role as Bluesky’s Trust and Safety Policy Lead\, he specializes in creating and implementing policies that underpin the platform’s Community Guidelines\, including developing proactive moderation tools. He was previously TikTok’s Head of Regional Policy for the U.S. and Canada and served with the Government of Canada. \n\n\n\nGabrielė Dačkaitė\, Social Impact Lead\, Surfshark \n\n\n\nGabriele leads Surfshark’s social impact strategy\, including collaborations with nonprofits and support for journalists and activists facing digital security risks. She also leads Surfshark’s Cybersecurity Advocacy Fund\, a new initiative supporting innovative projects that advance cybersecurity awareness\, digital rights and online privacy. \n\n\n\nBeatrice Martini\, Education and Communities Manager\, Digital Security Helpline \n\n\n\nBeatrice Martini (she/her) is the Education and Communities Manager of the Access Now Digital Security Helpline. Previously\, Beatrice led the Human Rights Technology program at the nonprofit Aspiration\, and worked at the Open Knowledge Foundation and on several projects leveraging open source technology in support of justice and rights endeavors. \n\n\n\nShe has also been a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society exploring the implications of Internet infrastructure design on human rights\, and serves in a formal advisory role with the Center for the Cultivation of Technology and OpenArchive. \n\n\n\nModerator: Namrata Maheshwari\, Asia Pacific Policy Manager\, Access Now \n\n\n\nNamrata Maheshwari serves as the Asia Pacific Policy Manager and Encryption Policy Lead at Access Now. She leads Access Now’s policy and advocacy work across the Asia Pacific region. She also leads the organization’s work on encryption policy globally. Namrata engages with stakeholders including industry\, civil society\, and governments to promote rights-respecting approaches to internet governance. She holds an LL.M. from Columbia Law School where she focused on technology policy and digital governance\, and is an India-qualified lawyer. Prior to her current role\, she worked with the Center for Democracy & Technology\, and practiced law in India. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPREVIOUS SESSIONS\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n\n	\n\n\nSpear-phishing (March)\n\n\n\n\n[March 10\, 2026] Spear phishing: how to stay safe and prevent advanced attacks against civil society \n\n\n\n\nRebekah Brown\, Citizen Lab\n\n\n\nJustin Albrecht\, Lookout. \n\n\n\nMykola Kostynyan\, Resident.NGO\n\n\n\nMarilou Maala and Mohammed Al-Maskati (moderator)\, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n\n	\n\n\nDigital security in war and conflict (May)\n\n\n\n\n[May 19\, 2026] Digital security in war and conflict: challenges for civil society and tools for resilience \n\n\n\n\nJocelyn Woolbright\, Program Manager on Cloudflare’s Public Policy team \n\n\n\nMia Marzotto\, Digital Rights Advocacy Lead at Oxfam\n\n\n\nLuis Barrueto\, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline\n\n\n\nGiulio Coppi\, Senior Humanitarian Officer at Access Now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n	\n\n	\n\n\ndigital security and resilience for LGBTQ+ people (july)\n\n\n\n\n[July 14\, 2026] Digital security and resilience for LGBTQ+ people \n\n\n\n\nAzza Nubi (she/her) is a queer feminist activist and digital rights advocate.\n\n\n\nRocío Jiménez (she/her) is a Security Incident Handler at Access Now\n\n\n\nDonald Hamblock is a Staff Safety by Design Partner on Match Group’s Trust & Safety team.\n\n\n\nModerator: Jaimee Kokonya was the Africa Campaigner at Access Now focusing on various digital rights issues.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHosted by:
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/digital-security-webinars/
CATEGORIES:Past event
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20261125T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Brussels:20261125T171500
DTSTAMP:20261111T234555Z
CREATED:20261105T102006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261111T234555Z
UID:10000119-1795622400-1795626900@www.accessnow.org
SUMMARY:Digital Borders Exposed: an online launch by Protect Not Surveil
DESCRIPTION:The Protect Not Surveil coalition is proud to launch Digital Borders Exposed\, an interactive online tool that  exposes the European Union’s digital surveillance infrastructure\, which is enabled and encouraged by EU migration policies. Digital Borders Exposed identifies the types of technology that are in use\, where they are deployed\, what EU laws enable them\, and how they will harm us.  \n\n\n\nJoin us to learn more about how Protect Not Surveil envisions Digital Borders Exposed as a tool to empower migrants\, civil society\, activists\, journalists\, and those attacked by the EU digital border regime and how to resist and push back the EU’s invasive surveillance apparatus. \n\n\n\nSpeakers to be announced soon \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER FOR THE EVENT
URL:https://www.accessnow.org/event/digital-borders-exposed/
CATEGORIES:Upcoming event
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