CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity attacks are redefining geopolitics and the nature of contemporary warfare. Human rights defenders, journalists, and humanitarian actors are facing unprecedented digital threats, with deep impacts on democratic processes and the safety of marginalized communities. We challenge governments and businesses engaging in global cybersecurity activities to shift their focus from state control and securitization of the internet toward protection of individual rights and the safety of people and communities at risk.
Four strategies to defend encryption and our human rights
When we fight for encryption, we fight for human rights. It enables us to stay safe online, and communicate privately and freely. Yet governments keep pushing to undermine it, and Apple’s plan to bypass encryption is an alarming sign of private sector capitulation to this pressure.
Resources
Cybersecurity
To keep us safe, global cybersecurity norms must be human-centered and protect rights
At the United Nations OEWG meetings, we highlighted the increase in cyber attacks for surveillance and the global epidemic of internet shutdowns, both of which threaten the ability to use the internet securely.
Cybersecurity
Why Latin America should protect, not persecute, information security researchers
Information security researchers help keep people safe online, yet they are being persecuted in Latin America when they should be protected.
Digital Security
Who we hurt when we attack encryption
Encryption is a vital tool for keeping human rights defenders safe from powerful adversaries. Case studies from Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline show how strong encryption makes the world safer for everyone.
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and civil society violate human rights
Following cyberattacks on Ukraine and its human rights defenders, we call on the international community to help protect people.
Cybersecurity
Where to find Access Now at FIFAfrica 2023
The 2023 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) will be held in-person in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 27 to 29 September. In previous years, Tanzania, similar to its
Cybersecurity
Analysis: the Myanmar junta’s Cybersecurity Law would be a disaster for human rights
The Myanmar junta’s efforts to achieve ultimate control over civic space is continuing — through a devastating draft Cybersecurity Law.
Digital Security
Encrypt all the messages — across all the platforms
Elon Musk’s planned Twitter buyout is spurring new calls for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messaging. Here’s why it’s both desirable and feasible to make E2EE messaging interoperable across major communications platforms, as the E.U. Digital Markets Act envisions.
Latest Updates
Where to find Access Now at FIFAfrica 2023
Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic
The publisher of Russian independent media org Meduza was hacked with NSO’s Pegasus spyware. As both Russia and Latvia are potential culprits, Access Now demands accountability and sanctions.
Russia is commandeering the U.N.’s cybercrime treaty
An open letter to the RightsCon community about RightsCon Costa Rica and what comes next
We explain the challenges and exclusion some participants faced, apologize and take accountability for our role, and share thoughts on the road ahead.
Microsoft joins opposition to current version of UN cybercrime treaty
Oral Statement – UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime 6th Session (NY) Arts 6-10, 36
Global cybercrime treaty could be ‘disastrous for human rights,’ NGOs warn
Cybercrime law slams free speech as criminal content
United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of ICTs for Criminal Purposes
The AI-sized holes in the UN cybercrime treaty
Leaked Yandex code breaks open the creepy black box of online advertising
Another blow for privacy: India’s rights-threatening data protection law must be amended
In another blow for privacy in India, the notorious Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 was passed by the Lok Sabha
WhatsApp made a movie about Afghan women’s soccer
Access Now Submission: Philippine National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028
Access Now’s comments to and recommendations for the Philippine National Cybersecurity Strategy Plan 2023-2028
India health data faces rising risk of breaches, cyberattacks