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.
Surveillance
Las personas migrantes en Latinoamérica están siendo vigiladas por sus gobiernos
Las personas migrantes en Latinoamérica están siendo vigiladas. Sus datos personales son recolectados y procesados sin que existan las regulaciones correspondientes que garanticen un nivel de protección adecuado, sumado a
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
FAQ: Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline and Apple threat notifications
Access Now’s knowledge about ongoing Apple threat notifications sent to people who may have been targeted by state-sponsored spyware attacks
دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم
نحن، مجموعة من مؤسسات المجتمع المدني ومنظمات حقوق الإنسان الرقمية، ننضم إلى الدعوة المفتوحة للوقف الفوري لإطلاق النار في غزة.
Joint letter: the Australian government must incorporate safeguards for encryption in the online safety codes
The Australian government must incorporate safeguards for end-to-end encryption in the online safety codes.
Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo
We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.
Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally
We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.
Physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza: UN, governments, Big Tech must act
Governments, international institutions, tech companies, and other stakeholders must ensure a physical and digital ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
We’re headed to South Korea: the when, where, and why of our next convening
We’re excited to announce that the 13th edition of the RightsCon Summit Series will be held in South Korea and online in February 2025!
Cambodia: Ministries should withdraw draft cybersecurity law which would threaten human rights and expose people to increased cyber threats
The draft Cybersecurity Law of Cambodia must be withdrawn because vague provisions undermine human rights and exposes people to increased cyber threats.
Spyware in Europe: EU urged to protect journalists from intrusive surveillance
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