Cybersecurity

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

UNHRC_Eric Bridiers|

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.

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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.

EU Ukraine

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.

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Digital Security

Why we won’t stop defending LGBTQ+ digital rights

The world recently marked Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024; an annual moment to honor transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who have been killed, attacked, discriminated against, or abused simply

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.

Encryption and messaging services

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

UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say

28 Nov 2024
News
India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say
The Record ↗
28 Nov 2024
India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression

When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 

27 Nov 2024

Governments across the Arab region already use cybercrime laws to violate human rights, and the UN cybercrime convention risks making this even easier.

Post
When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 
27 Nov 2024
When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules

25 Nov 2024
News
Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules
Hindustan Times ↗
25 Nov 2024
Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression

حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية

14 Nov 2024

في ظل الارتفاع الملحوظ في استخدام القوانين السيبرانية لاستهداف المدافعين عن حقوق الإنسان والأصوات المعارضة في المنطقة العربية، تطلق أكساس ناو ورقة سياسات جديدة.

Press Release
حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية
14 Nov 2024
حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Controversial UN cybercrime treaty clears final hurdle before full vote as US defends support

13 Nov 2024
News
Controversial UN cybercrime treaty clears final hurdle before full vote as US defends support
The Record ↗
13 Nov 2024
Controversial UN cybercrime treaty clears final hurdle before full vote as US defends support
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024

28 Oct 2024

Access Now recommends the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 to …

Publication
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
28 Oct 2024
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
Digital Public Infrastructure
Digital Identity Systems
Digital Identity Systems

A human rights-centered approach to digital public infrastructure

24 Oct 2024

Read Access Now’s recommendations for lawmakers to ensure digital public infrastructure protects human rights.

Guide
A human rights-centered approach to digital public infrastructure
24 Oct 2024
A human rights-centered approach to digital public infrastructure
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
Privacy
Privacy

2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security

16 Oct 2024
Publication
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
16 Oct 2024
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

White House agonizes over UN cybercrime treaty

30 Sep 2024
News
White House agonizes over UN cybercrime treaty
Politico ↗
30 Sep 2024
White House agonizes over UN cybercrime treaty
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
A pathway forward for digital rights
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

Joint civil society statement on the ongoing sabotage of communication devices and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Syria

23 Sep 2024

Access Now, with Arab Alliance for Digital Rights, strongly condemns the series of malicious and indiscriminate device explosions across Lebanon and Syria.

Press Release
Joint civil society statement on the ongoing sabotage of communication devices and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Syria
23 Sep 2024
Joint civil society statement on the ongoing sabotage of communication devices and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Syria
UN Global Digital Compact
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

UN Global Digital Compact: FAQ

19 Sep 2024

What is the UN Global Digital Compact, why does it matter for the future of digital rights, and what are its human rights implications? Read our FAQ to know.

Guide
UN Global Digital Compact: FAQ
19 Sep 2024
UN Global Digital Compact: FAQ
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

الأردن: سنة كاملة من القمع:دعوات جديدة لإلغاء قانون الجرائم الإلكترونية!

14 Sep 2024

تدعو منظمات حقوق الإنسان المحلية والدولية الموقعة أدناه البرلمان الجديد إلى إلغاء أو تعديل قانون الجرائم الإلكترونية.

Press Release
الأردن: سنة كاملة من القمع:دعوات جديدة لإلغاء قانون الجرائم الإلكترونية!
14 Sep 2024
الأردن: سنة كاملة من القمع:دعوات جديدة لإلغاء قانون الجرائم الإلكترونية!
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity

An year of abuse — Jordanian authorities must scrap cybercrime law

14 Sep 2024

Access Now, Article 19, and partners urge the new Jordanian Parliament to repeal or substantially amend the new Cybercrime Law.

Press Release
An year of abuse — Jordanian authorities must scrap cybercrime law
14 Sep 2024
An year of abuse — Jordanian authorities must scrap cybercrime law
Encryption and messaging services
Privacy
Privacy

Encryption FAQ: encrypted messaging, AI, content moderation, and more

11 Sep 2024
Post
Encryption FAQ: encrypted messaging, AI, content moderation, and more
11 Sep 2024
Encryption FAQ: encrypted messaging, AI, content moderation, and more