Freedom of Expression
We fight for your right to speak freely, which is critical for demonstrating dissent, guaranteeing a free press, and defending human rights.
Blog
Turkey v. encryption: An attack on freedom of expression
Earlier this week, two foreign journalists for Vice working in southeastern Turkey were arrested, raising concerns about the journalists’ safety and security. In a dark reminder of the “Crypto Wars” of the 1990s, a Turkish official stated yesterday that the main reason that these journalists were detained is that they use encryption. This morning, the news surfaced that the journalists have been released and are free to leave the country, although the charges against them have not been dropped. A local translator who had been working with them remains in custody.
This incident raises serious issues for digital rights and digital security, and could cause a powerful chilling effect for freedom of expression — not just in Turkey, but in other conflict-prone regions around the world.
…3 September 2015
Blog
Digital Security Helpline case study: Defending freedom of expression in Sudan
During the 2015 general elections in Sudan, several online newspapers were targeted for malicious hacking and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. When one opposition newspaper became unreachable due to a suspected DDoS attack, Dalia Haj-Omar, a Sudanese human rights advocate living in France, enlisted the help of Access’ Digital Security Helpline, through which activists, independent media, and civil society organizations across the globe can get real-time, direct technical assistance and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With our assistance, the opposition paper was accessible again within 48 hours.…
3 September 2015
Blog
U.N. board pushes countries toward peace on the internet, but gives short shrift to users’ rights
A United Nations board of security experts representing 20 governments has released a report critical to the future of the internet. This iterative report aims to identify areas of consensus and prevent conflict between nation states. The report fails to mention encryption, and includes underwhelming statements about rights online. However, it does help to establish boundaries for proper state behavior that are critical to maintaining a secure and free internet.
…31 August 2015
Blog
Shutting down a transparency tool in 29 countries? Twitter can do better.
Last week, Twitter shut down a tool that helps people hold politicians accountable in 29 countries around the world. The Netherlands-based civil society group Open State Foundation created Politwoops, which scans the Twitter accounts of politicians for tweets they’ve deleted. Deleted tweets can provide insight to the viewpoints of public officials, and journalists have been using Politwoops to keep representatives accountable for what they say publicly. This is an especially disappointing decision because Twitter has been a champion of transparency and free expression for some time. …
28 August 2015
Blog
Rights groups to Malaysia: Stop blocking websites and allow Bersih 4.0 Rally
Today Access joined Article 19, APC, and Human Rights Watch in a letter to Prime Minister Najib denouncing the blocking of Sarawak Report and the revocation of publishing permits. The letter also warned against imposing further restrictions on mass protests planned for this weekend.…
28 August 2015
Blog
Access urges officials in Gujarat, India to rescind internet disruption
This week telecom operators complied with a request from agencies of the Gujarat state government to shut down SMS functionality and disrupt mobile internet service. Access strongly believes no authority should issue internet shutdown orders, and that authorities in the state of Gujarat should urgently rescind the current blanket measures affecting so many Indian citizens and institutions. …
27 August 2015
Blog
Cultivating a more diverse, transparent, and empowered culture at Access
This year Access created a Diversity Working Group with the aim of proactively cultivating our policies, programs, and culture toward one that is considerate and reflective of a diverse staff and community. Here’s what we’re working on and next steps.…
26 August 2015