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
A missed opportunity for net neutrality in Europe
Today the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament voted on the European Telecoms Single Market proposal. With its provisions that put net neutrality at risk, this contentious E.U. legislation will have a critical impact on how European users experience the internet since across the continent. …
18 March 2014
Blog
Statement from detained Egyptian blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah
Today, Access kicked off the third installation of our RightsCon conference series in San Francisco, with more than 600 people from 375 organizations and comapnies in attendance, representing 50 countries. One person who was not here is Alaa Abd El Fattah, of Egypt.
Alaa joined us at the first RightsCon, in 2011, as a keynote speaker on the relationship – often complex – among technology, activism, and true social justice. When he left RightsCon, he flew straight back to Egypt, to serve an unjust, politically motivated prison sentence.
Today, he is in prison again — again, without justice or cause. His family shared the following statement with us to share today.…
3 March 2014
Blog
RightsCon Silicon Valley 2014 Kicks Off!
After months of planning and preparing, we’re ready to kick off RightsCon Silicon Valley 2014, the premier gathering of tech policy leaders, entrepreneurs, and digital rights defenders from around the world. I’m in awe of the amazing lineup of speakers and experts, and we want to make sure you have access to them too!
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2 March 2014
Blog
Turkish government passes harsh new internet law
Today, Turkish President Abdullah Gül signed a law increasing the government’s already tight grip on the internet. Even before Gül put pen to paper, Turkey was home to one of the world’s most restrictive internet censorship regimes — and this new legislation will only further undermine Turkish internet users’ fundamental rights.…
20 February 2014
Blog
Fourth vote on the telecom single market: a strong call for net neutrality in Europe
Access welcomes yesterday’s vote in the LIBE Committee, which addressed several of the problematic provisions and proved its commitment to protecting the internet as a platform for free expression and innovation. …
13 February 2014
Blog
Spotlight on Internet Governance 2014: Part One WSIS Review
2014 was already set to be a critical year for internet governance, with some key meetings planned having the potential to push the needle on much needed reform. But in the aftermath of Snowden’s revelations, it looks like 2014 could be the year for change. With rising political pressure, heightened public awareness and activism, and a new global meeting on the future of internet governance, 2014 could provide the opportunity to advance a positive reform agenda that: preserves the interoperable/global nature of the internet; is secure and facilitates the exercise of human rights, for all users without discrimination or regard for where they happen to connect; is inclusive in decision-making so that policies reflect the public interest. This is the first in a series of blog posts in which we will break down the major international internet governance moments on our radar for 2014.…
11 February 2014
Blog
The day the world fought back
Today, February 11th, internet users around the world are standing together. Today, individuals, civil society organizations, and thousands of websites will let the world’s governments know that we reject global mass surveillance at home and overseas. Today, we fight back.
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11 February 2014
Blog
Vietnam under review at the Human Rights Council: Cyber attacks on civil society a key concern
Amidst reports of declining human rights at home, Vietnam will appear before the U.N. Human Rights Council on Wednesday for a review of its human rights record. Access, as part of a coalition of freedom of expression organizations, is urging the international community to address Vietnam’s deteriorating human rights situation, in particular the increase in cyber attacks against civil society.…
4 February 2014
Blog
International Data Privacy Day: We remind the European Council of our rights
Today we celebrated the 33rd International Data Privacy Day by reminding members of the Council of the E.U. representatives of their obligation to protect the rights of European citizens. We sent a letter, signed by several European and International NGOs, outlining the importance of the rights to privacy and data protection and urging them to reach a conclusion on the General Data Protection Regulation without any further delay.
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28 January 2014
Blog
Structural changes to surveillance court offer hope for new protections for non-US users
When it comes to US surveillance reform, structural changes don’t grab as many headlines as, say, ending bulk collection programs. Yet, ultimately, reforming the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) system, including its Court of Review (FISCR), would be one of the most feasible and effective solutions to protecting the rights of users everywhere against the abuses of intrusive surveillance.
…24 January 2014