STANDING UP TO SURVEILLANCE
We fight surveillance laws, policies, and practices that undermine human rights. From investigating spyware attacks that target human rights defenders to fighting biometric surveillance systems that put entire communities at risk, we work to hold manufacturers and investors accountable for the impact of dangerous surveillance tech and push for strict regulations to prevent widespread abuse.
Ban Biometric Surveillance
Some surveillance technologies are so dangerous that they inevitably cause far more problems than they solve. The use of facial recognition and remote biometric technologies in publicly accessible spaces enables mass surveillance and discriminatory targeted surveillance.
Resources
Data Protection
Geneva Declaration: international community unites to end spyware abuse
Access Now and the Government of Catalonia are calling for an end to the proliferation of surveillance tech through the Geneva Declaration.
Digital Security
New guide: surveillance technology investors face significant risks if human rights are ignored
A new guide on effective due diligence will help shareholders with investments in surveillance technology prevent and mitigate human rights risks.
As the WEF meets, pressure is on world’s powerbrokers to shut down spyware industry
Brett Solomon, Daily Maverick
Data Protection
Sonic surveillance: why you don’t want AI snooping on you
The threat voice recognition technology poses to our rights needs to be addressed now — before our voices become yet another piece of biometric data to be used against us.
Digital Security
Unsafe anywhere: attacked by Pegasus, women activists speak out
Front Line Defenders and Access Now’s new report, “Unsafe anywhere: women human rights defenders speak out about Pegasus attacks,” unpacks the first-hand experiences of women navigating an increasingly hostile and dangerous environment.
Digital Security
MENA Surveillance Coalition: stop all surveillance tech sales to the region’s autocratic governments
The MENA Surveillance Coalition is demanding the immediate end to the sale of surveillance technology to Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) autocratic governments.
Latest Updates
Why we need tailored identity systems for our digital world
Digital identity systems are no silver bullet for social challenges. Here’s why a “minimalist” approach makes sense, while protecting human rights.
U.S. Homeland Security must stop using AI tech for immigration enforcement and adjudication
Access Now joins Just Futures Law and civil society partners in urging DHS to stop violating federal policies on AI use.
Civil society calls for EU ban on spyware
Civil society joint statement on the use of surveillance spyware in the EU and beyond
Access Now, CDT, and a coalition of civil society organisations call on EU institutions to regulate spyware technologies in the new legislative term.
دليل الأمن الرقمي للنشطاء في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا
قامت أكساس ناو بإعداد هذا الدليل للأمن الرقمي بهدف تقديم الدعم للأشخاص في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا الذين يسعون لحماية أنفسهم من التهديدات الرقمية والبقاء آمنين على الإنترنت.
Is WhatsApp included in new message interception rules? Experts are concerned about wide definitions
Human rights orgs and publishers launch initiative to get surveillance tech copaganda out of fiction
In the hopes of a future that respects the human right to privacy, Fight for the Future, RightsCon, Strange Horizons, and COMPOST Magazine have launched a call for short stories to underpin a forthcoming toolkit at StopCopaganda.org.
Department of telecommunications releases four sets of draft rules for consultation
Las muchas formas de vigilancia y control en Venezuela
VenApp: Aplicativo do governo seria usado para perseguir opositores na Venezuela
Spear phishing cases from Eastern Europe in 2022-2024: a technical brief
Russia-linked phishing campaigns are targeting civil society and NGOs operating in the region and abroad, according to a new investigation by Access Now and the Citizen Lab.
Qué sabemos de las medidas de seguridad de WhatsApp y cómo proteger tus conversaciones
Venezuelan government ratchets up digital repression surrounding tainted election
Carta abierta sobre la violencia política posibilitada por la tecnología en Venezuela
Nosotros hacemos un llamado urgente a que el pueblo venezolano tenga acceso a internet, a las plataformas de redes sociales y a otros canales de comunicación en todo momento.
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
We call for unfettered access to the internet, social media platforms, and other communication channels for people in Venezuela at all times.
A pathway forward for digital rights
Brett Solomon shares insights from 15 years as Access Now Co-founder and Executive Director.