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
When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region
Governments across the Arab region already use cybercrime laws to violate human rights, and the UN cybercrime convention risks making this even easier.
Thai court dismisses activist’s closely watched lawsuit against spyware maker
Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules
Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele
Toward a digital ceasefire
The ascent of cyber warfare is weaponizing our digital world; it’s time to embrace the concept of “digital ceasefire.”
Testimony from NSO Group raises questions about its culpability for spyware abuses
NSO Group admits cutting off 10 customers because they abused its Pegasus spyware, say unsealed court documents
DHS must come clean on contract with spyware purveyor paragon solutions
Access Now and partner civil society organizations calls on the Department of Homeland Security to release details about its $2 million contract with Paragon Solutions (US) Inc.
Human rights groups question Sandvine’s commitment to change
Manual da Pessoa Vigiada
O Manual da Pessoa Vigiada é um guia para ajudá-lo a navegar no sistema judiciário caso você seja detido injustamente por sistemas biométricos.
Sandvine must make good on its commitments and stop harming human rights
Access Now, along with partner civil society organizations and experts, demand evidence of the adequacy and effectiveness of Sandvine’s announced reforms.
Sandvine now removed from U.S. entity list
Proceed with caution: Sandvine removed from U.S. Entity List despite poor human rights track record, Access Now urges continued scrutiny
ICE’s $2 million contract with a spyware vendor is under White House review
Big Tech and the risk of genocide in Gaza: what are companies doing?
Big Tech is playing a central role in enabling the relentless mass slaughter and destruction unleashed in the war in Gaza.
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
As the EU’s new 2024-2029 mandate begins, we invite EU policymakers to join us on our mission of defending and extending digital rights of people and communities at risk around the world.