News & Updates

News & updates

Stay up to date with Access Now’s latest news, analysis, reports, events, community resources, and more. For a weekly digest in your inbox, subscribe to the Access Now Express, or scroll down to see the latest.

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Digital Rights
Digital RightsPress ReleaseEgyptEnglish

Addressing human rights abuses and attacks on press freedom facilitated by AppLogic Networks in Egypt

12 Feb 2026
Press Release
Addressing human rights abuses and attacks on press freedom facilitated by AppLogic Networks in Egypt
12 Feb 2026
Addressing human rights abuses and attacks on press freedom facilitated by AppLogic Networks in Egypt
a web of connected eyes on a purple and blue background
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEgyptEnglish

From Sandvine to AppLogic Networks: a rebrand doesn’t mean reform

12 Feb 2026

Access Now, alongside several human rights organizations and independent news platforms, are calling on AppLogic Networks (previously Sandvine) to substantiate its announced corporate reforms following its removal from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List.

Press Release
From Sandvine to AppLogic Networks: a rebrand doesn’t mean reform
12 Feb 2026
From Sandvine to AppLogic Networks: a rebrand doesn’t mean reform
Green background with bitmap elements depicting artificial intelligence icons and words.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePostGlobalEnglish

Artificial Insecurity: threats to information integrity

12 Feb 2026

In the second part of our series on the dodgy digital security practices underlying advanced AI tools, we examine how LLMs threaten information integrity.

Post
Artificial Insecurity: threats to information integrity
12 Feb 2026
Artificial Insecurity: threats to information integrity
AI
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

A call to EU legislators: protect rights and reject the call to delete transparency safeguard in AI Act

10 Feb 2026

We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject the deletion of the Article 49(2) transparency safeguard for high-risk AI systems that is proposed in the AI Omnibus. This transparency safeguard ensures that providers of AI systems cannot circumvent the core obligations of the AI Act.

Press Release
A call to EU legislators: protect rights and reject the call to delete transparency safeguard in AI Act
10 Feb 2026
A call to EU legislators: protect rights and reject the call to delete transparency safeguard in AI Act
Green background with bitmap elements depicting artificial intelligence icons and words.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePostGlobalEnglish

Artificial Insecurity: how AI tools compromise confidentiality

5 Feb 2026

In the first part of our blog series on the dodgy digital security practices underlying advanced AI tools, we unpack how LLMs can jeopardize the confidentiality of people’s data.

Post
Artificial Insecurity: how AI tools compromise confidentiality
5 Feb 2026
Artificial Insecurity: how AI tools compromise confidentiality
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseIranEnglish

Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in the Islamic Republic of Iran

5 Feb 2026
Press Release
Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in the Islamic Republic of Iran
5 Feb 2026
Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseEurope

DSA Human Rights Alliance publishes principles calling for DSA enforcement to incorporate global perspectives

28 Jan 2026
Press Release
DSA Human Rights Alliance publishes principles calling for DSA enforcement to incorporate global perspectives
28 Jan 2026
DSA Human Rights Alliance publishes principles calling for DSA enforcement to incorporate global perspectives
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseIran

Civil society coalition calls for Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity amid Iran’s internet shutdowns

23 Jan 2026
Press Release
Civil society coalition calls for Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity amid Iran’s internet shutdowns
23 Jan 2026
Civil society coalition calls for Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity amid Iran’s internet shutdowns
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseIranEnglish

#KeepItOn: Iran plunged into digital darkness, concealing human rights abuses

13 Jan 2026

join the international community, including the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, in calling on Iran to immediately restore internet and mobile communications and in demanding accountability and transparency for the grave human rights violations documented in the country

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Iran plunged into digital darkness, concealing human rights abuses
13 Jan 2026
#KeepItOn: Iran plunged into digital darkness, concealing human rights abuses
Cameroon
Press Release

#KeepItOn coalition raise the alarm on potential shutdown during upcoming elections in Uganda

12 Jan 2026

As millions of people prepare to head to the polls in Uganda on January, 15 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network of over 345 organizations from 106 countries working to end internet shutdowns, has urged President Yoweri Museveni to ensure unfettered access to the internet, digital platforms, and all other communication channels on the run-up-to, during and post-elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn coalition raise the alarm on potential shutdown during upcoming elections in Uganda
12 Jan 2026
#KeepItOn coalition raise the alarm on potential shutdown during upcoming elections in Uganda
South Sudan #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: Government of Uganda must ensure unrestricted internet access throughout the upcoming elections

12 Jan 2026

Access Now appeals to you, President Yoweri Museveni, to ensure that people in Uganda have unfettered access to the internet, digital platforms, and all other communication channels throughout the upcoming elections on January 15, 2026

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Government of Uganda must ensure unrestricted internet access throughout the upcoming elections
12 Jan 2026
#KeepItOn: Government of Uganda must ensure unrestricted internet access throughout the upcoming elections
CBE Ethiopia
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

MTN Group must answer for dangerous bounty SMS campaign in the Republic of Congo

15 Dec 2025

Access Now,together with several human rights organizations, are calling on MTN Group to protect mobile service subscribers and ensure transparency and accountability for data breaches perpetuated by their subsidiaries in the Republic of Congo.

Press Release
MTN Group must answer for dangerous bounty SMS campaign in the Republic of Congo
15 Dec 2025
MTN Group must answer for dangerous bounty SMS campaign in the Republic of Congo
CBE Ethiopia
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

MTN Group must commission an independent investigation into potential human rights violations

15 Dec 2025

Access Now and several human rights groups are deeply alarmed by the allegations of MTN Congo’s enabling of human rights abuses.

Press Release
MTN Group must commission an independent investigation into potential human rights violations
15 Dec 2025
MTN Group must commission an independent investigation into potential human rights violations
Internet shutdowns typology of harm header
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Connectivity as a weapon of war: how internet shutdowns harm civilians in armed conflict

11 Dec 2025

Access Now’s latest report, Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms, unpacks the serious harms that internet shutdowns inflict on civilian populations during armed conflict.

Press Release
Connectivity as a weapon of war: how internet shutdowns harm civilians in armed conflict
11 Dec 2025
Connectivity as a weapon of war: how internet shutdowns harm civilians in armed conflict
Internet shutdowns typology of harm header
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPublicationMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms

11 Dec 2025

Our latest report, Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms, unpacks the serious harms that internet shutdowns inflict on civilian populations during armed conflict.

Publication
Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms
11 Dec 2025
Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms
Fund the good fight - Donate
PostGlobalEnglish

Don’t let dictators decide the future of the internet. Fund the good fight!

8 Dec 2025

Don’t let dictators decide the future of the internet – fund the good fight! Donate to Access Now.

Post
Don’t let dictators decide the future of the internet. Fund the good fight!
8 Dec 2025
Don’t let dictators decide the future of the internet. Fund the good fight!
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: Tanzanian authorities and Meta must reverse course and respect human rights

8 Dec 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition joins the international community in demanding accountability and transparency for the grave human rights violations documented in Tanzania during and after the October 29, 2025 elections, including allegations of hundreds of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass arbitrary detentions targeting protesters, opposition figures, and civil society.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Tanzanian authorities and Meta must reverse course and respect human rights
8 Dec 2025
#KeepItOn: Tanzanian authorities and Meta must reverse course and respect human rights
Online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

War profiteers: online ads, propaganda for war, and a call to reprioritize human rights

3 Dec 2025

Access Now’s latest report examines how propaganda for war and online ads intersect with the international human rights law.

Press Release
War profiteers: online ads, propaganda for war, and a call to reprioritize human rights
3 Dec 2025
War profiteers: online ads, propaganda for war, and a call to reprioritize human rights
Online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationGlobalEnglish

War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war

3 Dec 2025

As governments deploy propaganda for war using online ads, Access Now examines the application of international human rights law and explores digital platforms’ responsibility to respect human rights.

Publication
War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
3 Dec 2025
War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
EU Human Rights Agenda
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePostEastern Europe & Central AsiaEnglish

One year on, the new European Commission is abandoning human rights

2 Dec 2025

A year into its new mandate and the European Commission is reversing course when it comes to safeguarding human rights in the EU.

Post
One year on, the new European Commission is abandoning human rights
2 Dec 2025
One year on, the new European Commission is abandoning human rights

Access Now in the news

STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns

Africa Unplugged: The Fight Against Internet Shutdowns

12 Feb 2026
News
Africa Unplugged: The Fight Against Internet Shutdowns
NMT Media Foundation ↗
12 Feb 2026
Africa Unplugged: The Fight Against Internet Shutdowns
Access Now theme-1340x360
Digital Rights

Na cestě do digitální dystopie

12 Feb 2026
News
Na cestě do digitální dystopie
Denik Referendum ↗
12 Feb 2026
Na cestě do digitální dystopie
Tunisia digitization programs
Privacy

India makes Aadhaar more ubiquitous, but critics say security and privacy concerns remain

10 Feb 2026
News
India makes Aadhaar more ubiquitous, but critics say security and privacy concerns remain
TechCrunch ↗
10 Feb 2026
India makes Aadhaar more ubiquitous, but critics say security and privacy concerns remain
Global encryption day 2023
Data Protection

Encrypt It Already’ Campaign Pushes Big Tech to Prioritize E2E Encryption

10 Feb 2026
News
Encrypt It Already’ Campaign Pushes Big Tech to Prioritize E2E Encryption
Dark Reading ↗
10 Feb 2026
Encrypt It Already’ Campaign Pushes Big Tech to Prioritize E2E Encryption
Surveillance

Spyware maker is hijacking diplomatic efforts to limit commercial hacking, civil society warns

2 Feb 2026
News
Spyware maker is hijacking diplomatic efforts to limit commercial hacking, civil society warns
The Record ↗
2 Feb 2026
Spyware maker is hijacking diplomatic efforts to limit commercial hacking, civil society warns
Authorities Gabon #KeepItOn
Digital Divide

When war destroys the internet economy

28 Jan 2026
News
When war destroys the internet economy
Rest of World ↗
28 Jan 2026
When war destroys the internet economy
Paragon spyware
Surveillance

WhatsApp releases account feature that looks to combat spyware

28 Jan 2026
News
WhatsApp releases account feature that looks to combat spyware
Cyberscoop ↗
28 Jan 2026
WhatsApp releases account feature that looks to combat spyware
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

Council opposes high-risk database carve-out in first AI omnibus draft

28 Jan 2026
News
Council opposes high-risk database carve-out in first AI omnibus draft
Euractiv ↗
28 Jan 2026
Council opposes high-risk database carve-out in first AI omnibus draft
Internet Shutdowns

Iran internet blackout: ‘Shutdowns tend to enable governments to conceal human rights violations’

22 Jan 2026
News
Iran internet blackout: ‘Shutdowns tend to enable governments to conceal human rights violations’
France 24 ↗
22 Jan 2026
Iran internet blackout: ‘Shutdowns tend to enable governments to conceal human rights violations’
AI Action Summit
Artificial Intelligence

América Latina busca su propio camino en la regulación de la IA

22 Jan 2026
News
América Latina busca su propio camino en la regulación de la IA
WIRED ↗
22 Jan 2026
América Latina busca su propio camino en la regulación de la IA
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns

The communications blackout in Iran: network data show near-total comms shutdown

20 Jan 2026
News
The communications blackout in Iran: network data show near-total comms shutdown
Somewhere on Earth podcast ↗
20 Jan 2026
The communications blackout in Iran: network data show near-total comms shutdown
AI Action Summit
Data Protection

ChatGPT Health raises big security, safety concerns

20 Jan 2026
News
ChatGPT Health raises big security, safety concerns
Dark Reading ↗
20 Jan 2026
ChatGPT Health raises big security, safety concerns
Cameroon

Fears Iran’s internet shutdown could lead to ‘extreme digital isolation’

19 Jan 2026
News
Fears Iran’s internet shutdown could lead to ‘extreme digital isolation’
BBC ↗
19 Jan 2026
Fears Iran’s internet shutdown could lead to ‘extreme digital isolation’
#KeepItOn during elections
Connectivity

Coupures d’Internet en Iran : les satellites Starlink de Musk peuvent-ils contrer la répression du régime des mollahs ?

16 Jan 2026
News
Coupures d’Internet en Iran : les satellites Starlink de Musk peuvent-ils contrer la répression du régime des mollahs ?
Challenges ↗
16 Jan 2026
Coupures d’Internet en Iran : les satellites Starlink de Musk peuvent-ils contrer la répression du régime des mollahs ?
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns

Inside the fight to keep Iran online

16 Jan 2026
News
Inside the fight to keep Iran online
The New York Times ↗
16 Jan 2026
Inside the fight to keep Iran online
Internet Shutdowns

Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue

16 Jan 2026
News
Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue
Tech Crunch ↗
16 Jan 2026
Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue

Events

Join us at an upcoming event hosted by Access Now or our partners, and reach out to connect with us in person or online.

Indian AI Impact Summit 2026
Artificial Intelligence

Access Now at India AI Impact Summit 2026

February 16 February 20 UTC+5.5

Event
Access Now at India AI Impact Summit 2026

February 16 February 20 UTC+5.5

Access Now at India AI Impact Summit 2026
FIFAfrica

Access Now at the 12th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica

24 September 2025 @ 9:00 am 26 September 2025 @ 5:30 pm CAT

Event
Access Now at the 12th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica

24 September 2025 @ 9:00 am 26 September 2025 @ 5:30 pm CAT

Access Now at the 12th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica
DRAPAC

The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025

26 August 2025 @ 10:00 am 28 August 2025 @ 5:30 pm SMT

Event
The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025

26 August 2025 @ 10:00 am 28 August 2025 @ 5:30 pm SMT

The Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2025
Web Summit Vancouver

Access Now at Web Summit Vancouver

28 May 2025 All day

Event
Access Now at Web Summit Vancouver

28 May 2025 All day

Access Now at Web Summit Vancouver