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.

NSO
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseNorth America

Access Now urges the Ninth Circuit to protect encryption from NSO’s spyware

21 May 2026

Yesterday, Access Now and ten other civil society organizations filed an amicus brief in the U.S.’ Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals calling to protect encryption from NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware and to keep the lower court’s permanent injunction forbidding NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp or its customers’ devices ever again.

Press Release
Access Now urges the Ninth Circuit to protect encryption from NSO’s spyware
21 May 2026
Access Now urges the Ninth Circuit to protect encryption from NSO’s spyware
Palestinian Authority
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Meta blocks human rights accounts from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

20 May 2026
Press Release
Meta blocks human rights accounts from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
20 May 2026
Meta blocks human rights accounts from reaching audiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
brightly coloured image of fists and signs
Content Governance
Content GovernancePress ReleaseMiddle East & North Africa

Criminalizing truth: Gulf governments must end the crackdown on information

20 May 2026
Press Release
Criminalizing truth: Gulf governments must end the crackdown on information
20 May 2026
Criminalizing truth: Gulf governments must end the crackdown on information
microsoft
Transparency
TransparencyPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Microsoft: it’s time to come clean about your ties to the Israeli military

18 May 2026

Through a new joint letter, we’re calling on Microsoft to publish the findings of its review into the Israeli military’s use of the company services.

Press Release
Microsoft: it’s time to come clean about your ties to the Israeli military
18 May 2026
Microsoft: it’s time to come clean about your ties to the Israeli military
microsoft
Transparency
TransparencyPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Joint letter to Microsoft regarding Israeli military use of Azure cloud and AI services

18 May 2026

A follow up to our open letter regarding Microsoft’s formal review of recent allegations about Israel’s usage of Azure cloud for the surveillance and targeting of Palestinians.

Press Release
Joint letter to Microsoft regarding Israeli military use of Azure cloud and AI services
18 May 2026
Joint letter to Microsoft regarding Israeli military use of Azure cloud and AI services
Access Now theme-1340x360
Digital Rights
Digital RightsPublication

Submission on amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”)

7 May 2026
Publication
Submission on amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”)
7 May 2026
Submission on amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”)
PostGlobalEnglish

Stay informed: Get Access Now updates

1 May 2026

Here’s where you can subscribe to the Access Now Express newsletter and action alerts.

Post
Stay informed: Get Access Now updates
1 May 2026
Stay informed: Get Access Now updates
Protección de datos en Latam
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPublicationBrazilSpanish

Mi Privacidad es mi Voto: Fortaleciendo la integridad informativa en América Latina

28 Apr 2026
Publication
Mi Privacidad es mi Voto: Fortaleciendo la integridad informativa en América Latina
28 Apr 2026
Mi Privacidad es mi Voto: Fortaleciendo la integridad informativa en América Latina
RightsCon 26 Zambia. May 5 - 8, 2026.
Post

Join us for RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia!

22 Apr 2026
Post
Join us for RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia!
22 Apr 2026
Join us for RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia!
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPostEgyptArabic

التجسس لقمع المعارضة: هجمة تصيّد إلكتروني مأجورة تستهدف المجتمع المدني في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا

22 Apr 2026

كشف تحقيق جديد أجراه فريق خط المساعدة للأمن الرقمي التابع لمنظمة أكسس ناو عن هجمة تصيّد إلكتروني مأجورة، استهدفت اثنين من الصحفيين المصريين البارزين والمعارضين .للحكومة

Post
التجسس لقمع المعارضة: هجمة تصيّد إلكتروني مأجورة تستهدف المجتمع المدني في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا
22 Apr 2026
التجسس لقمع المعارضة: هجمة تصيّد إلكتروني مأجورة تستهدف المجتمع المدني في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا
NSO
Surveillance
SurveillancePublicationAzerbaijanEnglish

Amicus Brief to the European Court of Human Rights on spyware and surveillance in Azerbaijan

21 Apr 2026
Publication
Amicus Brief to the European Court of Human Rights on spyware and surveillance in Azerbaijan
21 Apr 2026
Amicus Brief to the European Court of Human Rights on spyware and surveillance in Azerbaijan
Africa Digital Safety Tips
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

Stop political scapegoating: Ghanaian MPs must reject dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ bill

13 Apr 2026

Access Now and Rightify Ghana have urged the government of Ghana to put human rights first and reject the repressive Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

Press Release
Stop political scapegoating: Ghanaian MPs must reject dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ bill
13 Apr 2026
Stop political scapegoating: Ghanaian MPs must reject dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Espionage for repression: forensic analysis of a cross-border hack-for-hire campaign targeting civil society in MENA
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationEgyptEnglish

Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA

8 Apr 2026

A new investigation by Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline has exposed a hack-for-hire campaign targeting two prominent Egyptian journalists and government critics, Mostafa Al-A’sar and Ahmed Eltantawy, through a series of spear-phishing attacks.

Publication
Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA
8 Apr 2026
Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA
Espionage for repression: forensic analysis of a cross-border hack-for-hire campaign targeting civil society in MENA
Digital Security
Digital SecurityPostEgyptEnglish

Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA

8 Apr 2026

A new investigation by Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline has exposed a hack-for-hire campaign targeting two prominent Egyptian journalists and government critics.

Post
Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA
8 Apr 2026
Espionage for repression: hack-for-hire phishing campaign targets civil society in MENA
Espionage for repression: forensic analysis of a cross-border hack-for-hire campaign targeting civil society in MENA
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEgyptEnglish

Hack-for-hire: new report investigates hacking campaign against Egyptian journalists

8 Apr 2026

A new report  by Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline, Espionage for repression: forensic analysis of a cross-border hack-for-hire campaign targeting civil society in MENA, exposes a hack-for-hire campaign targeting two prominent Egyptian journalists and government critics, Mostafa Al-A’sar and Ahmed Eltantawy, through a series of spear-phishing attacks. 

Press Release
Hack-for-hire: new report investigates hacking campaign against Egyptian journalists
8 Apr 2026
Hack-for-hire: new report investigates hacking campaign against Egyptian journalists
KeepItOn 2025 Internet Shutdowns Report
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseEastern Europe & Central AsiaEnglish

Breaking records, breaking connections: internet shutdowns in EECA in 2025

31 Mar 2026

Launching today, March 31, 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report, Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025, reveals that at least 313 shutdowns were implemented in 52 countries. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia the internet was shut down 29 times in seven countries.

Press Release
Breaking records, breaking connections: internet shutdowns in EECA in 2025
31 Mar 2026
Breaking records, breaking connections: internet shutdowns in EECA in 2025
KeepItOn Internet Shutdowns 2025
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseLatin America & the CaribbeanSpanish

Resistiendo en la oscuridad: apagones de internet en 2025

31 Mar 2026

Hoy, 31 de marzo de 2026, publicamos el nuevo reporte de Access Now y la coalición #KeepItOn, (Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025). El mismo revela al menos 313 apagones en 52 países. En América Latina y el Caribe, el servicio de internet fue interrumpido en cinco ocasiones en dos países: Venezuela y Panamá.

Press Release
Resistiendo en la oscuridad: apagones de internet en 2025
31 Mar 2026
Resistiendo en la oscuridad: apagones de internet en 2025
KeepItOn 2025 Internet Shutdowns Report
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Blocking millions in MENA: internet shutdowns in 2025

31 Mar 2026

Launching today, March 31, 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report, Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025, reveals that at least 313 shutdowns were implemented in 52 countries. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), authorities and other actors imposed at least 52 internet shutdowns across 15 countries in 2025, highlighting the continued rise of digital repression across the region.

Press Release
Blocking millions in MENA: internet shutdowns in 2025
31 Mar 2026
Blocking millions in MENA: internet shutdowns in 2025
KeepItOn Internet Shutdowns 2025
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia PacificEnglish

One region, half the world’s shutdowns: internet shutdowns in the Asia Pacific in 2025

31 Mar 2026
Press Release
One region, half the world’s shutdowns: internet shutdowns in the Asia Pacific in 2025
31 Mar 2026
One region, half the world’s shutdowns: internet shutdowns in the Asia Pacific in 2025
KeepItOn 2025 Internet Shutdowns Report
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

Resilience and resistance: internet shutdowns in Africa in 2025

31 Mar 2026

Launching today, March 31, 2026, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report, Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025, reveals that at least 313 shutdowns were implemented in 52 countries. In Africa, the internet was shut down 30 times in 15 countries.

Press Release
Resilience and resistance: internet shutdowns in Africa in 2025
31 Mar 2026
Resilience and resistance: internet shutdowns in Africa in 2025

Access Now in the news

Access Now theme-1340x360

A statement to our community on why RightsCon 2026 is not taking place in Zambia

1 Jun 2026
News
A statement to our community on why RightsCon 2026 is not taking place in Zambia
RightsCon ↗
1 Jun 2026
A statement to our community on why RightsCon 2026 is not taking place in Zambia
KeepItOn Internet Shutdowns 2025
Internet Shutdowns

The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following

1 Jun 2026
News
The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following
The Guardian ↗
1 Jun 2026
The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following
Spyware
Cybersecurity

Hackers are trying to steal Signal users’ backups in new wave of phishing attacks

29 May 2026
News
Hackers are trying to steal Signal users’ backups in new wave of phishing attacks
Tech Crunch ↗
29 May 2026
Hackers are trying to steal Signal users’ backups in new wave of phishing attacks
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Content Governance

Palestinians risked their lives to document Gaza, then came the algorithm

21 May 2026
News
Palestinians risked their lives to document Gaza, then came the algorithm
WIRED ↗
21 May 2026
Palestinians risked their lives to document Gaza, then came the algorithm
NSO
Surveillance

What we know about how the U.S. government uses spyware (and what we don’t)

21 May 2026
News
What we know about how the U.S. government uses spyware (and what we don’t)
NPR ↗
21 May 2026
What we know about how the U.S. government uses spyware (and what we don’t)
Internet shutdowns typology of harm socials
Internet Shutdowns

هل يصبح قطع الإنترنت جريمة ضد الإنسانية؟

17 May 2026
News
هل يصبح قطع الإنترنت جريمة ضد الإنسانية؟
Al-Araby Al-Jadeed ↗
17 May 2026
هل يصبح قطع الإنترنت جريمة ضد الإنسانية؟
KeepItOn Internet Shutdowns 2025
Internet Shutdowns

‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown

13 May 2026
News
‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown
The Guardian ↗
13 May 2026
‘Blatant disregard for rights’: concern grows over Gabon’s social media clampdown
Green background with bitmap graphic depicting artificial intelligence icons and words.
Artificial Intelligence

Google le da la mano a Bukele para experimentar con el sistema de salud salvadoreño

7 May 2026
News
Google le da la mano a Bukele para experimentar con el sistema de salud salvadoreño
WIRED ↗
7 May 2026
Google le da la mano a Bukele para experimentar con el sistema de salud salvadoreño
Internet shutdowns typology of harm socials
Internet Shutdowns

The clandestine network smuggling Starlink tech into Iran to beat internet blackout

2 May 2026
News
The clandestine network smuggling Starlink tech into Iran to beat internet blackout
BBC ↗
2 May 2026
The clandestine network smuggling Starlink tech into Iran to beat internet blackout
Surveillance

Paragon non ha ancora dato risposte sull’uso dei suoi spyware alla giustizia italiana, a un anno dallo scandalo sullo spionaggio di giornalisti e attivisti

28 Apr 2026
News
Paragon non ha ancora dato risposte sull’uso dei suoi spyware alla giustizia italiana, a un anno dallo scandalo sullo spionaggio di giornalisti e attivisti
WIRED ↗
28 Apr 2026
Paragon non ha ancora dato risposte sull’uso dei suoi spyware alla giustizia italiana, a un anno dallo scandalo sullo spionaggio di giornalisti e attivisti
Image: AI's human rights impact
Artificial Intelligence

L’UE, pionnière pour encadrer l’IA, a-t-elle jeté l’éponge ?

28 Apr 2026
News
L’UE, pionnière pour encadrer l’IA, a-t-elle jeté l’éponge ?
AFP ↗
28 Apr 2026
L’UE, pionnière pour encadrer l’IA, a-t-elle jeté l’éponge ?
KeepItOn 2025 Internet Shutdowns Report
Internet Shutdowns

Reporting when the internet goes dark

23 Apr 2026
News
Reporting when the internet goes dark
EU Observer ↗
23 Apr 2026
Reporting when the internet goes dark
KeepItOn Internet Shutdowns 2025
Internet Shutdowns

2025 was the worst year on record for internet shutdowns as censors move to more targeted blocks

23 Apr 2026
News
2025 was the worst year on record for internet shutdowns as censors move to more targeted blocks
Tech Radar ↗
23 Apr 2026
2025 was the worst year on record for internet shutdowns as censors move to more targeted blocks
Digital Security Helpline BG
Cybersecurity

AI beyond business: digital rights, NGOs, and the fight against food waste

9 Apr 2026
News
AI beyond business: digital rights, NGOs, and the fight against food waste
Somewhere on Earth Podcast ↗
9 Apr 2026
AI beyond business: digital rights, NGOs, and the fight against food waste
KeepItOn 2025 Internet Shutdowns Report
Internet Shutdowns

The dark side of the kill switch: inside 2025’s record-breaking internet shutdowns

9 Apr 2026
News
The dark side of the kill switch: inside 2025’s record-breaking internet shutdowns
Somewhere on Earth Podcast ↗
9 Apr 2026
The dark side of the kill switch: inside 2025’s record-breaking internet shutdowns
Espionage for repression: forensic analysis of a cross-border hack-for-hire campaign targeting civil society in MENA
Surveillance

Hack-for-hire spyware campaign targets journalists in Middle East, North Africa

9 Apr 2026
News
Hack-for-hire spyware campaign targets journalists in Middle East, North Africa
Cyberscoop ↗
9 Apr 2026
Hack-for-hire spyware campaign targets journalists in Middle East, North Africa

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.

An illustration of colored keyboard letters that spell Safe & Strong, Digital Security. With tech icons and elements.
Digital Security

Digital security in war and conflict: challenges for civil society and tools for resilience

May 19 @ 9:00 am 10:00 am EDT

Join the next webinar organized by the Digital Security Helpline, to discuss key trends and strategies to keep at-risk actors safe online.

Event
Digital security in war and conflict: challenges for civil society and tools for resilience

May 19 @ 9:00 am 10:00 am EDT

Digital security in war and conflict: challenges for civil society and tools for resilience
Advancing Rights-Centered reporting on Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act
Freedom of Expression

Advancing Rights-Centered reporting on Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act

April 21 @ 1:00 pm 2:30 pm WAT

Event
Advancing Rights-Centered reporting on Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act

April 21 @ 1:00 pm 2:30 pm WAT

Advancing Rights-Centered reporting on Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act
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