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.

how social media companies increase risks for LGBTQ+ people in Africa
Digital Security
Digital SecurityPublicationAfricaEnglish

Rainbow-burning: how social media companies increase risks for LGBTQ+ people in Africa

4 Dec 2024

Colonial-era laws and a global anti-rights movement are fueling LGBTQ+ repression across Africa. Access Now documented 214 threats on platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, underscoring widespread risks.

Publication
Rainbow-burning: how social media companies increase risks for LGBTQ+ people in Africa
4 Dec 2024
Rainbow-burning: how social media companies increase risks for LGBTQ+ people in Africa
|
Digital Security
Digital SecurityPostEnglish

Why we won’t stop defending LGBTQ+ digital rights

3 Dec 2024
Post
Why we won’t stop defending LGBTQ+ digital rights
3 Dec 2024
Why we won’t stop defending LGBTQ+ digital rights
A pathway forward for digital rights by Brett Solomon
Transparency
TransparencyPress ReleaseGlobal

OCHA: a new era for humanitarianism must include digital protection

28 Nov 2024

Access Now congratulates Tom Fletcher on his appointment as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

Press Release
OCHA: a new era for humanitarianism must include digital protection
28 Nov 2024
OCHA: a new era for humanitarianism must include digital protection
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPostMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 

27 Nov 2024

Governments across the Arab region already use cybercrime laws to violate human rights, and the UN cybercrime convention risks making this even easier.

Post
When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 
27 Nov 2024
When “cybercrime” laws infringe human rights: lessons from the Arab region 
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

Ghana must uphold its record of no shutdowns — during upcoming elections, authorities must #KeepItOn

27 Nov 2024
Press Release
Ghana must uphold its record of no shutdowns — during upcoming elections, authorities must #KeepItOn
27 Nov 2024
Ghana must uphold its record of no shutdowns — during upcoming elections, authorities must #KeepItOn
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

#KeepItOn: government of Ghana and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections

27 Nov 2024

The #KeepItOn coalition urges authorities in Ghana to publicly commit to ensuring that people have unfettered access to the internet throughout the 2024 general elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: government of Ghana and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections
27 Nov 2024
#KeepItOn: government of Ghana and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Press ReleaseGlobalEnglish

Know your customer: ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice

21 Nov 2024
Press Release
Know your customer: ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
21 Nov 2024
Know your customer: ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

#KeepItOn in Tanzania: authorities must ensure connectivity during local elections

21 Nov 2024

The #KeepItOn coalition demands that the Government of Tanzania ensure unhindered access to the internet during the upcoming elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Tanzania: authorities must ensure connectivity during local elections
21 Nov 2024
#KeepItOn in Tanzania: authorities must ensure connectivity during local elections
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

#KeepItOn: the Government of Tanzania and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 local elections

21 Nov 2024

The #KeepItOn coalition calls on authorities and ISPs in Tanzania to ensure internet access during the upcoming elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: the Government of Tanzania and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 local elections
21 Nov 2024
#KeepItOn: the Government of Tanzania and internet service providers must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 local elections
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPostGlobalEnglish

Toward a digital ceasefire

20 Nov 2024

The ascent of cyber warfare is weaponizing our digital world; it’s time to embrace the concept of “digital ceasefire.”

Post
Toward a digital ceasefire
20 Nov 2024
Toward a digital ceasefire
6-years-GDPR
PublicationEastern Europe & Central AsiaEnglish

Six years of the GDPR: Priced out of privacy

18 Nov 2024
Publication
Six years of the GDPR: Priced out of privacy
18 Nov 2024
Six years of the GDPR: Priced out of privacy
6-years-GDPR
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseEurope

Six years of the GDPR: we won’t pay for our right to data protection 

18 Nov 2024

Access Now’s new report, Six years of the GDPR: priced out of privacy, presents recommendations for the EU to address the incompatibility of “pay or consent” models with fundamental rights.

Press Release
Six years of the GDPR: we won’t pay for our right to data protection 
18 Nov 2024
Six years of the GDPR: we won’t pay for our right to data protection 
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseEnglish

Global coalition of NGOs call for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon

14 Nov 2024
Press Release
Global coalition of NGOs call for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
14 Nov 2024
Global coalition of NGOs call for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationMiddle East & North AfricaArabic

قوانين الجرائم السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية: حماية للفضاء الرقمي أم قمع للحريات؟

14 Nov 2024

ورقة السياسات هذه تبسط أكساس ناو موقفها إزاء قوانين الجرائم السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية بهدف مواءمتها مع المعايير الدولية المتعلقة بالحقوق الرقمية.

Publication
قوانين الجرائم السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية: حماية للفضاء الرقمي أم قمع للحريات؟
14 Nov 2024
قوانين الجرائم السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية: حماية للفضاء الرقمي أم قمع للحريات؟
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaArabic

حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية

14 Nov 2024

في ظل الارتفاع الملحوظ في استخدام القوانين السيبرانية لاستهداف المدافعين عن حقوق الإنسان والأصوات المعارضة في المنطقة العربية، تطلق أكساس ناو ورقة سياسات جديدة.

Press Release
حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية
14 Nov 2024
حرية التعبير والخصوصية: حقوق محاصرة بالقوانين السيبرانية في المنطقة العربية
FreeAlaa Banner
Press ReleaseEgypt

Alaa Abd el-Fattah – NGOs send letter to United Nations working group on arbitrary detention

12 Nov 2024

Our organisations continue to call for Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s immediate and unconditional release and we request that the UNWGAD urgently announce its opinion on his case.

Press Release
Alaa Abd el-Fattah – NGOs send letter to United Nations working group on arbitrary detention
12 Nov 2024
Alaa Abd el-Fattah – NGOs send letter to United Nations working group on arbitrary detention
Journalists Palestine Lebanon
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseLebanonEnglish

Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon

11 Nov 2024

We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese journalists bravely reporting amid life-threatening risks.

Press Release
Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon
11 Nov 2024
Statement on the targeting and killing of journalists in Palestine and Lebanon
Telegram in Kenya
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: authorities in Kenya must restore access to Telegram and protect people’s rights

11 Nov 2024

The #KeepItOn coalition write to seek clarification on the ongoing disruption of the digital communications application, Telegram, in Kenya.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: authorities in Kenya must restore access to Telegram and protect people’s rights
11 Nov 2024
#KeepItOn: authorities in Kenya must restore access to Telegram and protect people’s rights
Mozambique #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: authorities in Mozambique must stop normalizing internet shutdowns during protests

7 Nov 2024

We urgently demand that the government of Mozambique put an immediate end to the increasing use of shutdowns amid ongoing protests.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: authorities in Mozambique must stop normalizing internet shutdowns during protests
7 Nov 2024
#KeepItOn: authorities in Mozambique must stop normalizing internet shutdowns during protests
Derecho al olvido Right to be forgotten
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseLatin AmericaSpanish

Access Now publica alternativas al “derecho al olvido” en América Latina

5 Nov 2024
Press Release
Access Now publica alternativas al “derecho al olvido” en América Latina
5 Nov 2024
Access Now publica alternativas al “derecho al olvido” en América Latina

Access Now in the news

KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Analysts troubled by trend of internet, social media shutdowns in Africa

5 Dec 2024
News
Analysts troubled by trend of internet, social media shutdowns in Africa
Voice of America ↗
5 Dec 2024
Analysts troubled by trend of internet, social media shutdowns in Africa
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Transparency

Sanctions were meant to stop Russian propaganda. They’re hurting vital journalism too

4 Dec 2024
News
Sanctions were meant to stop Russian propaganda. They’re hurting vital journalism too
Columbia Journalism Review ↗
4 Dec 2024
Sanctions were meant to stop Russian propaganda. They’re hurting vital journalism too
|Human rights problem with Google Cloud Platform in Saudi Arabia - Twitter thumbnail
Data Protection

La guerra por las nubes

2 Dec 2024
News
La guerra por las nubes
El Café de la Mañana ↗
2 Dec 2024
La guerra por las nubes
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdown: stakeholders urge Ghana government to prioritise uninterrupted internet access

29 Nov 2024
News
Internet shutdown: stakeholders urge Ghana government to prioritise uninterrupted internet access
Joy News ↗
29 Nov 2024
Internet shutdown: stakeholders urge Ghana government to prioritise uninterrupted internet access
||
Privacy

Critical telecom infra rules come into effect in India

29 Nov 2024
News
Critical telecom infra rules come into effect in India
Hindustan Times ↗
29 Nov 2024
Critical telecom infra rules come into effect in India
STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns

Any order suspending telecom services must be public: new rule

29 Nov 2024
News
Any order suspending telecom services must be public: new rule
Hindustan Times ↗
29 Nov 2024
Any order suspending telecom services must be public: new rule
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say

28 Nov 2024
News
India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say
The Record ↗
28 Nov 2024
India’s new cyber rules for telecoms come with big privacy risks, experts say
STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns

Advocacy groups call for uninterrupted internet access ahead of December 7 polls

27 Nov 2024
News
Advocacy groups call for uninterrupted internet access ahead of December 7 polls
Ghana24 ↗
27 Nov 2024
Advocacy groups call for uninterrupted internet access ahead of December 7 polls
STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns

CSOs call on Akufo-Addo to give assurance that the internet will not be shut down on election day

27 Nov 2024
News
CSOs call on Akufo-Addo to give assurance that the internet will not be shut down on election day
GhanaWeb ↗
27 Nov 2024
CSOs call on Akufo-Addo to give assurance that the internet will not be shut down on election day
Armenia spyware victims: Pegasus hacking in war
Surveillance

Thai court dismisses activist’s closely watched lawsuit against spyware maker

25 Nov 2024
News
Thai court dismisses activist’s closely watched lawsuit against spyware maker
The Record ↗
25 Nov 2024
Thai court dismisses activist’s closely watched lawsuit against spyware maker
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules

25 Nov 2024
News
Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules
Hindustan Times ↗
25 Nov 2024
Report cybersecurity cases within 6 hrs: DoT India notifies rules
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

Commission sitting on detailed draft guidelines with prohibited AI deadline looming

21 Nov 2024
News
Commission sitting on detailed draft guidelines with prohibited AI deadline looming
Euractiv ↗
21 Nov 2024
Commission sitting on detailed draft guidelines with prohibited AI deadline looming
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Artificial Intelligence

Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele

21 Nov 2024
News
Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele
Bianet ↗
21 Nov 2024
Access Now: İsrail’in Filistin’e yönelik dijital işgaline karşı mücadele
Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic
Surveillance

Testimony from NSO Group raises questions about its culpability for spyware abuses

20 Nov 2024
News
Testimony from NSO Group raises questions about its culpability for spyware abuses
The Record ↗
20 Nov 2024
Testimony from NSO Group raises questions about its culpability for spyware abuses
MENA Cybercrime Laws
Freedom of Expression

Apple still blocking access to news apps and podcasts at Moscow’s request

20 Nov 2024
News
Apple still blocking access to news apps and podcasts at Moscow’s request
The Record ↗
20 Nov 2024
Apple still blocking access to news apps and podcasts at Moscow’s request
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Internet cuts after Mozambique’s disputed vote hit businesses

18 Nov 2024
News
Internet cuts after Mozambique’s disputed vote hit businesses
Context News ↗
18 Nov 2024
Internet cuts after Mozambique’s disputed vote hit businesses

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.

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024: when digital rights collide with digital oppression
Freedom of Expression

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024: when digital rights collide with digital oppression

December 13 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm CET

This event brings together Saudi activists, human rights organizations, and digital rights advocates to highlight the ethical concerns surrounding IGF 2024 and amplify the voices calling for the protection of human rights in digital spaces.

Event
Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024: when digital rights collide with digital oppression

December 13 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm CET

Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024: when digital rights collide with digital oppression
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of the silenced voices in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia

October 29 @ 2:00 pm 3:30 pm GMT

Event
Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of the silenced voices in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia

October 29 @ 2:00 pm 3:30 pm GMT

Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of the silenced voices in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia
FIFAfrica24

Access Now at the 11th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica

September 25 @ 9:00 am September 27 @ 6:00 pm GMT

Event
Access Now at the 11th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica

September 25 @ 9:00 am September 27 @ 6:00 pm GMT

Access Now at the 11th edition of CIPESA’s FIFAfrica
UNGA79 Event Cover Impact of Shutdowns in Sudan
Internet Shutdowns

War, famine, and satellites: Connecting the dots of the humanitarian impact of shutdowns in Sudan

September 23 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am EDT

Event
War, famine, and satellites: Connecting the dots of the humanitarian impact of shutdowns in Sudan

September 23 @ 10:00 am 11:00 am EDT

War, famine, and satellites: Connecting the dots of the humanitarian impact of shutdowns in Sudan