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.

GDPR procedural
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

Now or never: strengthen GDPR Procedural Rules to hold Big Tech accountable 

13 Feb 2025

The development of the proposed GDPR Procedural Regulation represents a missed opportunity to address enforcement challenges.

Press Release
Now or never: strengthen GDPR Procedural Rules to hold Big Tech accountable 
13 Feb 2025
Now or never: strengthen GDPR Procedural Rules to hold Big Tech accountable 
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseEgyptArabic

انتهاك الخصوصية.. على مصر تعديل مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية

12 Feb 2025

تحث المنظمات الموقعة الحكومة المصرية على ضمان امتثال مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية المقترح مؤخرا لالتزاماتها الدولية في مجال حقوق الإنسان.

Press Release
انتهاك الخصوصية.. على مصر تعديل مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
12 Feb 2025
انتهاك الخصوصية.. على مصر تعديل مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseEgypt

Privacy under attack: Egypt must reform its draft Criminal Procedure Code

12 Feb 2025

Authorities in Egypt must reject the proposed draft Criminal Procedure Code and develop a new code that aligns with international human rights standards.

Press Release
Privacy under attack: Egypt must reform its draft Criminal Procedure Code
12 Feb 2025
Privacy under attack: Egypt must reform its draft Criminal Procedure Code
Manual Del Pequeñx Vigilado Header
Surveillance
SurveillancePostLatin America & the CaribbeanSpanish

Manual del Pequeñx Vigiladx: una guía ilustrada para resistir la vigilancia

6 Feb 2025
Post
Manual del Pequeñx Vigiladx: una guía ilustrada para resistir la vigilancia
6 Feb 2025
Manual del Pequeñx Vigiladx: una guía ilustrada para resistir la vigilancia
DRC #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaFrench

#KeepItOn: les autorités doivent rétablir l’accès à Goma et dans toute la RDC

5 Feb 2025

The #KeepItOn coalition urgently demand that authorities in the DRC stop imposing internet shutdowns amid the ongoing conflict.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: les autorités doivent rétablir l’accès à Goma et dans toute la RDC
5 Feb 2025
#KeepItOn: les autorités doivent rétablir l’accès à Goma et dans toute la RDC
Access Now theme
Connectivity
ConnectivityPublicationEnglish

Holding space for human rights: improving the governance of satellite internet connectivity

5 Feb 2025

From obstructed humanitarian access to the weaponization of personal digital devices, internet connectivity is an issue that carries multiple layers of harms
— one that we are only just starting to unpack.

Publication
Holding space for human rights: improving the governance of satellite internet connectivity
5 Feb 2025
Holding space for human rights: improving the governance of satellite internet connectivity
DRC #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access in Goma and across the DRC

3 Feb 2025

The #KeepItOn coalition urgently demand that authorities in the DRC stop imposing internet shutdowns amid the ongoing conflict.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access in Goma and across the DRC
3 Feb 2025
#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access in Goma and across the DRC
Transparency Reporting Index 2025
Transparency
TransparencyPostEnglish

Ten years of tracking transparency: the Transparency Reporting Index

30 Jan 2025

We’re refreshing our Transparency Reporting Index to reflect current practices and trends, including adding reports on content governance.

Post
Ten years of tracking transparency: the Transparency Reporting Index
30 Jan 2025
Ten years of tracking transparency: the Transparency Reporting Index
Syria sanctions
Digital Divide
Digital DividePress ReleaseMiddle East & North Africa

Access Now demands U.S. lift sanctions blocking Syria’s digital recovery

30 Jan 2025

Access Now joins the American Coalition for Syria, and over 160 civil society organizations in urging the U.S. government to expand sanctions relief in Syria.

Press Release
Access Now demands U.S. lift sanctions blocking Syria’s digital recovery
30 Jan 2025
Access Now demands U.S. lift sanctions blocking Syria’s digital recovery
South Sudan #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access to social media in South Sudan and uphold human rights

24 Jan 2025

The #KeepItOn coalition demands the government of South Sudan put an immediate end to the ongoing social media shutdowns in the country.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access to social media in South Sudan and uphold human rights
24 Jan 2025
#KeepItOn: authorities must restore access to social media in South Sudan and uphold human rights
ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders put Big Tech on notice
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseIsraelEnglish

Ceasefire in Gaza: it’s time to end digital harms and deliver justice

20 Jan 2025

As physical violence appears to be coming to a halt after 15 months in Gaza, Access Now further calls for a digital ceasefire.

Press Release
Ceasefire in Gaza: it’s time to end digital harms and deliver justice
20 Jan 2025
Ceasefire in Gaza: it’s time to end digital harms and deliver justice
U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseIraq

Two years on, Balgh remains a tool of repression in Iraq

16 Jan 2025

Access Now, along with partner organizations, condemn the Iraqi authorities’ continued use of the Balgh platform to monitor online speech and curtail freedom of expression.

Press Release
Two years on, Balgh remains a tool of repression in Iraq
16 Jan 2025
Two years on, Balgh remains a tool of repression in Iraq
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPostGlobalEnglish

Tackling the “black snakes” undermining digital rights worldwide 

16 Jan 2025

As 2025 gets underway, Access Now’s new Executive Director, Alejandro Mayoral Baños, PhD, shares his reflections on the “black snakes” threatening the digital rights movement.

Post
Tackling the “black snakes” undermining digital rights worldwide 
16 Jan 2025
Tackling the “black snakes” undermining digital rights worldwide 
European Commission AI Act
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

Human rights and justice must be at the heart of the upcoming Commission guidelines on the AI Act implementation

16 Jan 2025

This statement was written by the AI Act civil society and the #ProtectNotSurveil coalitions following the EU Commission consultation on the AI Act.

Press Release
Human rights and justice must be at the heart of the upcoming Commission guidelines on the AI Act implementation
16 Jan 2025
Human rights and justice must be at the heart of the upcoming Commission guidelines on the AI Act implementation
WhatsApp v NSO case
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseGlobalEnglish

Statement on the historic decision in the WhatsApp v NSO case

13 Jan 2025

Access Now welcomes the ruling in the case of WhatsApp v NSO Group, where the U.S. District Court of Northern California found that NSO violated federal and California state hacking statutes.

Press Release
Statement on the historic decision in the WhatsApp v NSO case
13 Jan 2025
Statement on the historic decision in the WhatsApp v NSO case
Content Governance
Content GovernancePostEnglish

Platform accountability and human rights: a rule-of-law checklist

13 Jan 2025

As policymakers around the world seek to rein in Big Tech, we define the safeguards necessary to ensure rule of law and protect human rights and democracy.

Post
Platform accountability and human rights: a rule-of-law checklist
13 Jan 2025
Platform accountability and human rights: a rule-of-law checklist
Content Governance
Content GovernancePublicationEuropeEnglish

Platform accountability: a rule-of-law checklist for policymakers

13 Jan 2025

In this report, Access Now proposes a rule-of-law checklist to enable states to enact platform accountability regulations that are fit for purpose and protect human rights.

Publication
Platform accountability: a rule-of-law checklist for policymakers
13 Jan 2025
Platform accountability: a rule-of-law checklist for policymakers
Palestinian Authority
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

The Palestinian Authority must stop silencing Al Jazeera and end its attacks on press freedom

9 Jan 2025

The Palestinian Authority must reverse its decision to block Al Jazeera websites and lift the suspension of its operations in the West Bank.

Press Release
The Palestinian Authority must stop silencing Al Jazeera and end its attacks on press freedom
9 Jan 2025
The Palestinian Authority must stop silencing Al Jazeera and end its attacks on press freedom
AI
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationAsia PacificEnglish

Submission on Sri Lanka’s draft National Strategy on AI 

7 Jan 2025

With increasing development of AI applications, it’s crucial for Sri Lanka to
develop a strong foundational guide for the use of emerging technology.

Publication
Submission on Sri Lanka’s draft National Strategy on AI 
7 Jan 2025
Submission on Sri Lanka’s draft National Strategy on AI 
UK government Alaa
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseEgyptEnglish

Open letter: the UK government must act now to free Alaa

20 Dec 2024

The undersigned human rights organizations call on the UK government to take immediate action to free Alaa, and save his mother’s life.

Press Release
Open letter: the UK government must act now to free Alaa
20 Dec 2024
Open letter: the UK government must act now to free Alaa

Access Now in the news

European Commission AI Act
Artificial Intelligence

Kamery na školách porušujú práva detí, sú nebezpečné aj nelegálne, myslia si odborníci

6 Feb 2025
News
Kamery na školách porušujú práva detí, sú nebezpečné aj nelegálne, myslia si odborníci
Aktuality ↗
6 Feb 2025
Kamery na školách porušujú práva detí, sú nebezpečné aj nelegálne, myslia si odborníci
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

EU pushes ahead with enforcing AI Act despite Donald Trump warnings

6 Feb 2025
News
EU pushes ahead with enforcing AI Act despite Donald Trump warnings
Financial Times ↗
6 Feb 2025
EU pushes ahead with enforcing AI Act despite Donald Trump warnings
Mapping the risks of emerging biometric and AI technology
Artificial Intelligence

The EU’s AI bans come with big loopholes for police

6 Feb 2025
News
The EU’s AI bans come with big loopholes for police
Politico ↗
6 Feb 2025
The EU’s AI bans come with big loopholes for police
Rightscon logo 2024
Freedom of Expression

RightsCon digital rights summit to be held in Taipei for first time

6 Feb 2025
News
RightsCon digital rights summit to be held in Taipei for first time
CNA ↗
6 Feb 2025
RightsCon digital rights summit to be held in Taipei for first time
U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Surveillance

WhatsApp says a spyware company targeted journalists and civilians

3 Feb 2025
News
WhatsApp says a spyware company targeted journalists and civilians
NBC ↗
3 Feb 2025
WhatsApp says a spyware company targeted journalists and civilians
Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic
Surveillance

WhatsApp accuses Paragon of targeting about 90 users with spyware

3 Feb 2025
News
WhatsApp accuses Paragon of targeting about 90 users with spyware
The Record ↗
3 Feb 2025
WhatsApp accuses Paragon of targeting about 90 users with spyware
U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Surveillance

Dozens of WhatsApp users targeted by Israeli spyware company

3 Feb 2025
News
Dozens of WhatsApp users targeted by Israeli spyware company
The Cradle ↗
3 Feb 2025
Dozens of WhatsApp users targeted by Israeli spyware company
U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Surveillance

Meta’s WhatsApp says spyware company Paragon targeted users in two dozen countries

3 Feb 2025
News
Meta’s WhatsApp says spyware company Paragon targeted users in two dozen countries
Reuters ↗
3 Feb 2025
Meta’s WhatsApp says spyware company Paragon targeted users in two dozen countries
AI
Artificial Intelligence

Projekti ‘Smart City’ ngre kambana alarmi për survejim masiv në Shqipëri

3 Feb 2025
News
Projekti ‘Smart City’ ngre kambana alarmi për survejim masiv në Shqipëri
Report.al ↗
3 Feb 2025
Projekti ‘Smart City’ ngre kambana alarmi për survejim masiv në Shqipëri
DRC #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

South Sudan lifts social media ban

3 Feb 2025
News
South Sudan lifts social media ban
OkayAfrica ↗
3 Feb 2025
South Sudan lifts social media ban
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

EU lacks guidance on AI prohibitions, as rules start to apply

28 Jan 2025
News
EU lacks guidance on AI prohibitions, as rules start to apply
Euronews ↗
28 Jan 2025
EU lacks guidance on AI prohibitions, as rules start to apply
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Content Governance

Trump stand on online speech divides free speech ecosystem

22 Jan 2025
News
Trump stand on online speech divides free speech ecosystem
Hindu Businessline ↗
22 Jan 2025
Trump stand on online speech divides free speech ecosystem
Rightscon logo 2024

What’s new at RightsCon? And how to Free Our Feeds

20 Jan 2025
News
What’s new at RightsCon? And how to Free Our Feeds
Tech Policy Press ↗
20 Jan 2025
What’s new at RightsCon? And how to Free Our Feeds
France blocks TikTok in New Caledonia
Internet Shutdowns

What happened when other countries banned TikTok

20 Jan 2025
News
What happened when other countries banned TikTok
Washington Post ↗
20 Jan 2025
What happened when other countries banned TikTok
France blocks TikTok in New Caledonia
Internet Shutdowns

Here’s what happened when India banned TikTok in 2020

20 Jan 2025
News
Here’s what happened when India banned TikTok in 2020
TIME ↗
20 Jan 2025
Here’s what happened when India banned TikTok in 2020
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Content Governance

Metino ukidanje provjere činjenica ‘politička odluka sa stvarnim posljedicama’

20 Jan 2025
News
Metino ukidanje provjere činjenica ‘politička odluka sa stvarnim posljedicama’
Radio Free Europe ↗
20 Jan 2025
Metino ukidanje provjere činjenica ‘politička odluka sa stvarnim posljedicama’

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.

RC 25

RightsCon 2025, Taipei and online

February 24 @ 8:00 am February 27 @ 4:15 pm CST

Event
RightsCon 2025, Taipei and online

February 24 @ 8:00 am February 27 @ 4:15 pm CST

RightsCon 2025, Taipei and online
Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio, Migrar Sin Vigilancia
Surveillance

Lanzamiento del informe “Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio” de la Coalición latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia

18 December 2024 @ 9:00 am 10:30 am CST

Event
Lanzamiento del informe “Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio” de la Coalición latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia

18 December 2024 @ 9:00 am 10:30 am CST

Lanzamiento del informe “Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio” de la Coalición latinoamericana #MigrarSinVigilancia
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

13 December 2024 @ 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

13 December 2024 @ 4:00 pm 5:30 pm CET

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

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

29 October 2024 @ 2:00 pm 3:30 pm GMT

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

29 October 2024 @ 2:00 pm 3:30 pm GMT

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