Press Releases

Press releases

If you would like to arrange an interview with one of our Access Now experts, have a question, or are interested in further information on any of our areas of focus, please contact press [at] accessnow [dot] org.

#KeepItOn Annobón Shutdown Stories
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaSpanish

La coalición #KeepItOn intensifica su campaña para detener el apagón de internet que sufre Annobón

3 Jul 2025

Access Now y la coalición #KeepItOn han lanzado hoy una campaña para movilizar el apoyo internacional y exigir el fin del actual apagón de internet en Annobón, una provincia insular de Guinea Ecuatorial.

Press Release
La coalición #KeepItOn intensifica su campaña para detener el apagón de internet que sufre Annobón
3 Jul 2025
La coalición #KeepItOn intensifica su campaña para detener el apagón de internet que sufre Annobón
#KeepItOn Annobón Shutdown Stories
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn coalition ramps up campaign to end prolonged shutdown in Annobón

3 Jul 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have today launched a campaign to galvanize international support in demanding an end to the ongoing internet shutdown in Annobón, an island province of Equatorial Guinea.

Press Release
#KeepItOn coalition ramps up campaign to end prolonged shutdown in Annobón
3 Jul 2025
#KeepItOn coalition ramps up campaign to end prolonged shutdown in Annobón
NSO
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEurope

Paragon: stop spyware abuse and deliver justice to victims

19 Jun 2025
Press Release
Paragon: stop spyware abuse and deliver justice to victims
19 Jun 2025
Paragon: stop spyware abuse and deliver justice to victims
Armenia spyware victims: Pegasus hacking in war
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

No normalising spyware: Italy admits use, but not the full extent

6 Jun 2025
Press Release
No normalising spyware: Italy admits use, but not the full extent
6 Jun 2025
No normalising spyware: Italy admits use, but not the full extent
Ceasefire in Gaza
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine

22 May 2025

Human rights NGOs and academics condemn efforts to muzzle discussion of the genocide in Gaza at the 2025 CPDP conference in Brussels.

Press Release
CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine
22 May 2025
CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine
Regulating digital platforms
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseLatin AmericaEnglish

Civil society warns of human rights risks in Mexico’s telecom reform

21 May 2025
Press Release
Civil society warns of human rights risks in Mexico’s telecom reform
21 May 2025
Civil society warns of human rights risks in Mexico’s telecom reform
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseLatin AmericaSpanish

Organizaciones alertan por riesgos a derechos humanos en reforma de telecomunicaciones en México

21 May 2025
Press Release
Organizaciones alertan por riesgos a derechos humanos en reforma de telecomunicaciones en México
21 May 2025
Organizaciones alertan por riesgos a derechos humanos en reforma de telecomunicaciones en México
keep it on graphic
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

#KeepItOn in Tanzania: President Suluhu’s government must restore access to X now

21 May 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition unequivocally condemn the blocking of X in Tanzania that started on May 20, 2025. Technical data recorded by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) measurement community shows that the blocking is underway, impacting several mobile networks.

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Tanzania: President Suluhu’s government must restore access to X now
21 May 2025
#KeepItOn in Tanzania: President Suluhu’s government must restore access to X now
a web of connected eyes on a purple and blue background
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEurope

LIBE vote on Europol reform blow to the Commission, but still legitimises an expanding surveillance regime

21 May 2025
Press Release
LIBE vote on Europol reform blow to the Commission, but still legitimises an expanding surveillance regime
21 May 2025
LIBE vote on Europol reform blow to the Commission, but still legitimises an expanding surveillance regime
NSO
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEnglish

NSO to pay $168 million in damages to WhatsApp for Pegasus spyware hacking 

6 May 2025
Press Release
NSO to pay $168 million in damages to WhatsApp for Pegasus spyware hacking 
6 May 2025
NSO to pay $168 million in damages to WhatsApp for Pegasus spyware hacking 
elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

Gabonese authorities must ensure internet access throughout upcoming elections

8 Apr 2025

Authorities in Gabon must ensure unfettered access to the internet throughout the upcoming elections in the country on April 12, 2025.

Press Release
Gabonese authorities must ensure internet access throughout upcoming elections
8 Apr 2025
Gabonese authorities must ensure internet access throughout upcoming elections
elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaFrench

Les autorités gabonaises doivent garantir un accès internet libre et sécurisé pendant les élections

8 Apr 2025

Authorities in Gabon must ensure unfettered access to the internet throughout the upcoming elections in the country on April 12, 2025.

Press Release
Les autorités gabonaises doivent garantir un accès internet libre et sécurisé pendant les élections
8 Apr 2025
Les autorités gabonaises doivent garantir un accès internet libre et sécurisé pendant les élections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfrica

The worst year in shutdowns: a blow to democracy and human rights in Africa

23 Feb 2025
Press Release
The worst year in shutdowns: a blow to democracy and human rights in Africa
23 Feb 2025
The worst year in shutdowns: a blow to democracy and human rights in Africa
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfghanistan

Worst year for internet shutdowns: Asia Pacific tops the 2024 shame list

23 Feb 2025
Press Release
Worst year for internet shutdowns: Asia Pacific tops the 2024 shame list
23 Feb 2025
Worst year for internet shutdowns: Asia Pacific tops the 2024 shame list
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAlgeria

Digital violence in MENA: impunity and internet shutdowns in 2024

23 Feb 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report reveals that 41 shutdowns were imposed in 17 countries across the MENA region in 2024.

Press Release
Digital violence in MENA: impunity and internet shutdowns in 2024
23 Feb 2025
Digital violence in MENA: impunity and internet shutdowns in 2024
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia PacificHindi

2024 में किये गए रिकॉर्ड तोड़ इंटरनेट शटडाउन: अधिकारों के हनन में एशिया प्रशांत सबसे आगे

23 Feb 2025

एक्सेस नाउ और #KeepItOn गठबंधन की नई रिपोर्ट ने पाया की पिछले नौ सालों के रिकॉर्ड में, 2024 इंटरनेट शटडाउन के लिए सबसे खराब साल रहा।

Press Release
2024 में किये गए रिकॉर्ड तोड़ इंटरनेट शटडाउन: अधिकारों के हनन में एशिया प्रशांत सबसे आगे
23 Feb 2025
2024 में किये गए रिकॉर्ड तोड़ इंटरनेट शटडाउन: अधिकारों के हनन में एशिया प्रशांत सबसे आगे

Open letters

#KeepItOn Annobón Shutdown Stories
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn pide a la Comisión Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos que ayude a poner fin al apagón de internet en Annóbon

3 Jul 2025

Nos dirigimos a usted, Comisionada Topsy-Sonoo, a la Comisión Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos, y a los Estados parte de la Carta Africana, para que condenen las violaciones de derechos humanos cometidas por el gobierno de Guinea Ecuatorial, denuncien el prolongado apagón, y contribuyan a restablecer el acceso al internet en Annobón.

Press Release
#KeepItOn pide a la Comisión Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos que ayude a poner fin al apagón de internet en Annóbon
3 Jul 2025
#KeepItOn pide a la Comisión Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos que ayude a poner fin al apagón de internet en Annóbon
#KeepItOn Annobón Shutdown Stories
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn call on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to help end the shutdown in Annobón

3 Jul 2025

We are petitioning you, Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and individual state signatories to the African Charter to condemn the Equatorial Guinea government’s human rights violations, the prolonged shutdown, and to help reestablish internet access in Annobón.  

Press Release
#KeepItOn call on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to help end the shutdown in Annobón
3 Jul 2025
#KeepItOn call on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to help end the shutdown in Annobón
Israel’s Adequacy
Data Protection

One year later: NGOs renew pressure over EU-Israel data adequacy

24 Jun 2025

EU urged to reconsider Israel’s data adequacy due to new laws, human rights violations in Gaza, and failure to meet GDPR and CJEU standards.

Press Release
One year later: NGOs renew pressure over EU-Israel data adequacy
24 Jun 2025
One year later: NGOs renew pressure over EU-Israel data adequacy
Israel Gaza
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn:イスラエルはガザの国際社会からの遮断をやめよ

22 Jun 2025

私たちは、イスラエル当局とすべての関係者に対し、ガザにおけるインターネットと通信サービスへの完全なアクセスを回復するよう求める。

Press Release
#KeepItOn:イスラエルはガザの国際社会からの遮断をやめよ
22 Jun 2025
#KeepItOn:イスラエルはガザの国際社会からの遮断をやめよ

Statements

Togo elections internet access
Internet Shutdowns

Joint statement on protecting human rights online and preventing internet shutdowns in times of armed conflict

27 Jun 2025
Press Release
Joint statement on protecting human rights online and preventing internet shutdowns in times of armed conflict
27 Jun 2025
Joint statement on protecting human rights online and preventing internet shutdowns in times of armed conflict
Mozambique #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Kenya must obey court orders and #KeepItOn during protests

26 Jun 2025

We demand that Kenyan authorities uphold human rights, restore full internet access, and refrain from imposing any future shutdowns in the country.

Press Release
Kenya must obey court orders and #KeepItOn during protests
26 Jun 2025
Kenya must obey court orders and #KeepItOn during protests
Togo elections internet access
Internet Shutdowns

Panamá debe restablecer el acceso a Internet y telefonía móvil en Bocas del Toro de forma inmediata

26 Jun 2025
Press Release
Panamá debe restablecer el acceso a Internet y telefonía móvil en Bocas del Toro de forma inmediata
26 Jun 2025
Panamá debe restablecer el acceso a Internet y telefonía móvil en Bocas del Toro de forma inmediata
Freedom of expression
Freedom of Expression

Bahrain: halt repressive amendments to the press law

25 Jun 2025

Access Now calls on Bahrain’s Shura Council to reject the government’s proposed amendments to the Law on Press, Printing, and Publishing.

Press Release
Bahrain: halt repressive amendments to the press law
25 Jun 2025
Bahrain: halt repressive amendments to the press law
Protect Not Surveil Socials
Surveillance

The EU must stop the digitalisation of the deportation regime and withdraw the new Return Regulation

18 Jun 2025

On March 11, 2025, the European Commission published a new legislative proposal for a ‘Return Regulation’ which is set to expand the detention and deportation of migrant people, including children, in the EU.

Press Release
The EU must stop the digitalisation of the deportation regime and withdraw the new Return Regulation
18 Jun 2025
The EU must stop the digitalisation of the deportation regime and withdraw the new Return Regulation
Freedom of expression
Freedom of Expression

Authorities in Jordan must lift ban on news sites

23 May 2025

All stakeholders need to work together to find long-term solutions to complex societal issues, which are based on scientific evidence, and are respectful of rights.

Press Release
Authorities in Jordan must lift ban on news sites
23 May 2025
Authorities in Jordan must lift ban on news sites
Ceasefire in Gaza
Freedom of Expression

CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine

22 May 2025

Human rights NGOs and academics condemn efforts to muzzle discussion of the genocide in Gaza at the 2025 CPDP conference in Brussels.

Press Release
CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine
22 May 2025
CPDP must resist pressure to muzzle discussions on Palestine
Digital censorship
Content Governance

Access Now statement on digital censorship amid India–Pakistan conflict

9 May 2025

We are alarmed by executive orders issued by the Indian government restricting access to an alarming spectrum of online content, including requiring social media platform X to block access to over 8,000 accounts, including those belonging to journalists, human rights organisations, and independent media outlets.

Press Release
Access Now statement on digital censorship amid India–Pakistan conflict
9 May 2025
Access Now statement on digital censorship amid India–Pakistan conflict
Freedom of Expression

All democratic forces must act for a strong and independent civil society

7 Apr 2025

We call on all democratic forces to oppose disinformation around
the role of civil society organizations to protect the unique role in European
democracy.

Press Release
All democratic forces must act for a strong and independent civil society
7 Apr 2025
All democratic forces must act for a strong and independent civil society
UN Global Digital Compact
Connectivity

Joint statement: five-point plan for an inclusive WSIS+20 review

29 Mar 2025
Press Release
Joint statement: five-point plan for an inclusive WSIS+20 review
29 Mar 2025
Joint statement: five-point plan for an inclusive WSIS+20 review
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Freedom of Expression

Our rights are at stake: it’s time to reclaim freedom of expression

21 Feb 2025

Given the escalating use of free speech claims as a shield for inciting hatred and violence, it is more urgent than ever to reaffirm what freedom of expression truly stands for.

Press Release
Our rights are at stake: it’s time to reclaim freedom of expression
21 Feb 2025
Our rights are at stake: it’s time to reclaim freedom of expression
AI Action Summit
Artificial Intelligence

AI Action Summit: a missed opportunity for human-rights centered AI governance 

14 Feb 2025

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

Press Release
AI Action Summit: a missed opportunity for human-rights centered AI governance 
14 Feb 2025
AI Action Summit: a missed opportunity for human-rights centered AI governance 
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Cybersecurity

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
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Cybersecurity

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
Authorities Gabon #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

#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
Authorities Gabon #KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

#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