Press Releases

Press releases

Restore access to X in Pakistan
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan

14 Mar 2024

We call for immediate action to reverse the course of digital censorship in Pakistan and unblock X.

Press Release
Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan
14 Mar 2024
Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan
Russia Internet access
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseEastern Europe & Central AsiaEnglish

Russia’s elections: internet access is fundamental

14 Mar 2024

To uphold a semblance of democracy on and after polling day, Russian authorities must ensure open and secure internet access across Russia.

Press Release
Russia’s elections: internet access is fundamental
14 Mar 2024
Russia’s elections: internet access is fundamental
Russia #KeepItOn elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseEastern Europe & Central AsiaEnglish

#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections

14 Mar 2024

During important national events, people need open, free, and secure internet access. Russia must #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections
14 Mar 2024
#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections
Privacy
PrivacyPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria

13 Mar 2024
Press Release
Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria
13 Mar 2024
Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria
Image: AI's human rights impact
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePress ReleaseEurope

The EU AI Act: a failure for human rights, a victory for industry and law enforcement

13 Mar 2024

Loopholes and exemptions: the EU has voted to adopt an AI Act that fails to protect people from harm.

Press Release
The EU AI Act: a failure for human rights, a victory for industry and law enforcement
13 Mar 2024
The EU AI Act: a failure for human rights, a victory for industry and law enforcement
Protect Not Surveil
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move

13 Mar 2024

The EU AI Act falls short in the vital area of migration, failing to prevent harm and provide protection for people on the move.

Press Release
Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move
13 Mar 2024
Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move
Global encryption day 2023
Privacy
PrivacyPress ReleaseNorth America

Children are no exception: Nevada must ensure end-to-end encryption for all

13 Mar 2024

Access Now joined an amicus brief urging the U.S. District Court to reject Nevada’s request to prevent Meta from offering end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger for people under 18 who use the service.

Press Release
Children are no exception: Nevada must ensure end-to-end encryption for all
13 Mar 2024
Children are no exception: Nevada must ensure end-to-end encryption for all
Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives

7 Mar 2024
Press Release
Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives
7 Mar 2024
Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives
Tunisian Biometric ID and Passport
Digital Identity Systems
Digital Identity SystemsPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Eight years in the making: Tunisia’s controversial Biometric ID and Passport Bills risk rights

7 Mar 2024

On March 6, the Tunisian Parliament officially adopted two controversial bills related to the Biometric ID and Passport.

Press Release
Eight years in the making: Tunisia’s controversial Biometric ID and Passport Bills risk rights
7 Mar 2024
Eight years in the making: Tunisia’s controversial Biometric ID and Passport Bills risk rights
European Media Freedom Act
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseEuropeEnglish

Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  

7 Mar 2024

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) must confirm the incompatibility of “Pay or Consent” models with fundamental rights.

Press Release
Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  
7 Mar 2024
Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  
European Media Freedom Act
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Türkiye: Big tech should protect free speech and resist state censorship

4 Mar 2024

We join ARTICLE 19, HRW, and 19 rights groups in calling on social media platforms to protect users’ free expression rights amidst increasing state censorship ahead of Türkiye’s municipal elections.

Press Release
Türkiye: Big tech should protect free speech and resist state censorship
4 Mar 2024
Türkiye: Big tech should protect free speech and resist state censorship
Data protection
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPress ReleaseNorth AmericaEnglish

Data must be protected at home and abroad: Access Now calls for legislation following U.S. Executive Order

1 Mar 2024
Press Release
Data must be protected at home and abroad: Access Now calls for legislation following U.S. Executive Order
1 Mar 2024
Data must be protected at home and abroad: Access Now calls for legislation following U.S. Executive Order
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

President Nana Akufo-Addo must reject Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill

29 Feb 2024

Access Now condemns a move from the Ghanaian parliament to pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on 28 February.

Press Release
President Nana Akufo-Addo must reject Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
29 Feb 2024
President Nana Akufo-Addo must reject Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill
U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseEgyptEnglish

More accountability: U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt

27 Feb 2024

Access Now applauds the U.S. government for blocklisting Sandvine for supplying the Egyptian government with technology that facilitated the targeting of human rights activists and politicians.

Press Release
More accountability: U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
27 Feb 2024
More accountability: U.S. blocklists Sandvine for enabling digital repression in Egypt
Reporte regional de politicas de regulacion a la IA Header
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePress ReleaseLatin AmericaSpanish

Access Now revela radiografía del panorama legislativo de la Inteligencia Artificial en América Latina

26 Feb 2024

Access Now lanza el reporte “Radiografía Normativa: ¿Dónde, qué y cómo se está regulando la inteligencia artificial en América Latina?”

Press Release
Access Now revela radiografía del panorama legislativo de la Inteligencia Artificial en América Latina
26 Feb 2024
Access Now revela radiografía del panorama legislativo de la Inteligencia Artificial en América Latina
Belarus must keep it on!
Connectivity
ConnectivityPress ReleaseBelarusEnglish

A1 Telekom Austria Group: ensure people’s access to open and secure internet during Belarusian elections

21 Feb 2024
Press Release
A1 Telekom Austria Group: ensure people’s access to open and secure internet during Belarusian elections
21 Feb 2024
A1 Telekom Austria Group: ensure people’s access to open and secure internet during Belarusian elections

Open letters

Restore access to X in Pakistan
Internet Shutdowns

Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan

14 Mar 2024

We call for immediate action to reverse the course of digital censorship in Pakistan and unblock X.

Press Release
Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan
14 Mar 2024
Civil society statement on continued network shutdowns and platform blocking in Pakistan
Russia #KeepItOn elections
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections

14 Mar 2024

During important national events, people need open, free, and secure internet access. Russia must #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections
14 Mar 2024
#KeepItOn: Russian authorities and ISPs must safeguard free, open, and secure internet access during upcoming presidential elections
Privacy

Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria

13 Mar 2024
Press Release
Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria
13 Mar 2024
Joint Statement: Urgent Call to the Nigerian Communications Commission to Protect Human Rights and Privacy in Nigeria
European Media Freedom Act
Data Protection

Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  

7 Mar 2024

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) must confirm the incompatibility of “Pay or Consent” models with fundamental rights.

Press Release
Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  
7 Mar 2024
Open letter to the European Data Protection Board: Oppose “Pay or Consent models”  

Statements

Protect Not Surveil
Artificial Intelligence

Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move

13 Mar 2024

The EU AI Act falls short in the vital area of migration, failing to prevent harm and provide protection for people on the move.

Press Release
Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move
13 Mar 2024
Joint statement – A dangerous precedent: how the EU AI Act fails migrants and people on the move
India fake news
Freedom of Expression

المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء

9 Feb 2024

تنضم أكساس ناو إلى 46 منظمة مجتمع مدني في إعلان يهدف إلى دعم الحفاظ على المرسوم رقم 88 الخاص بتنظيم الجمعيات.

Press Release
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
9 Feb 2024
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
#KeepItOn during elections
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 

9 Feb 2024

The warring parties in Sudan must immediately end the disruption of internet access across the country and #KeepItOn!

Press Release
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
9 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

7 Feb 2024

The UN cybercrime treaty draft poses substantial risks to global cybersecurity and good faith cybersecurity researchers.

Press Release
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
7 Feb 2024
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Myanmar's digital dictatorship
Connectivity

A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship

31 Jan 2024

Access Now and a coalition of human rights organizations call on the international and business community to resist the digital coup in Myanmar.

Press Release
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
31 Jan 2024
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
Freedom of Expression

Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday

19 Jan 2024

Access Now and partners demand his release demand the release of Saudi pediatrician Osama Khaled, who celebrates today his 30th birthday behind bars.

Press Release
Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday
19 Jan 2024
Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday
Freedom of Expression

المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين

19 Jan 2024

تطالب أكساس ناو ومنظمات من المجتكع المدني بإطلاق سراح أسامة خالد، الذي يحتفل اليوم بعيد ميلاده الثلاثين وهو خلف القضبان.

Press Release
المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين
19 Jan 2024
المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين
The EU must hold VLOPs accountable
Freedom of Expression

EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act

18 Jan 2024

Access Now and ARTICLE 19 welcome EU Commissioner Thierry Breton’s reassurance that the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) framework will fully respect fundamental rights.

Press Release
EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act
18 Jan 2024
EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act
Protest and human rights
Freedom of Expression

Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE

27 Dec 2023

Access Now joins 40+ organizations in condemning new prosecutions by UAE authorities against over 80 Emiratis, including human rights defenders, accused of supporting a “terrorist organization.”

Press Release
Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE
27 Dec 2023
Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE
surveillance tech at the EU borders
Surveillance

Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall

4 Dec 2023

Civil society is calling for an end to the expansion of EURODAC, the EU database for the registration of asxylum-seekers. EURODAC is being transformed into an expansive, violent surveillance tool that will treat people seeking protection as crime suspects.

Press Release
Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall
4 Dec 2023
Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم

23 Oct 2023

نحن، مجموعة من مؤسسات المجتمع المدني ومنظمات حقوق الإنسان الرقمية، ننضم إلى الدعوة المفتوحة للوقف الفوري لإطلاق النار في غزة.

Press Release
دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم
23 Oct 2023
دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo

20 Oct 2023

We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.

Press Release
Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo
20 Oct 2023
Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally

20 Oct 2023

We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.

Press Release
Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally
20 Oct 2023
Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally
Restore Telecoms and Internet Connectivity in Gaza Now!
Internet Shutdowns

منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!

20 Oct 2023

يدين تحالف الحقوق الرقمية في المنطقة العربية وغيره من منظمات المجتمع المدني بأشدّ العبارات استهداف إسرائيل لوسائل الاتصال والوصول إلى المعلومات في غزّة.

Press Release
منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!
20 Oct 2023
منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!
Regulating digital platforms
Freedom of Expression

Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis

16 Oct 2023

Together with human rights and civil society organisations, we call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights.

Press Release
Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis
16 Oct 2023
Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis
Regulating digital platforms
Freedom of Expression

منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات

16 Oct 2023

تطالب منظمات المجتمع المدني شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات

Press Release
منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات
16 Oct 2023
منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات