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Peter Micek, Esq.

General Counsel

Peter Micek is General Counsel and UN Policy Manager at Access Now, based in New York City. Peter Micek leads the Legal arm, managing risk to global programming and operations, closely with the organization's Digital Security Helpline, Grants, and RightsCon teams. The Legal arm engages in strategic litigation and bolsters legal support for civic space online and civil society actors globally. As UN Policy Manager, Peter advances international norms and law on digital rights, including on privacy and spyware, censorship and internet shutdowns, and digital identity programs. Peter is also Lecturer at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) on internet governance and public policy in the digital age, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Univ. of Oklahoma College of Law’s Center for International Business and Human Rights, and formerly the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Cybersecurity. A lawyer by training, Peter completed a JD cum laude at the University of San Francisco School of Law, and in 2010 published "A Genealogy of Home Visits," critiquing surveillance of at-risk communities. As a law student, Peter defended independent journalists and engaged in Freedom of Information litigation at First Amendment Project. Peter studied political science and journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He is licensed by the state bars of California and New York, and has no cats.
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Pandemics, protests, and power in digital spaces: the 44th U.N. Human Rights Council Session in review

26 Aug 2020

In the context of COVID-19 and a wave of protests across the globe, the U.N. Human Rights Council held its 44th session. Here’s our read-out on the reports and resolutions that are key for defending digital rights around the world.

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Pandemics, protests, and power in digital spaces: the 44th U.N. Human Rights Council Session in review
26 Aug 2020
Pandemics, protests, and power in digital spaces: the 44th U.N. Human Rights Council Session in review
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Belarusian election tainted by internet shutdown and state-sponsored violence

13 Aug 2020

Access Now calls on the United Nations and the government of Belarus to protect the human rights of the Belarusian people in light of the internet shutdown and associated attacks.

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Belarusian election tainted by internet shutdown and state-sponsored violence
13 Aug 2020
Belarusian election tainted by internet shutdown and state-sponsored violence
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COVID-19 & the right to protest: pressing issues at the 44th Human Rights Council

30 Jun 2020

As the 44th session of the Human Rights Council kicks off amid a pandemic and mass protests, we’re closely monitoring action on the issues impacting digital rights globally.

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COVID-19 & the right to protest: pressing issues at the 44th Human Rights Council
30 Jun 2020
COVID-19 & the right to protest: pressing issues at the 44th Human Rights Council
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ECOWAS Court upholds digital rights, rules 2017 internet shutdowns in Togo illegal

25 Jun 2020

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice ruled that the September 2017 internet shutdown ordered by the Togolese government during protests is illegal and an affront to the applicants’ right to freedom of expression.

Press Release
ECOWAS Court upholds digital rights, rules 2017 internet shutdowns in Togo illegal
25 Jun 2020
ECOWAS Court upholds digital rights, rules 2017 internet shutdowns in Togo illegal
Digital rights

New U.N. “Roadmap” on tech: only useful if we drive “digital cooperation” forward

23 Jun 2020

What role can the United Nations play in shaping the future of digital rights? A new Roadmap for Digital Cooperation aims to galvanize efforts to “connect, respect, and protect people in the digital age.” Will it work?

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New U.N. “Roadmap” on tech: only useful if we drive “digital cooperation” forward
23 Jun 2020
New U.N. “Roadmap” on tech: only useful if we drive “digital cooperation” forward
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U.N. refugee agency: internet access key to COVID-19 response

18 May 2020

Access Now is engaging with the UNHCR to support refugees deliberately disconnected from the internet as COVID-19 continues to spread.

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U.N. refugee agency: internet access key to COVID-19 response
18 May 2020
U.N. refugee agency: internet access key to COVID-19 response

Starting from the top: governance matters for human rights, as GNI assessment report shows

14 May 2020

The new Global Network Initiative public assessment report underscores the need for better corporate governance to meet human rights standards.

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Starting from the top: governance matters for human rights, as GNI assessment report shows
14 May 2020
Starting from the top: governance matters for human rights, as GNI assessment report shows
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Indonesians seek justice after internet shutdown

13 May 2020

Access Now filed a “friend of the court” brief in support of a legal case challenging the 2019 internet shutdowns in the Papua and West Papua provinces of Indonesia.

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Indonesians seek justice after internet shutdown
13 May 2020
Indonesians seek justice after internet shutdown

ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg

1 May 2020

We’ve said from the start that .ORG needs a nonprofit owner and mission-based leadership. This boost from the ICANN Board gives us a chance to openly develop a better future for our online home.

Press Release
ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg
1 May 2020
ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg
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U.N. backs down on partnership with Tencent

21 Apr 2020

Access Now and international partners are urging the United Nations to make partnerships like the one with Tencent transparent and undertake due diligence to assess the human rights impact and put necessary protections in place.

Press Release
U.N. backs down on partnership with Tencent
21 Apr 2020
U.N. backs down on partnership with Tencent