Publications

Publications

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
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
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؟
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationAsia Pacific

Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024

28 Oct 2024

Access Now recommends the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 to …

Publication
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
28 Oct 2024
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
Privacy
PrivacyPublicationEnglish

2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security

16 Oct 2024
Publication
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
16 Oct 2024
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
UN Global Digital Compact
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationGlobal

Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression’s report on “Freedom of expression in challenging times”

3 Oct 2024
Publication
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression’s report on “Freedom of expression in challenging times”
3 Oct 2024
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression’s report on “Freedom of expression in challenging times”
UN Global Digital Compact
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationGlobal

Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 

3 Oct 2024
Publication
Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 
3 Oct 2024
Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 
UN Global Digital Compact
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationGlobal

Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 

3 Oct 2024
Publication
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 
3 Oct 2024
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 
EU Human Rights Agenda
Surveillance
SurveillancePublicationEuropeEnglish

Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda

3 Oct 2024

As the EU’s new 2024-2029 mandate begins, we invite EU policymakers to join us on our mission of defending and extending digital rights of people and communities at risk around the world.

Publication
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
3 Oct 2024
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationAsia Pacific

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationAsia Pacific

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
STOP Methodology KeepItOn 2023
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPublicationAsia Pacific

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules
Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives
Surveillance
SurveillancePublicationAsia Pacific

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules

28 Sep 2024

We thank the Department of Telecommunications and hope they will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationAsia PacificEnglish

Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law

16 Sep 2024

Access Now welcomes the progressive approach taken in this current preview draft text of Taiwan’s AI Basic Law, including the importance laid on protecting human rights and the concerns of individuals and vulnerable communities.

Publication
Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law
16 Sep 2024
Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law
Kenyan government violations of rights
Protest and Online Organizing
Protest and Online OrganizingPublicationAfrica

Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024

13 Sep 2024
Publication
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
13 Sep 2024
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationLatin AmericaSpanish

Guía esencial para una ley de inteligencia artificial

21 Aug 2024
Publication
Guía esencial para una ley de inteligencia artificial
21 Aug 2024
Guía esencial para una ley de inteligencia artificial

Policy brief

Header image: data protection in Africa
Data Protection

Strengthening data protection in Africa: key issues for implementation

25 Jan 2024

Access Now’s new publication on understanding the data protection framework in Africa

Publication
Strengthening data protection in Africa: key issues for implementation
25 Jan 2024
Strengthening data protection in Africa: key issues for implementation
Content Governance

Towards meaningful fundamental rights impact assessments under the DSA

18 Sep 2023
Publication
Towards meaningful fundamental rights impact assessments under the DSA
18 Sep 2023
Towards meaningful fundamental rights impact assessments under the DSA
U.N. Joint Statement RightsCon
Content Governance

Why the U.N. is focusing on digital rights during humanitarian crises

21 Apr 2022

Digital rights violations enable and escalate offline violence, deepening humanitarian crises. Our latest brief recaps key developments at the 49th United Nations Human Rights Council, guiding delegates in next steps for advancing global norms and standards to protect digital rights. 

Publication
Why the U.N. is focusing on digital rights during humanitarian crises
21 Apr 2022
Why the U.N. is focusing on digital rights during humanitarian crises
Australia’s Privacy Act
Data Protection

Policy Brief: Nine steps to protect our data and privacy in Sri Lanka

18 Feb 2022

This brief breaks down the steps necessary to ensure Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Bill is a rights-respecting data protection legislation.

Publication
Policy Brief: Nine steps to protect our data and privacy in Sri Lanka
18 Feb 2022
Policy Brief: Nine steps to protect our data and privacy in Sri Lanka

Reports

EU Human Rights Agenda
Surveillance

Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda

3 Oct 2024

As the EU’s new 2024-2029 mandate begins, we invite EU policymakers to join us on our mission of defending and extending digital rights of people and communities at risk around the world.

Publication
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
3 Oct 2024
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
KeepItOn
Internet Shutdowns

Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023

15 May 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 283 internet shutdowns in 2023 — the highest number since 2016.

Publication
Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023
15 May 2024
Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023
YouTube approves disinformation ads in India ahead of general election
Content Governance

“Votes will not be counted”: Indian election disinformation ads and YouTube

2 Apr 2024

A new joint investigation by Access Now and Global Witness has found that YouTube is approving election disinformation ads in India ahead of the country’s general election.

Publication
“Votes will not be counted”: Indian election disinformation ads and YouTube
2 Apr 2024
“Votes will not be counted”: Indian election disinformation ads and YouTube
Cover Image: It's not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
Content Governance

It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices

19 Feb 2024

This Access Now report documented cases of how Meta censors Palestinian voices on Facebook and Instagram.

Publication
It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices
19 Feb 2024
It’s not a glitch: how Meta systematically censors Palestinian voices

Comments and filings

UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024

28 Oct 2024

Access Now recommends the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 to …

Publication
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
28 Oct 2024
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
UN Global Digital Compact
Artificial Intelligence

Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 

3 Oct 2024
Publication
Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 
3 Oct 2024
Submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity for the United Nations General Assembly 79th session report on “Artificial intelligence and international solidarity” 
UN Global Digital Compact
Freedom of Expression

Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 

3 Oct 2024
Publication
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 
3 Oct 2024
Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on climate change for UN General Assembly 79th session report on “Access to information on climate change and human rights” 
2024 Joint civil society statement on cyber and human security
Cybersecurity

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
STOP Methodology KeepItOn 2023
Internet Shutdowns

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules

28 Sep 2024

We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules
Bigger, bolder: U.S. slaps sanctions on spyware company and executives
Surveillance

Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules

28 Sep 2024

We thank the Department of Telecommunications and hope they will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.

Publication
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules
28 Sep 2024
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law

16 Sep 2024

Access Now welcomes the progressive approach taken in this current preview draft text of Taiwan’s AI Basic Law, including the importance laid on protecting human rights and the concerns of individuals and vulnerable communities.

Publication
Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law
16 Sep 2024
Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law
Kenyan government violations of rights
Protest and Online Organizing

Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024

13 Sep 2024
Publication
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
13 Sep 2024
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Access Now’s oral statement at 18th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes

12 Aug 2024
Publication
Access Now’s oral statement at 18th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes
12 Aug 2024
Access Now’s oral statement at 18th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Letter to negotiating states regarding the UN AHC Chair’s proposal on main pending provisions of proposed cybercrime convention

7 Aug 2024
Publication
Letter to negotiating states regarding the UN AHC Chair’s proposal on main pending provisions of proposed cybercrime convention
7 Aug 2024
Letter to negotiating states regarding the UN AHC Chair’s proposal on main pending provisions of proposed cybercrime convention
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Access Now’s oral statement at 14th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes

7 Aug 2024
Publication
Access Now’s oral statement at 14th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes
7 Aug 2024
Access Now’s oral statement at 14th meeting of reconvened concluding session of UN AHC to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes
Digital Competition Bill 2024
Data Protection

Submission of comments on the Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024

16 May 2024
Publication
Submission of comments on the Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024
16 May 2024
Submission of comments on the Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024
European Media Freedom Act
Content Governance

Submission on India’s draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

15 Jan 2024

Access Now raises concerns about peopleʼs fundamental rights in its submission on India’s Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.

Publication
Submission on India’s draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
15 Jan 2024
Submission on India’s draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
Global encryption day 2023
Privacy

Submission to eSafety Commissioner, Australia on the draft Online Safety Industry Standards

22 Dec 2023

Access Now recommends eSafety Office against mandating online communication services, as well as file storage and cloud services, to proactively detect content on their platforms.

Publication
Submission to eSafety Commissioner, Australia on the draft Online Safety Industry Standards
22 Dec 2023
Submission to eSafety Commissioner, Australia on the draft Online Safety Industry Standards
Australia’s Privacy Act
Data Protection

Submission on Bangladesh’s draft Data Protection Act, 2023

3 Nov 2023

Access Now and Tech Global Institute’s submission on Bangladesh’s latest draft of the Data Protection Act, 2023.

Publication
Submission on Bangladesh’s draft Data Protection Act, 2023
3 Nov 2023
Submission on Bangladesh’s draft Data Protection Act, 2023