Publications

Publications

Internet shutdowns typology of harm header
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPublicationMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms

11 Dec 2025

Our latest report, Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms, unpacks the serious harms that internet shutdowns inflict on civilian populations during armed conflict.

Publication
Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms
11 Dec 2025
Internet shutdowns in armed conflict: a typology of harms
Online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationGlobalEnglish

War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war

3 Dec 2025

As governments deploy propaganda for war using online ads, Access Now examines the application of international human rights law and explores digital platforms’ responsibility to respect human rights.

Publication
War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
3 Dec 2025
War profiteers: online ads and the machinery of propaganda for war
A pathway forward for digital rights by Brett Solomon
Digital Security
Digital SecurityPublicationGlobalEnglish

WSIS+20 informal consultation oral statement

31 Jul 2025
Publication
WSIS+20 informal consultation oral statement
31 Jul 2025
WSIS+20 informal consultation oral statement
A pathway forward for digital rights by Brett Solomon
Digital Security
Digital SecurityPublicationGlobalEnglish

Submission to WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations: inputs to the Elements Paper

31 Jul 2025
Publication
Submission to WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations: inputs to the Elements Paper
31 Jul 2025
Submission to WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations: inputs to the Elements Paper
A pathway forward for digital rights
Content Governance
Content GovernancePublicationAsia Pacific

Comments on June 2025 draft rules to amend Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024

24 Jul 2025
Publication
Comments on June 2025 draft rules to amend Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024
24 Jul 2025
Comments on June 2025 draft rules to amend Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationEuropeEnglish

Access Now’s submission to the consultation on the AI Act

17 Jul 2025
Publication
Access Now’s submission to the consultation on the AI Act
17 Jul 2025
Access Now’s submission to the consultation on the AI Act
Data Protection
Data ProtectionPublicationAsia Pacific

Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

11 Mar 2025

Access Now’s comments and recommendations on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.

Publication
Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
11 Mar 2025
Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationAsia Pacific

Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines

11 Mar 2025

Access Now’s comments on the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) report on AI governance guidelines.

Publication
Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines
11 Mar 2025
Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines
Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPublicationAfrica

Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024

23 Feb 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 296 internet shutdowns in 2024 — the highest number since 2016.

Publication
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
23 Feb 2025
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Connectivity
ConnectivityPublicationGlobal

Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs

21 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on information and communication technology.

Publication
Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs
21 Feb 2025
Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs
UN Global Digital Compact
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligencePublicationGlobal

Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance

20 Feb 2025

Access Now’s submission on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Publication
Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance
20 Feb 2025
Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance
UN Global Digital Compact
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPublicationGlobal

Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance

19 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance on February 18, 2025.

Publication
Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
19 Feb 2025
Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
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Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPublicationAfghanistan

Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee

18 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UN General Assembly Third Committee on February 6, 2025.

Publication
Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee
18 Feb 2025
Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee
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
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
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 

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
Access Now theme
Freedom of Expression

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

Cameroon
Internet Shutdowns

Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024

23 Feb 2025

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 296 internet shutdowns in 2024 — the highest number since 2016.

Publication
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
23 Feb 2025
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio, Migrar Sin Vigilancia
Surveillance

Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio: Un diagnóstico sobre la vigilancia, protección de datos y seguridad digital en lugares de acogida de personas migrantes en México. Basado en testimonios

18 Dec 2024
Publication
Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio: Un diagnóstico sobre la vigilancia, protección de datos y seguridad digital en lugares de acogida de personas migrantes en México. Basado en testimonios
18 Dec 2024
Privacidad en desplazamiento migratorio: Un diagnóstico sobre la vigilancia, protección de datos y seguridad digital en lugares de acogida de personas migrantes en México. Basado en testimonios
Access Now theme
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
Authorities Gabon #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

Comments and filings

Data Protection

Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

11 Mar 2025

Access Now’s comments and recommendations on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.

Publication
Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
11 Mar 2025
Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
Bodily harms: how AI and biometrics curtail human rights PR header
Artificial Intelligence

Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines

11 Mar 2025

Access Now’s comments on the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) report on AI governance guidelines.

Publication
Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines
11 Mar 2025
Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
Connectivity

Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs

21 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on information and communication technology.

Publication
Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs
21 Feb 2025
Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs
UN Global Digital Compact
Artificial Intelligence

Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance

20 Feb 2025

Access Now’s submission on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Publication
Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance
20 Feb 2025
Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance
UN Global Digital Compact
Freedom of Expression

Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance

19 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance on February 18, 2025.

Publication
Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
19 Feb 2025
Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
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Cybersecurity

Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee

18 Feb 2025

Access Now’s oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UN General Assembly Third Committee on February 6, 2025.

Publication
Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee
18 Feb 2025
Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee
AI
Artificial Intelligence

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 
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
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
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
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
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
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
مشروع قانون الإجراءات الجنائية
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