Publications
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 296 internet shutdowns in 2024 — the highest number since 2016.
Rainbow-burning: how social media companies increase risks for LGBTQ+ people in Africa
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.
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 283 internet shutdowns in 2023 — the highest number since 2016.
Strengthening data protection in Africa: key issues for implementation
Access Now’s new publication on understanding the data protection framework in Africa
Who is shutting down the internet in 2023? A mid-year update
Since the beginning of 2023, governments around the world are discovering new reasons to disrupt internet access during key national moments.
መሳሪያና፣ የተጠያቂ አልባነት መሸሸጊያዎች: የበይነመረብ መዘጋት በ2022
መሳርሒ ቁፅፅርን መከላኸሊ መቅፃዕቲን: ዕፅዋ ኢንተርኔት ኣብ 2022
Armes de contrôle, boucliers de l’impunité: Coupures d’internet en 2022
Silaha za udhibiti, ngao za kutokujali: Kuzimwa kwa mtandao mnamo 2022
Joint-Submission on the Universal Periodic Review 2021 for Tanzania
Access Now and Zaina Foundation Joint Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Universal Periodic Review 39th Session Third Cycle for the United Republic of Tanzania
Joint-Submission on the Universal Periodic Review 2021 for Sudan
Access Now, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, and Gisa Group Joint-Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Universal Periodic Review 2021, Third Cycle for Sudan
Data Protection in Kenya: how is this right protected?
Our new paper turns to Kenya’s Data Protection Act to lay the groundwork for a truly rights-centric approach to data protection in Kenya.
ድምፅታት ትግራይ፣ ዝቐፀለ ዕፅዋ ኢንተርነት ስድራታት፣ ሕብረተሰብን ስራሕን ይብትን
Since the start of the Tigray conflict in November 2020, warring parties in Ethiopia have used internet and telecommunication shutdowns as a weapon to control and censor information.
Voices from Tigray: ongoing internet shutdown tearing families, communities, businesses apart
Since the start of the Tigray conflict in November 2020, warring parties in Ethiopia have used internet and telecommunication shutdowns as a weapon to control and censor information.
#KeepIton: Joint letter on Keeping the Internet Open and Secure During the Elections in Togo
Policy brief
Strengthening data protection in Africa: key issues for implementation
Access Now’s new publication on understanding the data protection framework in Africa
Towards meaningful fundamental rights impact assessments under the DSA
Why the U.N. is focusing on digital rights during humanitarian crises
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.
Policy Brief: Nine steps to protect our data and privacy in Sri Lanka
This brief breaks down the steps necessary to ensure Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Bill is a rights-respecting data protection legislation.
Reports
Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 296 internet shutdowns in 2024 — the highest number since 2016.
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
Five years for fundamental rights: Access Now’s vision for an EU digital rights agenda
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.
Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 283 internet shutdowns in 2023 — the highest number since 2016.
Comments and filings
Submission on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules
Access Now’s comments and recommendations on India’s draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.
Comments on MeitY’s report on AI governance guidelines
Access Now’s comments on the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) report on AI governance guidelines.
Oral statement at 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on ICTs
Access Now’s oral statement at the 10th Session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on information and communication technology.
Submission to the UN on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance
Access Now’s submission on the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
Oral statement at the GDC stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
Access Now’s oral statement at the stakeholder consultation on AI Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance on February 18, 2025.
Oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UNGA Third Committee
Access Now’s oral statement at the Informal Meeting of the UN General Assembly Third Committee on February 6, 2025.
Submission on Sri Lanka’s draft National Strategy on AI
With increasing development of AI applications, it’s crucial for Sri Lanka to
develop a strong foundational guide for the use of emerging technology.
Access Now’s submission on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024
Access Now recommends the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 to …
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”
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Critical Infrastructure rules
We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Cyber Security rules
We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Telecom Suspension rules
We hope the Department of Telecommunications will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.
Submission to the Indian Government on the draft Interception rules
We thank the Department of Telecommunications and hope they will undertake further public consultation after review of initial comments from all stakeholders.
Access Now’s submission on Taiwan AI Basic Law
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.
Access Now and KICTANet’s joint memorandum on Kenya’s Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 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
