Tag: MENA

Internet shutdowns in MENA in 2022: continued abuses and impunity
In 2022, authorities across the Middle East and North Africa shutdown the internet 37 times — with Iran hitting the kill switch a staggering 18 times.

A new blow to freedom of expression in Tunisia
Tunisia’s Decree law 54 is supposed to fight cybercrime. Instead, it threatens freedom of expression and undermines democratic principles.

Tunisia’s government must open the Mobile ID black box
Tunisia’s Mobile ID program is opaque and risks undermining users’ data protection and privacy. The government must share details of the program to foster trust and transparency.

Courts must #KeepItOn to protect the right to education
Governments cite administration of education as a rationale for internet shutdowns during exams. Here’s why shutdowns are never compatible with the right to education.

Empty promises: more internet shutdowns during exams in MENA
As students in MENA sit down for national exams, governments cut off the internet and implement shutdowns. Here’s what happened in 2022.

Shutdown impact stories: how internet shutdowns affect women in Iran
Women in Iran face huge legal and social obstacles to gaining financial independence. Internet shutdowns exacerbate their struggles.

Dictators in Egypt and Saudi Arabia love smart cities projects — here’s why
Here’s why “smart” cities projects are really surveillance projects — a dangerous tool for dictators.

Unsafe anywhere: attacked by Pegasus, women activists speak out
Front Line Defenders and Access Now’s new report, “Unsafe anywhere: women human rights defenders speak out about Pegasus attacks,” unpacks the first-hand experiences of women navigating an increasingly hostile and dangerous environment.

Unsafe anywhere: women human rights defenders speak out about Pegasus attacks
Access Now and Front Line Defenders reveal the hacking of two women human rights defenders from Bahrain and Jordan using Pegasus spyware.
