Access Now
@accessnow
We defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk 🌎.
At #WSIS2026, our Senior Humanitarian Officer, @giuliowolfe.bsky.social, joined fellow experts to explore how digital governance, public-interest journalism, and human rights can strengthen information ecosystems in times of crisis. Photo credit: ©ITU/Pierre Albouy
For many LGBTQ+ people, the internet is a vital space to find information and community. But more than ever, queer communities face considerable risks online. Join us for a conversation on the digital risks facing LGBTQ+ communities. ⬇️ buff.ly/HtHv5ll
On day one of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, together with Global Partners Digital, we hosted a conversation about the cybersecurity risks posed by LLMs and agentic AI, and what kind of rights-based alternatives we need. A huge thank you to our outstanding speakers!
Safeguard civic space tomorrow. Fight for digital rights today. Donate now ▶️ accessnow.org/donate
AI is changing cybersecurity. Who's protecting our rights? Join Access Now and Global Partners Digital's side event at the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance to unpack the cybersecurity risks of LLMs — and the rights-based solutions we need. July 6, 13:30 (CEST) Read: www.un.org/global-dialo...
Join @giuliowolfe.bsky.social and experts from UNESCO, the University of Melbourne, and the Digital Security Lab Ukraine at #WSIS2026 to discuss how to strengthen information ecosystems through digital governance during crises. – July 7 | 14:00 CEST Learn more ▶️ www.itu.int/net4/wsis/fo...
The World Cup brings countries together and some of them share more than a spot. In 2025, some nations competed in another race: shutting down the internet. Find out more about internet shutdowns in our report: www.accessnow.org/internet-shu...
Pride is about being yourself and celebrating community, online and offline. But spaces aren’t always safe. 🏳️🌈 Here are a few simple tips to help protect your accounts and your privacy and defend your digital rights. 🔽
Surveillance is expanding. Civic space is shrinking. Internet shutdowns are enduring. But together, we can push back. Safeguard civic space tomorrow, fight for digital rights today! Fund the good fight — donate today ▶️http://accessnow.org/donate
From Azerbaijan to Zambia, the fight for digital rights is global. Donate now ▶️ accessnow.org/donate
Las elecciones de Perú también se deciden en tu pantalla. Los algoritmos usan tus datos personales para segmentar desinformación e influir en las decisiones electorales. Proteger tu privacidad es clave para defender la democracia. Lee más: www.accessnow.org/publication/...
The Human Rights Tech Clinic connects you with global experts to help address evolving digital security and accessibility needs. Visit our booth at #DRAPAC26 for a consultation! June 8 | 11:30 AM–5:30 PM June 9 | 10 AM–4 PM Coordinated by Access Now, Digital Defenders Partnership & Decent Design.
Today, we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia — a global moment of solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, and resistance against hate, discrimination, and violence. #IDAHOBIT
Technology can amplify risks for civil society in the context of war and conflict — but centering digital rights can also enhance humanitarian and protection responses. Join our Digital Security Helpline’s webinar on May 19 to learn more 🔽 www.accessnow.org/event/digita...
Gov’ts continue to shut down the internet during school exams, claiming it prevents cheating. There’s no evidence it works. But there’s clear evidence it violates rights + cuts people off from essential services. Here’s what’s on our watch list for 2026 🔽 www.accessnow.org/campaign/no-...
7 days to go until #RightsCon2026! Across Africa, our partners are taking action — from resisting internet shutdowns and election surveillance to advancing safer data practices. Here are a few must-attend sessions to add to your calendar: rightscon.summit.tc/t/rightscon-...
Network control is increasingly shaping how connectivity is governed, disrupted, and experienced across Africa and beyond. Felicia Anthonio is joining SplinterCon to explore shutdowns, network control tech, and resilience efforts across the region. splintercon.net/events/right...
In Nigeria, overbroad provisions in the Cybercrimes Act continue to be used to target journalists, civil society + online expression. Join our webinar tomorrow to unpack the law, ongoing legal challenges + how to report on it through a human rights lens. 🔽 www.accessnow.org/event/advanc...
Espionage enables repression! In collaboration with Lookout + @smex.org, our Digital Security Helpline exposes a hack-for-hire phishing campaign targeting journalists and dissidents in the MENA region. Here’s what we found, and what it means for civil society 🧵
The fight is growing. So is the response. Many international organizations and diplomatic bodies pushed back against shutdowns in 2025. And we won't rest until all actors stop deliberately disrupting networks. Read the full report ▶️ www.accessnow.org/internet-shu...
Communities are fighting back! In Tanzania, thousands were shot in the streets under cover of a complete internet blackout. It was not enough to silence resistance.
Some governments have made shutdowns a habit. We saw: Myanmar: 95 shutdowns India: 65 shutdowns Pakistan: 20 shutdowns Tanzania: 8 shutdowns 🧵 ⬇️
When the internet goes dark, atrocities follow. We documented: 125 conflict-related shutdowns across 14 countries 70 shutdowns that coincided with murder, torture, or apparent war crimes in 21 countries 🧵
By the numbers… Not a single day of 2025 passed without at least one internet shutdown: -313 shutdowns documented in 2025 -52 countries affected =100 countries have experienced a shutdown since 2016 When 2026 started, 75 of those shutdowns were still ongoing. 🌎🧵
NEW | 2025 was a record year for internet shutdowns — 313 times. Authorities imposed shutdowns to control information and restrict access. The #KeepItOn coalition spent last year documenting shutdowns across the world. These are the findings ⬇️ 🧵
Every year, authorities cut more people around the world off from the internet. Next week we’ll release our new report: “Rising repression meets global resistance: Internet shutdowns in 2025.” Visit our website for more: www.accessnow.org/campaign/kee...
3 - Our General Counsel Peter Micek joins experts from Google & Columbia-SIPA to explore how cybersecurity shapes human rights outcomes for defenders, journalists & marginalized communities. Mon, Mar 17 | 10:00–11:00AM CT | Hilton Austin Downtown schedule.sxsw.com/2026/events/...
2- Mentor Session with Luis Eduardo Marquez Garrido Working in nonprofits, funding, or policy? Book a one-on-one with Luis! Highly recommended for those at the intersection of civil society and tech. Sat, Mar 15 | 10:00–11:15AM CT | Hilton Austin Downtown schedule.sxsw.com/2026/events/...
1 - Our Co-Executive Director Alejandro Mayoral Baños will lead a core conversation on funding shortfalls, Big Tech consolidation, data colonialism & energy-demanding technologies. @VitaActivaOrg Fri, Mar 14 | 10:00–11:00AM CT | Hilton Austin Downtown schedule.sxsw.com/2026/events/...