mastodon 4.8.0-nightly.2026-10-06We defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk 🌎
Reminder: Iran has been offline since Feb 28, when U.S. + Israeli strikes began.
Not a glitch.
When bombs fell, Iranian authorities pulled the plug, leaving millions with no internet, no visibility, no calls for help, no accountability.
End the shutdown. #KeepItOn
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/iran-connect-the-population-statement/
Across conflict zones, internet shutdowns are used as a tactic of war.
Based on testimonies from Gaza and Sudan, our new report shows how shutdowns inflict psychological, economic, political, and societal damage.
Read the report: https://www.accessnow.org/internet-shutdowns-typology-of-harms/
Today on Human Rights Day, we’re reminded that the struggle for human rights now extends into the digital world.
Protecting digital rights is part of protecting each other — and building a future where everyone can live, speak, and participate with freedom and dignity!
Iran's near-total internet shutdown has been ongoing since February 28.
Connectivity dropped 98%+ after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, triggering further escalation across the region. The reported death toll has surpassed 1,000 people, while millions remain cut off from the internet, for the second time this year, at a moment when access to communications and reliable information is most critical.
Access Now is heading to #SXSW2026! 🎉
We're proud to be featured in three sessions, bringing our work on digital rights and cybersecurity to one of the world's premier stages for technology and culture.
Here's where to find us 🔽 🧵
NEW | Hundreds of companies are pitching shady surveillance tech to EU migration agencies through industry events that evade lobbying transparency rules.
See the 450+ companies involved ⬇️
https://www.accessnow.org/companies-powering-eu-war-on-migrants/
Digital attacks on civil society are growing more sophisticated — and we need to face them together.
Tomorrow, March 10 at 9 AM ET / 2 PM CET, join us for the launch of "Safe and Strong", a new webinar series on digital resilience.
Our first session tackles spear phishing — highly targeted attacks that can fool even experienced professionals, putting journalists, activists, and civil society organizations at risk.
Register: accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
How can you detect spear-phishing attacks before it’s too late?
Join the first webinar of our new series, “Safe and Strong,” on March 10, which will cover new trends and share practical tips for civil society to raise its defenses.
Register here:
accessnow.org/digital-security-webinars
Iran has been cut off from the internet as people take to the streets.
At least 34 protesters have been killed and 2,200 arrested. Internet shutdowns violate rights, hide abuses + silence dissent
Authorities must reconnect Iran’s people NOW. #KeepItOn
Arzu Geybulla didn't just study repression — she lived it. Grew up under it. Is targeted by it. And has spent more than a decade in exile because of it.
In our latest blog, our new Co-Executive Director reflects on her path leading her to Access Now.
Read about Arzu’s journey: https://www.accessnow.org/fighting-for-fragile-freedoms-online-and-off/
5 years after the coup, Myanmar's junta continues to systematically oppress its people — mass arrests, killings, internet shutdowns, and crushed civic space online and offline.
Now they want legitimacy through military-controlled elections.
Access Now's Wai Phyo Mint & Darika Bamrungchok write for Tech Policy Press.
https://www.techpolicy.press/five-years-after-coup-myanmars-digital-authoritarianism-enters-new-phase/
Espionage enabling repression? The latest investigation by our Digital Security Helpline shows how it’s happening!
In collaboration with Lookout and SMEX, we expose a hack-for-hire phishing campaign targeting journalists and government critics in the MENA region. Just one person’s account being compromised can put their entire network, including colleagues, sources, and family members, at risk.
Read the full report, and learn how to protect yourself:
https://www.accessnow.org/mena-phishing-2026/
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 ⬇️ 🧵
As conflicts intensify, so does the use of digital platforms to spread war propaganda, often with little accountability.
In this session of @7amleh@mastodon.social’s PDAF, Aymen Zaghdoudi, our MENA Senior Policy Counsel, will explore with partners how to move toward a coordinated, human rights-based response to digital war propaganda, and whether a global framework inspired by the “Rabat Plan of Action” could help guide policy, platform governance, and accountability.
AI is increasingly shaping humanitarian work — but sometimes organizations might not even be aware of it.
Our new report examines how algorithmic systems are quietly entering the humanitarian tech stack through existing digital platforms and services.
Read: https://www.accessnow.org/ai-infiltrating-humanitarian-aid/
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: https://www.accessnow.org/campaign/keepiton/
We’re proud to announce that we’ve joined the Stop Killer Robots (@StopKillerRobots) coalition, a global network of 300+ organisations across 70+ countries working to ensure machines aren’t entrusted with life or death decisions. 🤖🎉
https://stopkillerrobots.org/a-global-push/member-organisations/
Going to #RightsCon2026? Be the first to get the latest updates.
Join our new RightsCon WhatsApp Channel for updates, tips, and tricks to help you make the most of the event — from important announcements to on-the-ground info. 🔽
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7x76VK0IBqOe5DZZ0U
The winner of the Privacy and Human Rights Award has been chosen!
#RightsCon2026 marks the second edition of the Privacy and Human Rights Award, presented in partnership with the Global Privacy Assembly and the Data Protection and Other Rights and Freedoms Working Group.
It recognizes individuals and organizations that excel in safeguarding privacy and other fundamental rights. Join us at the closing ceremony to discover this year’s winner!
Not a single day of 2025 passed without authorities shutting down the internet somewhere in the world.
Our #KeepItOn 2025 report is out. The data is alarming, but communities are fighting back.
Find out more ▶️ https://www.accessnow.org/campaign/keepiton/
Today marks three years of war in Sudan.
Beyond the devastating humanitarian toll, connectivity remains under attack: internet shutdowns, damaged infrastructure, and repeated disruptions cut people off from information and safety.
Connectivity is an essential humanitarian infrastructure.
Stop political scapegoating and uphold human rights for all in Ghana!
Together with Rightify Ghana, we urge members of parliament to put human rights first and reject the dangerous 2025 Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The bill threatens LGBTQ+ people’s fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy. If passed, activists that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, online and off, could face up to ten years in prison.
Read more:
https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/ghanaian-mps-must-reject-anti-lgbtq-bill/