CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity attacks are redefining geopolitics and the nature of contemporary warfare. Human rights defenders, journalists, and humanitarian actors are facing unprecedented digital threats, with deep impacts on democratic processes and the safety of marginalized communities. We challenge governments and businesses engaging in global cybersecurity activities to shift their focus from state control and securitization of the internet toward protection of individual rights and the safety of people and communities at risk.
Four strategies to defend encryption and our human rights
When we fight for encryption, we fight for human rights. It enables us to stay safe online, and communicate privately and freely. Yet governments keep pushing to undermine it, and Apple’s plan to bypass encryption is an alarming sign of private sector capitulation to this pressure.
Resources
Cybersecurity
To keep us safe, global cybersecurity norms must be human-centered and protect rights
At the United Nations OEWG meetings, we highlighted the increase in cyber attacks for surveillance and the global epidemic of internet shutdowns, both of which threaten the ability to use the internet securely.
Cybersecurity
Why Latin America should protect, not persecute, information security researchers
Information security researchers help keep people safe online, yet they are being persecuted in Latin America when they should be protected.
Digital Security
Who we hurt when we attack encryption
Encryption is a vital tool for keeping human rights defenders safe from powerful adversaries. Case studies from Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline show how strong encryption makes the world safer for everyone.
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and civil society violate human rights
Following cyberattacks on Ukraine and its human rights defenders, we call on the international community to help protect people.
Artificial Intelligence
A pathway forward for digital rights
Brett Solomon shares insights from 15 years as Access Now Co-founder and Executive Director.
Cybersecurity
Analysis: the Myanmar junta’s Cybersecurity Law would be a disaster for human rights
The Myanmar junta’s efforts to achieve ultimate control over civic space is continuing — through a devastating draft Cybersecurity Law.
Digital Security
Encrypt all the messages — across all the platforms
Elon Musk’s planned Twitter buyout is spurring new calls for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messaging. Here’s why it’s both desirable and feasible to make E2EE messaging interoperable across major communications platforms, as the E.U. Digital Markets Act envisions.
Latest Updates
A pathway forward for digital rights
Brett Solomon shares insights from 15 years as Access Now Co-founder and Executive Director.
UN cybercrime convention: open letter to EU-commission and member states
EU member states must not sign the latest draft of the UN cybercrime convention if critical flaws are not addressed.
Cyber accountability in East Asia: human rights are key for cybersecurity
China’s digital and cyber policies hurt human rights and undermine cybersecurity globally. Access Now’s Brett Solomon explores how the international community can respond.
Digital safety guide for LGBTQ+ activists in Africa
Rising LGBTQ+ intolerance in many African countries drives digital repression of activists. This guide provides safety tips and resources for protecting against these threats.
Partial enforcement of India’s Telecom Act — a total eclipse of digital rights
Access Now urges the Indian government to amend the Telecom Act 2023 and consult with civil society and experts before framing rules to implement the Act to safeguard people’s rights to privacy and free speech.
Joint statement urging Australia to protect end-to-end encryption in the Online Safety Act review
The Australian government must utilise the Online Safety Act review process to protect and encourage the use of end-to-end encryption.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission must put privacy protections in place
Mind the gap: why the UN Security Council should prioritize digital rights
Even as states increasingly weaponize communication networks, the UN Security Council has remained largely silent on digital rights issues. This puts everyone at risk.
Wavering resolutions: The UN Security Council on digital rights
Even as states increasingly weaponize communication networks, the UN Security Council has remained largely silent on digital rights issues. This puts everyone at risk.
Children are no exception: Nevada must ensure end-to-end encryption for all
Access Now joined an amicus brief urging the U.S. District Court to reject Nevada’s request to prevent Meta from offering end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger for people under 18 who use the service.
India proposes using 24/7 global network to combat phishing for UN Draft Treaty On Preventing International Cybercrime
Global Cybercrime Treaty: A delicate balance between security and human rights
India proposes 24×7 global communication link to curb cybercrimes
Civil society warns of ‘critical gaps’ in UN’s draft cybercrime treaty
Private tech, humanitarian problems: how to ensure digital transformation does no harm
Our new report, Mapping Humanitarian Tech: exposing protection gaps in digital transformation programmes, examines how humanitarian-tech partnerships impact people and communities at risk.
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
Given fundamental concerns from stakeholders, we urge governments to consider withholding support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty.