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On the march for human rights today, keep calm and connected

Today the U.S. swears in a new president. All across the country — and around the world — people are coming together to stand up for human rights.  We want to take a minute to reach out and say don’t panic. We’re here for you.

Whether you’re attending the inauguration in D.C. or one of the countless protests taking place this week, keeping yourself secure and connected is important. You have the right to peaceful assembly. However, it’s at times like this that law enforcement often steps up surveillance, both on and offline. Governments also disrupt or shut down the internet.

That’s why Access Now is working with mobile service providers to ensure that everyone attending the inauguration or protests like the Women’s March in D.C. will have unfettered access to their networks. In response to an open letter from Access Now and WITNESS, both AT&T and Verizon announced they would ramp up network coverage in D.C. to keep everyone connected.

Further, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, our Digital Security Helpline is available 24/7 to help civil society, human rights defenders, and independent media with any digital security questions or issues they may have.

For more resources to help you improve your own digital security, visit us at accessnow.org/help and click on “Community and Resources.” And please, if you know someone who needs help, spread the word.

We have a long road ahead of us in 2017. Politicians around the world are calling for more surveillance, easier access to data, more censorship, and more control over who can access the internet and when.

We can’t know for sure what this year will hold, but we do know we need to be ready. That’s why we need your support. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Thanks for listening, and take care of yourself. Together, we can make difference.