Press Releases

Press releases

#StopSilencingPalestine: U.S. Senator joins civil society's call
Content Governance
Content GovernancePress ReleaseIsraelEnglish

A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms

12 Feb 2024

Access Now joins over 70 civil society organizations in urging Meta to abstain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms.

Press Release
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
12 Feb 2024
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
India fake news
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaArabic

المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء

9 Feb 2024

تنضم أكساس ناو إلى 46 منظمة مجتمع مدني في إعلان يهدف إلى دعم الحفاظ على المرسوم رقم 88 الخاص بتنظيم الجمعيات.

Press Release
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
9 Feb 2024
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
#KeepItOn during elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseMiddle East & North AfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 

9 Feb 2024

The warring parties in Sudan must immediately end the disruption of internet access across the country and #KeepItOn!

Press Release
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
9 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseGlobal

Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty

8 Feb 2024

Given fundamental concerns from stakeholders, we urge governments to consider withholding support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty.

Press Release
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
8 Feb 2024
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 

8 Feb 2024
Press Release
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
8 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity
CybersecurityPress ReleaseGlobal

Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

7 Feb 2024

The UN cybercrime treaty draft poses substantial risks to global cybersecurity and good faith cybersecurity researchers.

Press Release
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
7 Feb 2024
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Armenia spyware victims: Pegasus hacking in war
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseNorth America

One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations

6 Feb 2024

In a positive but limited step, the U.S.’s new sanctions policy will deny visas to individuals who are involved in, facilitate, or financially benefit from the misuse of commercial spyware.

Press Release
One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations
6 Feb 2024
One small step for accountability: U.S. announces anonymous visa sanctions program for spyware violations
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections

6 Feb 2024

As Pakistan heads into elections on 8 February 2024, authorities must guarantee uninterrupted internet access for everyone across the country. 

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 

6 Feb 2024

Access Now, the #KeepItOn coalition, and organisations from across globe urge authorities to #KeepItOn during the 2024 Pakistan elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
Senegal Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAfricaEnglish

#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all

5 Feb 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition denounce the ongoing internet shutdown in Senegal on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
Azerbaijani government #KeepItOn elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAzerbaijanEnglish

Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections

5 Feb 2024

Access Now is calling on the government of Azerbaijan to ensure unrestricted access to the internet throughout the election. 

Press Release
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
5 Feb 2024
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAzerbaijanEnglish

#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections

5 Feb 2024

The government of Azerbaijan must ensure people can access open and secure internet when they need it the most and #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
TikTok
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of ExpressionPress ReleaseAsia Pacific

Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 

1 Feb 2024

The 2023 fact-checking amendment contradicts the right to free speech and expression under Indian and international law.

Press Release
Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 
1 Feb 2024
Censorship at the door: India must say no to government fact-checking 
Image of the investigation report on how Pegasus crushes civic space in Jordan
Surveillance
SurveillancePress ReleaseIsrael

New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan

1 Feb 2024

A new joint investigation reveals the widespread use of Israeli-owned NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware in Jordan.

Press Release
New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan
1 Feb 2024
New spyware attacks exposed: civil society targeted in Jordan
header image: pushing back against IMEI registration in Myanmar
Internet Shutdowns
Internet ShutdownsPress ReleaseAsia PacificEnglish

The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain

31 Jan 2024

Today marks three years since Myanmar’s junta seized power in a violent coup. Access Now is calling on the international community to offer resources to resist digital oppression.

Press Release
The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain
31 Jan 2024
The world must bring down Myanmar’s digital iron curtain
Myanmar's digital dictatorship
Connectivity
ConnectivityPress ReleaseAsia PacificEnglish

A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship

31 Jan 2024

Access Now and a coalition of human rights organizations call on the international and business community to resist the digital coup in Myanmar.

Press Release
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
31 Jan 2024
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship

Open letters

#StopSilencingPalestine: U.S. Senator joins civil society's call
Content Governance

A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms

12 Feb 2024

Access Now joins over 70 civil society organizations in urging Meta to abstain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms.

Press Release
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
12 Feb 2024
A coalition of international organizations demands that Meta refrain from censoring criticism of Zionism on its platforms
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty

8 Feb 2024

Given fundamental concerns from stakeholders, we urge governments to consider withholding support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty.

Press Release
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
8 Feb 2024
Governments must withhold support for the current draft of cybercrime treaty
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 

6 Feb 2024

Access Now, the #KeepItOn coalition, and organisations from across globe urge authorities to #KeepItOn during the 2024 Pakistan elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections

5 Feb 2024

The government of Azerbaijan must ensure people can access open and secure internet when they need it the most and #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections

Statements

India fake news
Freedom of Expression

المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء

9 Feb 2024

تنضم أكساس ناو إلى 46 منظمة مجتمع مدني في إعلان يهدف إلى دعم الحفاظ على المرسوم رقم 88 الخاص بتنظيم الجمعيات.

Press Release
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
9 Feb 2024
المجتمع المدني في تونس: نحن شركاء ولسنا عملاء
#KeepItOn during elections
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 

9 Feb 2024

The warring parties in Sudan must immediately end the disruption of internet access across the country and #KeepItOn!

Press Release
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
9 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
UN Cybercrime Treaty: FAQ on necessary reforms
Cybersecurity

Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

7 Feb 2024

The UN cybercrime treaty draft poses substantial risks to global cybersecurity and good faith cybersecurity researchers.

Press Release
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
7 Feb 2024
Protect Good Faith Security Research Globally in Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Myanmar's digital dictatorship
Connectivity

A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship

31 Jan 2024

Access Now and a coalition of human rights organizations call on the international and business community to resist the digital coup in Myanmar.

Press Release
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
31 Jan 2024
A call for global solidarity and decisive action to end Myanmar’s military rule and ensure victory for the people resisting dictatorship
Freedom of Expression

Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday

19 Jan 2024

Access Now and partners demand his release demand the release of Saudi pediatrician Osama Khaled, who celebrates today his 30th birthday behind bars.

Press Release
Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday
19 Jan 2024
Saudi Arabia: Birthday in jail: Saudi Wikipedian Osama Khalid Remains Unjustly Imprisoned on his 30th Birthday
Freedom of Expression

المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين

19 Jan 2024

تطالب أكساس ناو ومنظمات من المجتكع المدني بإطلاق سراح أسامة خالد، الذي يحتفل اليوم بعيد ميلاده الثلاثين وهو خلف القضبان.

Press Release
المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين
19 Jan 2024
المملكة العربية السعودية: عيد ميلاد في السجن: الويكيبيدي السعودي أسامة خالد لا يزال مسجوناً ظلماً في عيد ميلاده الثلاثين
The EU must hold VLOPs accountable
Freedom of Expression

EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act

18 Jan 2024

Access Now and ARTICLE 19 welcome EU Commissioner Thierry Breton’s reassurance that the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) framework will fully respect fundamental rights.

Press Release
EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act
18 Jan 2024
EU: call for precise interpretation of Digital Services Act
Protest and human rights
Freedom of Expression

Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE

27 Dec 2023

Access Now joins 40+ organizations in condemning new prosecutions by UAE authorities against over 80 Emiratis, including human rights defenders, accused of supporting a “terrorist organization.”

Press Release
Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE
27 Dec 2023
Urgent appeal for justice: condemning the unjust prosecution of dozens of Emiratis in the UAE
surveillance tech at the EU borders
Surveillance

Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall

4 Dec 2023

Civil society is calling for an end to the expansion of EURODAC, the EU database for the registration of asxylum-seekers. EURODAC is being transformed into an expansive, violent surveillance tool that will treat people seeking protection as crime suspects.

Press Release
Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall
4 Dec 2023
Civil society joint statement: Europe’s (digital) borders must fall
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم

23 Oct 2023

نحن، مجموعة من مؤسسات المجتمع المدني ومنظمات حقوق الإنسان الرقمية، ننضم إلى الدعوة المفتوحة للوقف الفوري لإطلاق النار في غزة.

Press Release
دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم
23 Oct 2023
دعوة مفتوحة من منظمات حقوق الإنسان لوقف فوري لإطلاق النار على الأرض ورقمياً في غزة، وبحق  الفلسطينيين/ات حول العالم
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo

20 Oct 2023

We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.

Press Release
Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo
20 Oct 2023
Organizaciones de derechos humanos se unen al llamado abierto al cese al fuego en Gaza y el respeto por los derechos digitales del pueblo palestino en todo el mundo
Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet
Protest and Online Organizing

Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally

20 Oct 2023

We call on international actors to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with a “digital ceasefire” to protect Palestinians in online spaces globally.

Press Release
Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally
20 Oct 2023
Human rights organizations join the open call for an immediate physical and digital ceasefire in Gaza, and for Palestinians globally
Restore Telecoms and Internet Connectivity in Gaza Now!
Internet Shutdowns

منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!

20 Oct 2023

يدين تحالف الحقوق الرقمية في المنطقة العربية وغيره من منظمات المجتمع المدني بأشدّ العبارات استهداف إسرائيل لوسائل الاتصال والوصول إلى المعلومات في غزّة.

Press Release
منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!
20 Oct 2023
منظمات مدنية عالميّة: نطالب بإعادة خدمات الاتصالات والإنترنت إلى غزّة فوراً!
Regulating digital platforms
Freedom of Expression

Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis

16 Oct 2023

Together with human rights and civil society organisations, we call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights.

Press Release
Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis
16 Oct 2023
Civil society organizations’ call for tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis
Regulating digital platforms
Freedom of Expression

منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات

16 Oct 2023

تطالب منظمات المجتمع المدني شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات

Press Release
منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات
16 Oct 2023
منظمات المجتمع المدني تطالب شركات التكنولوجيا باحترام الحقوق الرقمية الفلسطينية في أوقات الأزمات
Khashoggi
Freedom of Expression

Joint statement: Ahead of Khashoggi anniversary, Biden administration should reverse current policy and prioritize human rights in Saudi Arabia

29 Sep 2023

Five years after Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, the Biden administration has yet to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. We join human rights organizations in calling on the Biden administration to reverse its current policy and prioritize human rights.

Press Release
Joint statement: Ahead of Khashoggi anniversary, Biden administration should reverse current policy and prioritize human rights in Saudi Arabia
29 Sep 2023
Joint statement: Ahead of Khashoggi anniversary, Biden administration should reverse current policy and prioritize human rights in Saudi Arabia