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Brett Solomon

Executive Director

Brett Solomon is the Executive Director and co-founder of Access Now, where he leads the organization’s fight to defend and extend the digital rights of users at risk around the world. He oversees the high-level strategy for Access Now’s programmatic portfolio, is responsible for the organization’s growth and operations, and heads up the global team numbering over a hundred staff. Brett has represented Access Now at numerous national and international fora, including at the United Nations and at Davos, and is often quoted in the media including in the New York Times and on the BBC. As a skilled and experienced advocate, he has been an important leader in several campaigns and coalitions at the intersection of human rights and new technology. He has given two TED Talks, on digital democracy and on the right to peaceful protest. He was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Data Policy and Global Agenda Council on the Future of the Internet. Brett is also the founder of RightsCon, the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age, which every year convenes thousands of experts, activists, technologists, and leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society. Before Access Now, Brett honed his skills at a range of human rights and civil society organizations including Avaaz, GetUp, Oxfam Australia, and Amnesty International Australia. Brett has a Bachelors in Arts and Law from the University of Sydney and a Masters in International Law at the University of New South Wales.

From crisis to conflict, we must defend digital rights when people need them most

29 May 2023

People feel restrictions on digital rights most intensely in situations of crisis, conflict, or disaster. Here’s how we are safeguarding people’s digital rights in times of both war and peace.

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From crisis to conflict, we must defend digital rights when people need them most
29 May 2023
From crisis to conflict, we must defend digital rights when people need them most
Azerbaijan elections internet elections

To defend democracy, stand up for civil society 

30 Mar 2023

As governments, businesses, and civil society organizations gather for the 2nd U.S. Summit for Democracy, our message is clear: to defend democracy in the digital age, states must stand up for civil society, online and off.

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To defend democracy, stand up for civil society 
30 Mar 2023
To defend democracy, stand up for civil society 
surveillance

Human rights leaders at Davos 2022: spyware is a weapon — PRESS CONFERENCE

23 May 2022

Date and time: Wednesday 25 May, 2022, 10:15 – 10:45 CET

Press Release
Human rights leaders at Davos 2022: spyware is a weapon — PRESS CONFERENCE
23 May 2022
Human rights leaders at Davos 2022: spyware is a weapon — PRESS CONFERENCE
WEF spyware

As the WEF meets, pressure is on the world’s powerbrokers to shut down the spyware industry

23 May 2022

As the industry’s big players meet at the WEF in Davos this week, they must seize this opportunity to shut down the spyware industry.

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As the WEF meets, pressure is on the world’s powerbrokers to shut down the spyware industry
23 May 2022
As the WEF meets, pressure is on the world’s powerbrokers to shut down the spyware industry
U.N. Joint Statement RightsCon

Access Now addresses the U.N. Security Council on countering hate speech online

28 Oct 2021

Before the United Nations Security Council, Access Now explained proactive ways to address and counter hate speech online.

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Access Now addresses the U.N. Security Council on countering hate speech online
28 Oct 2021
Access Now addresses the U.N. Security Council on countering hate speech online
Tunisia protest

Will the Right to Protest survive its migration online?

20 Oct 2021

State-sanctioned internet shutdowns, increased surveillance, and unequal access to the internet are impacting communities globally. Will the Right to Protest survive its migration online?

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Will the Right to Protest survive its migration online?
20 Oct 2021
Will the Right to Protest survive its migration online?

RightsCon checklist: 15 ways to save the internet and protect democracy

8 Jun 2021

Speaking at a panel discussion at RightsCon, Access Now’s Brett Solomon outlined 15 things governments can do to make sure technology is used to defend — not destroy— democracy and human rights. Read the checklist and watch the full session on YouTube.

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RightsCon checklist: 15 ways to save the internet and protect democracy
8 Jun 2021
RightsCon checklist: 15 ways to save the internet and protect democracy
India fake news

Can human rights survive the digital age? Only if we do these things

10 Dec 2020

“We’re at a human rights tipping point.” On Human Rights Day of 2020, Access Now’s Brett Solomon maps out a pathway to take us to a full implementation and vindication of these rights, not just in principle, but in policy and practice.

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Can human rights survive the digital age? Only if we do these things
10 Dec 2020
Can human rights survive the digital age? Only if we do these things

ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg

1 May 2020

We’ve said from the start that .ORG needs a nonprofit owner and mission-based leadership. This boost from the ICANN Board gives us a chance to openly develop a better future for our online home.

Press Release
ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg
1 May 2020
ICANN steps up to #SaveDotOrg

Op-Ed: The sale of the .org registry to a private equity firm was just blocked. Here’s why it matters

1 May 2020

A decision announced on Thursday is a rare bit of good news in these troubling times.

News
Op-Ed: The sale of the .org registry to a private equity firm was just blocked. Here’s why it matters
1 May 2020
Op-Ed: The sale of the .org registry to a private equity firm was just blocked. Here’s why it matters