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Deji Olukotun

Senior Global Advocacy Manager

As a member of the advocacy team, Deji Bryce Olukotun (email: [email protected]) manages Access Now’s global campaigns on fighting internet shutdowns, the open internet, cybersecurity, and ensuring that our fundamental rights are respected online. He came from the literary and human rights organization PEN American Center, where he founded PEN’s digital freedom program and managed its capacity-building work in Myanmar, South Africa, Haiti, and Nigeria. He holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School, a BA from Yale University, and dual masters degrees in Creative Writing and Justice & Transformation from the University of Cape Town, where he was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. He has also worked as corporate counsel for a small technology startup. An avid writer, Deji is the author of the novel Nigerians in Space (Unnamed Press) and After the Flare (forthcoming, 2017). His work has been featured in The Atlantic, NPR, The New York Times, and Vice.

Uganda blocks social media (again), harms human rights

11 May 2016

For the second time this year Uganda has carried out an internet shutdown during the election period. It’s time to push back.

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Uganda blocks social media (again), harms human rights
11 May 2016
Uganda blocks social media (again), harms human rights

Brazil moves to block WhatsApp (again)

2 May 2016

For the second time, a judge in Brazil ordered the blocking of WhatsApp during a criminal investigation, instantly shutting off access for 100 million users.

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Brazil moves to block WhatsApp (again)
2 May 2016
Brazil moves to block WhatsApp (again)

Don’t let 2016 be the year internet shutdowns became the new normal

19 Apr 2016

We’ve recorded shutdowns in Chad, Ethiopia, India, and Pakistan. Each shutdown is unique, but they all harm people, violating human rights and often damaging the local economy.

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Don’t let 2016 be the year internet shutdowns became the new normal
19 Apr 2016
Don’t let 2016 be the year internet shutdowns became the new normal
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No more internet shutdowns! Let’s #KeepItOn.

30 Mar 2016

Join our interactive conversation on internet shutdowns and their impact on human rights, the economy, and public services.

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No more internet shutdowns! Let’s #KeepItOn.
30 Mar 2016
No more internet shutdowns! Let’s #KeepItOn.

Nigeria’s social media bill is suddenly back, and needs to be stopped

7 Mar 2016

A dangerous bill in Nigeria would criminalize speaking out against individuals or groups online, including expressing dissent against the government. It must be stopped.

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Nigeria’s social media bill is suddenly back, and needs to be stopped
7 Mar 2016
Nigeria’s social media bill is suddenly back, and needs to be stopped
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Digital rights groups ask African Union, U.N. to take action on Uganda social media blackout

23 Feb 2016

After a government-ordered social media blackout in Uganda during the presidential elections, digital rights groups are asking the African Union and the United Nations to take action to fight internet shutdowns and protect free expression.

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Digital rights groups ask African Union, U.N. to take action on Uganda social media blackout
23 Feb 2016
Digital rights groups ask African Union, U.N. to take action on Uganda social media blackout

Uganda blocks Twitter and Facebook on election day in latest internet shutdown

18 Feb 2016

Just as the people of Uganda prepared to vote in national elections, the government ordered telecommunications companies to block Facebook and Twitter, preventing free political discourse on these platforms.

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Uganda blocks Twitter and Facebook on election day in latest internet shutdown
18 Feb 2016
Uganda blocks Twitter and Facebook on election day in latest internet shutdown

Five years later: the internet shutdown that rocked Egypt

22 Jan 2016

Five years ago, activists in Egypt carried out protests that inspired the world. The government responded by shutting off the internet. Today, in Egypt and across the globe, internet shutdowns continue — and they must be stopped.

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Five years later: the internet shutdown that rocked Egypt
22 Jan 2016
Five years later: the internet shutdown that rocked Egypt

Etisalat shuts off internet services in Egypt and Morocco

6 Jan 2016

Telcos have shut down some internet services in Morocco and Egypt, creating anti-competitive network discrimination and damaging free expression in the region.

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Etisalat shuts off internet services in Egypt and Morocco
6 Jan 2016
Etisalat shuts off internet services in Egypt and Morocco

Global rights groups decry Facebook’s actions on Net Neutrality in India

6 Jan 2016

Today, 30 digital rights groups from around the globe released an open letter to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg decrying Facebook’s recent actions concerning the Free Basics program in India.

Press Release
Global rights groups decry Facebook’s actions on Net Neutrality in India
6 Jan 2016
Global rights groups decry Facebook’s actions on Net Neutrality in India