Dhevy Sivaprakasam

Access Now and ten organizations are calling on the Singapore government to withdraw the foreign interference law, to stop it curtailing already-limited civic space.

Today, as Singapore is due to adopt outcomes from Universal Periodic Review, Access Now is calling for an end undue restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

Amidst continuing protests, calls for political reform, and mass dissatisfaction with how Thailand handles COVID, Thailand’s government is doubling down on efforts to throttle dissent and protest online and off. It is relying on laws that it claims protect against “public fear.” In fact, by threatening to censor those who speak out, it is the government that is instigating fear – in a weak bid to distract from flailing governance. 

As parliaments across Asia convene, governments continue pushing deeply flawed laws and policies, while relegating digital rights to the sidelines. Here’s what’s happening in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and why members of parliament must take action to protect our rights before any more damage is done.  

Access Now joined is demanding the Malaysian government abandon all attempts to throttle freedom of expression online, and overturn any plans to reinforce previous administrations’ archaic censorship laws.

Access Now is joining six organizations in calling on the Lao government to stop online surveillance and mandatory registration of social media platforms.