#NoExamShutdown: one step forward, another step back 

In countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and elsewhere, examinations come with a side of internet shutdowns, as authorities hit the kill switch to prevent cheating — disrupting internet access for entire populations. This year we saw new countries join this harmful practice, but also countries like Algeria and Syria pause exam shutdowns after years of disruptions. Check out the 2026 report card. READ NOW VIA ACCESS NOW

Deconstructing Fortress Europe

EU transforms Frontex into a high-tech deportation command center

Last week, the European Commission proposed a new law to give the EU’s border agency, Frontex, more money and authority to prevent migrants from entering the EU, deport people, and spy on social media to identify suspicious behaviors or trends. The law would also funnel more EU public funds to surveillance, security, and defense contractors. As the Protect Not Surveil coalition points out, this would double down on an already hostile approach to migration that “has for years produced systemic and massive human rights violations of migrants, refugees, and racialized people, and those who stand in solidarity with them.” READ NOW VIA PROTECT NOT SURVEIL 

Join us for the launch of Digital Borders Exposed  

Later this month, the Protect Not Surveil coalition will launch Digital Borders Exposed, a new project to map the digital surveillance infrastructure the EU uses to enforce migration policies,  identifying the types of technologies used, where they are deployed, which EU laws enable them, and how they harm human rights. Join us for the launch webinar on November 25 to learn how this tool can empower people to resist the rise of invasive surveillance. REGISTER NOW VIA ACCESS NOW

Apple takes a bite out of surveillance  

Apple notifications alert targets in 99 countries about mercenary spyware infections

This week, Apple sent out a new round of threat notifications to suspected victims of mercenary spyware attacks in nearly 100 countries, including journalists and filmmakers previously targeted for their investigative work, as well as public officials — notifications that represent an industry best practice and protect people at risk. The spyware attacks come even as final negotiations over the cyber-intrusion industry are taking place as part of the Pall Mall Process. READ NOW VIA CYBERSCOOP 

Apple threat notifications and spyware: what everyone should know

If you received a threat notification from Apple or are worried about spyware attacks, check out our blog post published this past August that summarizes what you need to know to protect yourself and your community. Remember: if you’re a journalist, activist, or human rights advocate, and you meet our criteria for support, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline is here to help you. READ NOW VIA ACCESS NOW 

Eyes on the spies

Beware of spyware: Access Now urges pension fund managers to scrutinize investments in spyware

In September, Access Now wrote to four U.S. pension funds regarding their investment in AE Industrial Partners (AEI) — current owners of Paragon Solutions, the makers of Graphite spyware — asking fund managers to ensure their fund does not contribute to human rights breaches. We previously asked AEI and Paragon Solutions to explain how they prevent rights-abusing uses of this technology, and how they would remedy harms to victims of abuse, but neither responded.  READ NOW VIA ACCESS NOW

Civil society urges the European Commission to close loopholes in surveillance export rules

Access Now has joined eight other civil society organizations calling on European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič to close the legislative gap that currently allows surveillance technology made in the EU to be sold to repressive governments. The EU’s Dual-Use Regulation is supposed to prevent such harmful exports — but civil society research shows that these sales have continued. READ NOW VIA CDT 

One last thing  

LISTEN: “Why the WFP cyber-attack matters”

Earlier this year, The New Humanitarian revealed details of a massive cyber-attack against the World Food Programme (WFP), which exposed the personal data of more than 600,000 households in Gaza. Despite civil society pressure, the WFP has been largely silent on the incident. Access Now’s Marwa Fatafta joined The New Humanitarian’s Rethinking Humanitarianism podcast to discuss why the problem goes beyond a single data breach, and how it connects to the WFP’s widely criticized decision to renew its partnership with military contractor Palantir. LISTEN NOW VIA THE NEW HUMANITARIAN 

Opportunities and other highlights

REGISTER: Privacy Symposium 2027 

Early-bird registration is now open for Privacy Symposium 2027, taking place in Venice, Italy, from April 26-30, 2027. The program features 100+ sessions with global experts, authorities, and practitioners, supporting international dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing on data governance, regulatory compliance, and innovative technologies. REGISTER NOW VIA PRIVACY SYMPOSIUM

APPLY: Join us as Financial Reporting Manager

Access Now is still looking for a full-time Financial Reporting Manager, based in our Costa Rica office and supporting a range of activities spanning our global finance functions. To learn more, check out the position description. APPLY VIA ACCESS NOW