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Next up: RightsCon Costa Rica
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Next week, on June 5-8, we'll host RightsCon, the world's leading summit on human rights in the digital age. Every year, RightsCon is a launch pad for the cross-sector collaborations, campaigns, and coalitions that make a difference for digital rights around the world. This year, we want to help move your work forward. Today — Friday, June 2 — is the last day to register for in-person and online participation, so be sure to claim your spot now.
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A special note for RightsCon participants
As host of RightsCon, we're humbled and honored to bring together thousands of people doing extraordinary work under extremely difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered unexpected challenges with the visa-on-arrival process we facilitated with the Costa Rican government on behalf of RightsCon participants. While we do not control governmental decisions, and we exhausted all possibilities to avoid this outcome, we recognize our role in this failed process. For most of the people prevented from traveling to Costa Rica, this kind of exclusion is all too frequent, and we must do better as conveners to counter this recurrent injustice. We’re working with impacted participants to transition their experience online, and keep their voices centered. As we continue this work, stay tuned: we'll keep you updated on our efforts to ensure the best possible RightsCon experience for everyone. Read more via Access Now
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From crisis to conflict, we must defend digital rights when people need them most
People suffer most acutely from digital rights violations in situations of crisis, conflict, or disaster. Ahead of the Stockholm Internet Forum earlier this week, Access Now's Brett Solomon and Marwa Fatafta shared their reflections on how to safeguard our rights during war and peace. Read more via Access Now
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Tech and conflict: a guide for responsible business conduct
In conflict situations, the tech sector is particularly vulnerable to capture, misuse, or abuse as a tool of war. The best way to avoid such capture is to prepare for it. Check out our guide to learn what ICT companies should do to meet their human rights obligations — before, during, and after conflict arises. Read more via Access Now
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To keep people safe, #KeepItOn
Mauritanian authorities reach for the kill switch — again
Earlier this year, Mauritanian authorities cut off mobile internet while they searched for four escaped prisoners — leaving millions in the dark, disconnected and afraid. Now authorities are at it again, deliberately disrupting mobile internet access to quell protests following the death of a young man in police custody. "This act of repression is unacceptable and cannot be normalized," says Access Now's Felicia Anthonio. "Mauritania must #KeepItOn — especially in times of crises." Read more via Access Now
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Who is shutting down the internet in 2023?
Stay tuned: when we kick off RightsCon next week, we'll share the latest data on internet shutdowns worldwide, identifying trends that have developed since we published our 2022 #KeepItOn report in February. Read more via Access Now
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The AI warnings that matter
Stop us if you've heard this one before
You may recall this open letter warning us about the existential threat AI poses to humanity. This week brought yet another such warning, this time arguing that the risks of AI are on par with those from "pandemics and nuclear war." And once again, AI experts, privacy advocates, and others are responding with rebuttals that underscore the importance of confronting the threat of existing AI applications — from privacy violations to biometric surveillance to worker exploitation. "Let's be real: These letters calling on 'someone to act' are signed by some of the few people in the world who have the agency and power to actually act to stop or redirect these efforts," says Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation. Read more via Fast Company
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Generative AI and human rights: the FAQ
So what are the real risks of AI? And who can you trust on what it means for humanity? In case you missed it, our new FAQ cuts through the hype, explaining what you should know and where to learn more. Read more via Access Now
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Watch: "Hold the line with Maria Ressa: In conversation with Timnit Gebru"
What does it mean to "hold the line" when it comes to the real-world risks of AI? Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa talks to AI expert Timnit Gebru about the consequences of being a truth teller. Watch now via Rappler
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Opportunities and other highlights
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