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Spotlight on: Eastern Europe and Central Asia
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In this special issue of the Access Now Express newsletter, our EECA team shares news on Russia’s VPN bans, the battle to #KeepItOn in Central Asia, the spread of spyware, and other digital rights updates from across the region. If you have feedback or want to suggest a topic or theme for a future special issue, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected]
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Putin’s digital vise tightens
We can’t let new Russia sanctions hurt civil society
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued new sanctions to intensify the pressure on Russia for the war against Ukraine. However, in line with Access Now’s recommendations, federal authorities have maintained authorizations for certain telecommunication and internet-related transactions, as well as humanitarian transactions designed to mitigate the impacts on Russian civil society. We’re pleased to see the new statement reiterating that the U.S. “strongly supports the free flow of information and communications globally, and these actions are not intended to disrupt civil society and civil telecommunications.” We continue to call on the U.S. and other governments to ensure companies do not over-comply with sanction regimes in ways that undermine internet access for communities most at risk. Read more via U.S. Department of Treasury
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The battle to #KeepItOn in Central Asia
Kazakh telcos on trial for internet shutdowns
After protests broke out in Kazakhstan in January 2022, authorities responded with a series of internet blackouts — including one that cut internet access nationwide. Now, civil society is pursuing a legal challenge to hold the telcos that implemented the shutdowns accountable. On Tuesday, a district court in Almaty, Kazakhstan held a hearing in a case brought by a coalition of human rights organizations against several Kazakh telcos owned by Kar-Tel LLP and Mobile Telecom Service LLP. The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, is part of a joint initiative fighting internet shutdowns in Kazakhstan, which includes Eurasian Digital Foundation, Access Now, MediaNET, and Media Defense, among others. Learn more about the coalition. Read more via Interet Shutdowns Kazakhstan
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The Pegasus pandemic in Armenia
Worried about spyware attacks? We’re here for you
If you are a member of Armenian civil society, and you suspect you may be a victim of spyware, resources are available. For local support, reach out to CyberHUB-AM. For 24/7 digital safety assistance, contact Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline. Read more via Access Now
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Opportunities and other highlights
READ: Russian internet blocking timeline (in Russian)
How have Russian authorities leveraged the internet to crack down on dissenting voices and independent sources of information? A timeline from Na Svyazi, Internet Protection Society, and eQualitie offers information about regulations, official statements, and technical developments that affect the enjoyment of digital rights in Russia, as well as predictions about what the future will hold. Read more via Na Svyazi
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CyberScoop honors cybersecurity superstars
Cybersecurity is crucial for defending digital rights around the world, and we’re excited to see CyberScoop nominate Natalia Krapiva from our EECA team as a “Most Inspiring Up & Comer” for the CyberScoop 50 awards. Congratulations to all the nominees: you’re making the world safer for everyone! Read more via CyberScoop
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