| |
|
Access Now condemns the suspension of X in Brazil
|
|
|
|
In Brazil, more than 22 million people have been blocked from X — a result of the company’s repeated non-compliance with orders from the Supreme Court. In our new statement, we explain why this measure is both disproportionate and ineffective for holding platforms accountable. It also sets a dangerous precedent — not only for Brazil, but for other countries. “Ultimately, moves like this punish people, not platforms,” we write. Instead of engaging in a highly politicized legal stand-off, all parties involved should be working toward a solution that protects and respects Brazilians' rights. Read more via Access Now
|
|
Encryption FAQ: encrypted messaging, AI, content moderation, and more
It was only weeks ago that French authorities arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, fueling debate over how to hold messaging platforms accountable and prevent crime — such as the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) — without undermining people’s rights to privacy and free expression. Now, Telegram has announced changes to the platform to make content moderation “a point of praise.” In our new FAQ, Access Now’s Namrata Maheshwari explains how encryption works on Telegram and other “secure” messaging platforms, how that impacts content moderation, and what it all means for keeping people safe. Read more via Access Now
|
When your identity becomes a weapon
Why we need tailored digital identity systems in our digital world
Is there a way to design digital ID systems so they minimize the risks to our privacy and other human rights? Ahead of the Identity Week America summit on September 11-12, Marianne Díaz Hernández outlined the argument for a “minimalist” approach to digital identity, operating on the principle of data minimization — that is, limiting data collection and use only to what is essential for a specific transaction. Read more via Access Now
|
The technologies of annihilation
7amleh: The impact of the war on Gaza on digital safety among Palestinian youth
Palestinian teenagers are among the many victims of Israel’s relentless attacks. A new report from 7amleh looks at how the Israeli military’s weaponization of digital technologies has impacted young people, and “obliterated the boundaries that once separated safe and unsafe spaces in both the digital and physical worlds.” Read it in English or Arabic. Read more via 7amleh
|
Joint statement: Saudi Arabia must free detainees jailed for their online expression, ahead of IGF
Saudi Arabia is hosting the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which will focus on the theme of advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age. Yet the government continues to prosecute, lock up, forcibly disappear, and intimidate people into silence for expressing themselves on social media. We joined 30+ leading rights organizations to demand that Saudi Arabia immediately and unconditionally release all who are unjustly imprisoned for their online expression. Read in English or Arabic. Read more via Access Now
|
New: Digital security guide for activists in the Middle East and North Africa (in Arabic)
In countries across the MENA region, governments are cracking down on those who express dissenting opinions. Yet human rights defenders and activists continue to bravely stand up for people’s rights and fundamental freedoms — despite facing digital threats such as harassment, violence, defamation, phishing attacks, and spyware that put their lives at risk. Our new Arabic-language digital security guide, created by Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline, offers tips to help you defend yourself from these attacks and increase your safety online. Read more via Access Now
|
Opportunities and other highlights
|
|
|
