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“A violation of the right to life”: civil society condemns the sabotage of communications devices in Lebanon and Syria
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On September 17, the nightmare began. In Lebanon, thousands of pagers simultaneously detonated, injuring and killing people indiscriminately and without warning. Within days, after attacks in both Lebanon and Syria, 3,400 people were maimed or injured, and at least 37 were dead, including at least two children. Together with our partners in the MENA Alliance on Digital Rights, we condemn these attacks — designed to terrorize and inflict harm on civilians — and demand that UN member states take immediate action to stop them. Read more via MENA Alliance on Digital Rights
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Connectivity in the line of fire
Spyware accountability cometh
New U.S.-led efforts expand global commitments to counter commercial spyware
Not all of this week’s news was bad. In fact, we saw several promising developments in the global battle to hold commercial spyware makers accountable for human rights violations perpetrated using their products. Case in point: this past Sunday, the U.S. Department of State announced that four new countries have endorsed the Joint statement on efforts to counter the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, part of an initiative to advance digital solidarity and take coordinated action to end spyware misuse. It’s also committing $3 million USD to support civil society advocacy and research, and to help countries develop regulations and policies to counter spyware. Read more via U.S. Department of State
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Opportunities and other highlights
We’re hiring an Asia Pacific Policy Analyst/Counsel
We’re still looking for the right person to join our team and work on our advocacy and policy initiatives in the Asia Pacific, with a primary focus on leading efforts in the Southeast Asia sub-region. If you want to help defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk, check out the details and apply! Read more via Access Now
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Ready for RightsCon? Here's who’s coming!
In only five months, the global digital rights community gathers for RightsCon 2025 (Taipei and online, February 24-27), and our program is starting to take shape! Among those set to join us as session organizers: global rights groups; regional-focused organizations; governments around the world; business leaders; international and regional media; intergovernmental organizations; foundations and funders, and many more, including independent researchers, academics, creatives, and philanthropists. Don’t miss your chance to connect with a network of 10,000+ digital rights enthusiasts — register today! Read more via Access Now
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