How U.S. funding cuts expose civil society to digital attacks

Shrinking resources and limited funding have long been a reality for civil society, constantly under pressure to do more with less. But the U.S. government’s recent decision to effectively dissolve USAID has dire repercussions for human rights defenders, including undermining their ability to ward off digital threats and protect their communities in the face of rising authoritarianism. In our latest post, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline examines how these cuts threaten our security, but also proposes how we can meet the challenge with solidarity and creativity. Read more via Access Now

Dig deeper

A wave forming? Funders taking action in response to a challenging context

In the face of the U.S. administration’s drastic cuts, it’s heartening to see many philanthropic foundations step up to fill the gap. The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) breaks down some of the latest developments, which include providing additional resources for grantees in the area of cybersecurity, for instance. Read more via CEP

570+ organizations defend civil society against attacks in the European Parliament

Nonprofit organizations are facing existential threats on multiple fronts, including from the heart of the European Union. Some MEPs and far-right groups are spreading disinformation about the public funding of NGOs, attempting to undermine civil society’s legitimacy. Together with more than 470 other organizations, we condemn this smear campaign, and urge lawmakers to protect civil society’s role in interacting with policymakers, to ensure all citizens have a voice in democratic processes and decision-making. Read more via Civil Society Europe

Gabon must #KeepItOn

Gabonese authorities must ensure internet access throughout upcoming elections

As the people of Gabon prepare to cast their ballots in presidential elections this weekend, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition urge authorities to ensure unfettered internet access throughout the election period and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. During the last election in August 2023, authorities shut down the internet, and access was only restored after a military coup that annulled the election results. “Shutting down access to the internet and digital platforms during elections undermines the principles of free, fair, inclusive, and transparent democratic processes,” warns Access Now’s Felicia Anthonio. Read the joint statement in English or French. Read more via Access Now

Technology for tyrants

The shocking far-right agenda behind the facial recognition tech used by ICE and the FBI

As the new U.S. administration steps up their deportation efforts, including reportedly trying to expel unaccompanied children and those without criminal records, a Mother Jones investigation reveals evidence that Clearview AI’s controversial facial recognition technology was always intended to be used as a surveillance tool against “immigrants, people of color, and the political left.” Read more via Mother Jones

Google is helping the Trump administration deploy AI along the Mexican border

Deporting people already in the U.S. in only one piece of the anti-immigration agenda; authorities are also working to keep out new arrivals — with help from Big Tech. The Intercept reports that despite Google’s previous assurances that it would not assist immigration enforcement at the southern border, the company will reportedly play central role in upgrading a “virtual wall” of surveillance cameras with new machine-learning capabilities, an effort that will be complemented with technology and infrastructure provided by companies like IBM, Amazon Web Services, and Equitus. Read more via The Intercept

Resolving to do better

UN: New resolution on human rights defenders

Encouraging news: last week, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution to protect human rights defenders from threats related to new and emerging technologies. The resolution calls on governments worldwide to ensure biometric identification and facial recognition technologies are not used for mass surveillance; to refrain from imposing internet shutdowns; and to refrain from or cease use of spyware that is impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law, among other highlights. Read more via ARTICLE 19

Opportunities and other highlights

Reporting for rights: The Civic Journalism Coalition

A new joint initiative from the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), European Digital Rights (EDRi), and Lighthouse Reports aims to strengthen investigative reporting and support advocacy for digital rights at the EU level. The Civic Journalism Coalition will create a space for journalists and digital rights defenders to share knowledge, coordinate efforts, and strengthen each other’s work. The coalition is open for any interested civil society organization or media group, and is already offering grants to support investigations focused on digital rights violations. Learn more and apply by April 17. Read more via ECNL

RightsCon 2025: share your organizing experience

Did you host a session during RightsCon 2025, whether in-person or online? If so, we want to hear from you. If you can, please take a moment to fill out this short survey specifically for session organizers by April 25. Your input can help us understand what worked well and what didn’t, so we can do better next time. Read more via Access Now

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