Access Now
 

 

Russia’s record war on connectivity

Digital repression in Russia is deepening. Reports suggest that Russian authorities cut connectivity more than 650 times in June alone, throttling WhatsApp, Telegram, and other platforms under the guise of countering drone attacks. But such blackouts can have deadly consequences, as Access Now’s Anastasiya Zhyrmont warns in our latest blog post. With plans afoot to block WhatsApp and push people onto government-controlled apps, we urge Russian authorities to stop hampering people’s access to an open, free, and secure internet. Read more via Access Now

Dig deeper

Russia: internet blocking, disruptions, and increasing isolation

The Russian government’s ever-expanding control over digital spaces extends well beyond internet shutdowns, encompassing everything from mass online censorship to the widespread blocking of virtual private networks (VPNs). The situation has only worsened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, notes Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a new report that examines the devastating impact of digital repression on people in Russia’s rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. Read more via Human Rights Watch

Syria’s rocky road to digital freedom

Syrian government must restore internet access and respect rights in Suwayda

Last month, authorities in the Syrian region of Suwayda cut off internet access amid violent clashes in the Druze‑majority area that killed hundreds of people. Despite a ceasefire supposedly being in place, connectivity disruptions are ongoing, leaving people without access to lifesaving information and services even as sectarian and political tensions continue to rise. Along with our civil society partners, Access Now condemns the shutdown, urging Syria’s transitional government to ensure that full internet access is restored, that people’s fundamental rights are protected, and that it does not fall at this first important hurdle. Read more via Access Now

They left Syria as refugees. They’re returning to build its tech industry

Following the fall of the Assad regime, Syrian tech professionals who once fled abroad are returning to help rebuild their country’s digital future, establishing tech-driven startups like “Digital Syria” and organizing the country’s first tech conference in decades. But they face an uphill struggle, particularly in the absence of reliable connectivity and internet infrastructure — a prerequisite for the new Syria to thrive. Read more via Rest of World

We mustn't move on from Myanmar

Myanmar’s digital crackdown is worsening: the world is stepping back

Since Myanmar’s military junta seized power in a violent coup more than four years ago, the people of Myanmar have been subject to increasingly draconian repressions, online and off, and the situation has only worsened since a record earthquake struck the country earlier this year. In a Tech Policy Press op-ed, Access Now’s Wai Phyo Myint and Faiz Naeem warn that Myanmar has entered “an even darker chapter,” with the military junta stepping up its technological capabilities, surveillance, and propaganda in parallel with “a growing international acceptance of the junta’s presence on the world stage.” The international community must stand with Myanmar’s people, “who continue to resist with courage, under impossible conditions,” and lend support for secure and reliable internet access — “a vital lifeline for communication, safety, and resistance.” Read more via Tech Policy Press

#KeepItOn around the world

Nepal authorities must reverse nationwide Telegram ban and uphold human rights

On July 18, authorities in Nepal imposed a nationwide ban on Telegram on grounds of fighting online fraud; but the disproportionate restriction is stymieing the work of journalists, human rights defenders, students, and small businesses. We call on the government of Nepal to restore access immediately, end platform bans, and uphold people’s rights to free expression, information, and privacy. Read more via Access Now

WATCH: “Internet shutdowns: endangered communities, silenced stories”

Last year saw more countries implement more internet shutdowns than ever before — but what were the main triggers for such shutdowns? In an Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) webinar, Access Now’s Felicia Anthonio and Zach Rosson walk through our latest #KeepItOn global data, explaining how internet blackouts harm people and human rights. Watch via IIEA

Grantee in the spotlight

READ: “Actions for environmental justice from autonomous and community-based technological infrastructures”

Access Now’s Grants program provides flexible funding to grassroots and frontline organizations fighting for human rights in the digital age. One such group is Sursiendo, which works to uphold the digital rights of social justice and activist groups across Mexico and Central America, with a focus on building sustainable digital security practices and collective care strategies. This includes researching how to embed environmental sustainability into autonomous, community-based internet infrastructure projects; read their recently-published report or listen to a recent presentation of the work, in English or Spanish. LEARN more via Sursiendo

Opportunities and other highlights

RightsCon is heading to Zambia!

RightsCon is coming back to the African continent! From May 5-8, 2026, the 14th edition of the world’s leading summit on human rights and technology will take place in Lusaka, Zambia and online. Here’s how we’re making it happen. Read more via Access Now

NOW OPEN: RightsCon call for proposals

Want to join us in Zambia or online? The RightsCon 2026 call for proposals is now open! Learn about the program categories and session formats, check out our guide to a successful proposal, or attend a training session to help set your proposal up for success. The deadline to submit your proposal is September 12. Read more via Access Now

APPLY: Opportunities at Access Now

Want to join our mission of defending and extending digital rights of people and communities at risk? We’re looking for two new colleagues: a Security Incident Handler to join our Digital Security Helpline team, and a Senior Coordinator, Community Support & Accessibility to support the organization of RightsCon 2026 (limited term contractor role). APPLY via Access Now

You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Access Now Express. This email and all other Access Now communications are sent in compliance with our Data Usage Policy. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.