Torture victim’s landmark hacking lawsuit against spyware maker can proceed, judge rules

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain AlHathloul’s lawsuit against Emirati surveillance firm DarkMatter Group can move forward — a big victory for spyware victims. Alhathloul was allegedly hacked with DarkMatter’s Karma spyware while attending a conference in the U.S., then was arrested and tortured in Saudi Arabia. Access Now and the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) supported with an amicus brief the lawsuit filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), seeking to hold DarkMatter accountable under the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Read more via EFF

Taking spyware to court

Legal frameworks for addressing spyware harms

When governments around the world fail to rein in spyware, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders like Loujain AlHathloul remain in the crosshairs. Civil lawsuits give victims a way to fight back. A new three-part series from Just Security explores how to hold perpetrators accountable, featuring insights from experts including Natalia Krapiva, Access Now’s Senior Tech-Legal Counsel. Read more via Just Security

Discovery in U.S. spyware litigation: a double-edged sword?

In part one of the Just Security series, Natalia Krapiva takes a close look at the discovery process in U.S. spyware litigation, drawing lessons from WhatsApp’s successful lawsuit against Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group. Learn why discovery can be a “double-edged sword” — and how to minimize the risks for plaintiffs and victims. Read more via Just Security

REGISTER: “Accountability now: Liability for spyware harms”

On Tuesday, August 26 at 10:00 am ET, the Atlantic Council’s Strategic Litigation Project and the Cyber Statecraft Initiative will host a virtual panel discussion on liability for spyware abuses. The event will preview forthcoming reports on “how strict liability for ultrahazardous activities and product liability can be used to address and prevent spyware harms.” Grab your spot now. ReAD MORE via The Atlantic Council

Shutting down the shutdowns

The politics and people behind Balochistan’s internet shutdowns

On August 6, authorities in Balochistan, Pakistan ordered a mobile internet shutdown across all 36 districts until August 31, citing “security concerns” due to a surge in militant activity. Now, millions have been cut off from the world and each other. The blackout has also disrupted access to education, blocked mobile banking, and stranded small businesses — deepening a longstanding connectivity gap and stunting civic freedoms. Learn more about why this is happening and join us to condemn the shutdown. Read more via Global Voices

Russia has been cutting the internet to stop drones — and it’s driving a cash comeback

Russian authorities are also imposing mobile internet shutdowns, as a means to combat Ukraine’s drone attacks. Access Now’s Natalia Krapivia talks to Business Insider about the effect such shutdowns have on the Russian economy, together with factors such as “banning or restricting various technologies, from Western social media to virtual private networks (VPNs), the exit of many companies from Russia, and the overall policy of technological isolationism.” Read more via Business Insider

Join the global fight against internet shutdowns

In 2024 alone, the #KeepItOn coalition documented no fewer than 296 internet shutdowns that undermined human rights and disrupted lives in 54 countries. Check out this video from Wikimania 2025 to hear from Access Now’s Felicia Anthonio about why perpetrators impose shutdowns, how they hurt people, and what you can do to put an end to internet shutdowns worldwide. Watch via Wikimedia Foundation

Grantee in the spotlight: the road to #FIFAfrica25

Biker to ride from Uganda to Zambia imparting digital security skills at stops in six countries”

DIG/SEC Initiative’s inspiring Security on Wheels program, now in its fifth year, continues to bring digital security trainings and support directly to at-risk journalists and activists across East Africa, with support from Access Now’s grants program among others. This September, they’ll take a bold 14-day motorcycle trip through six countries from Kampala, Uganda to Windhoek, Namibia, running a series of digital security clinics, software installations, and awareness sessions along the way. Their final stop? A dedicated clinic at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2025 (FIFAfrica25). Follow DIG/SEC on X, amplify their mission, and stand with Security on Wheels and defenders of digital rights across the region! Read more via DIG/SEC

Staying safe, keeping strong

The Resilience Project

Activists and human rights defenders are increasingly at risk for digital attacks, from online harassment and misinformation to surveillance. This can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. A UK-based nonprofit called the Resilience Project that supports climate activists has an open-source library with resources to help advocates take care of themselves and their community. Read more via The Resilience Project

Four easy actions to build a better tech future

Many of us who care about digital rights are feeling overwhelmed. But there are still simple things we can do to help fix tech’s broken ecosystem. Check out Mozilla Foundation’s new campaign sharing resources to take control of your online experience, support your community, and push tech in the right direction. Read more via Mozilla Foundation

Opportunities and other highlights

REGISTER: DRAPAC 2025

This year’s Digital Rights in Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) will bring together advocates, policymakers, and tech experts to tackle pressing digital rights issues across the region. From August 26–28 in Kuala Lumpur, Access Now will join sessions on digital security, inclusive digital public infrastructure, the UN Cybercrime Convention, AI and digital trade consultations, and more. Learn about the sessions we’re joining, and register to attend. Read more via Access Now

LEARN: Unlocking connectivity insights with Georgia Tech’s revamped IODA dashboard

The Internet Outage Detection and Analysis (IODA) project has launched a redesigned dashboard that makes tracking internet shutdowns faster, clearer, and more intuitive, allowing everyone from researchers to journalists to explore connectivity disruptions in real time. Learn more, and check out the new dashboard. Read more via IODA

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