We made it through, together

Change happens when people can take risks

“For decades, civil society has said they need long-term flexible funding in order to work effectively. For the first time ever, I'm part of a program that can contribute to that. Even if we're not the biggest grantmaker in the world, I've come to learn that change happens when people feel they are stable enough to take risks. So I'm really excited about plans for the Grants program to focus on seizing opportunities and supporting our partners’ resilience in 2026.”

The struggle itself is meaningful

“Amid accelerating authoritarianism and a daily deluge of digital harms flooding our newsfeeds, it can feel as though digital rights activists are on the back foot. What I try to remember is that, when we call out hype, lies, and human rights abuses, when we struggle in solidarity against oppression, and when we work toward just and equitable futures, we are on the side of truth. The results of our work are never guaranteed, but the struggle itself is meaningful, and always better than the alternatives.”

The fight to end internet shutdowns continues

“The past year has shown the global strength and urgency of the #KeepItOn campaign, from ending active shutdowns and taking governments to court, to seeing shutdowns recognized as cyber-enabled crimes and as having an impact on elections. We also launched our STOP dashboard, a major milestone in our work to make our shutdown data more accessible. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to celebrate the #KeepItOn coalition’s 10-year anniversary — in the meantime, the fight to end internet shutdowns continues.”

Collective action can be transformative

"Digital attacks targeting activists, journalists, and human rights defenders have become more advanced and widespread. But despite mounting risks and limited resources, civil society continues to resist. Sharing knowledge, spreading awareness, and providing accessible and reliable tools — especially when done collectively across communities — can be transformative. As we look ahead to 2026, the Digital Security Helpline will keep supporting these efforts to make sure everyone can stay safe online as they work to protect and uphold human rights. "

Psst: If you want to join Luis and our other Helpline colleagues in helping to keep civil society safer online, check out our open vacancy for a Platform Engagement Coordinator.

All eyes on Myanmar

“As 2025 comes to a close, we need all eyes on Myanmar, starting with their sham election happening on December 28, and continuing into 2026 and beyond. Millions of people are still being targeted by the military junta’s digital oppression, encompassing everything from internet shutdowns and biometric data collection, to the hacking of encrypted messages. The world’s governments must act decisively and immediately, by refusing to recognize the junta’s fraudulent show of ‘democracy,’ investigating the regime’s sources of financing and technology, and using their diplomatic and economic leverage to cut off funding for the military junta’s physical and digital arsenal.”

We are battered, but not beaten

"There is no sugarcoating the facts – 2025 was a bad year for anyone who cares about digital rights in conflict, from warring parties’ growing weaponization of internet shutdowns, social media platforms profiting from propaganda for war, and AI and surveillance technologies being used against civilians, to states failing to recognize that civilian and humanitarian data and systems warrant protection. But amid the chaos, and in spite of shrinking funding and growing threats, we may be battered, but we are not beaten. If 2025 was the year of reckoning with a broken system, may 2026 be the year to start rebuilding a better one."

Let us look to the margins

“Since joining Access Now this year, I am constantly reminding myself that we don’t need to reinvent the wheel to build a world where everyone can live with dignity and freedom. Instead, we must look to the margins and legitimize alternative ways of living that are already working. It may be messy, complex, and constantly evolving, but the mere existence of such systems is proof of a world that prioritizes humans, their safety, and their security. To get started, I recommend The Kurdish Women’s Movement: History, Theory, Practice, by Dilar Dirik.”

Alaa’s freedom is a light in the darkness

"One light in the darkness this year was the pardoning of Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who spoke at the very first RightsCon. We’ve been calling for his release for a decade, as long as I’ve been at Access Now. Today, finally, he is at home with his family and friends. It feels like a miracle, but it happened as a result of tireless efforts by real people. My hope for 2026 is that we take heart from this win. Let’s keep fighting for a world where human rights advocates like Alaa are celebrated and protected, not persecuted."

It matters that we show up for each other

"This was a hard year for our movement, for our work, and for many of us personally. But I keep coming back to how much it matters that we show up for each other. At RightsCon 2025, I saw people making the effort to be in the room, have difficult conversations, disagree respectfully, and keep pushing forward anyway. As we head toward RightsCon 2026, I’m proud of the community we are building; one that meets uncertainty with strength, persistence, and the will to achieve real change."

Our work has never been more urgent

“I’m incredibly proud of how my team navigated a challenging funding landscape this year. Despite the hurdles, we remained committed to resourcing the fight to defend and extend the digital rights of at-risk communities worldwide. With civic spaces shrinking and authoritarianism on the rise, this work has never been more urgent. In 2026, I hope our community continues to stand with us in this fight!”

ICYMI, we're looking for an Individual Giving Consultant (short-term contract) to audit and analyze our current individual giving program. Learn more and apply by January 5, 2026.

Finding hope in the grassroots

“From Gaza to Sudan, from Myanmar to Tanzania, people are still paying an increasingly harrowing price for digital rights violations. Yet at the same time, grassroots organizations continue resisting digital oppression, working tirelessly both behind-the-scenes and on the frontlines of conflict and crisis, to defend the digital rights of their neighbors and communities. They are the foundation of the digital rights movement; without them, it crumbles. In dark times, I take heart from the courage, creativity, and perseverance of grassroots activists, aspiring to channel their energy into 2026 and beyond. ”

The work doesn’t stop when conditions get harder

“In 2025, despite political pressure and serious funding challenges, civil society continued resisting digital repression — because the work doesn’t stop when conditions become harder. Access Now met this moment with focus and determination, supporting partners on the frontlines while adapting to a challenging environment. Next year, we’ll keep strengthening protection for those at risk, while ensuring our resources land where they are most needed. Thank you for standing with us, and see you in 2026 (in the meantime I’ll be listening to Brazilian singer-songwriter Liniker, a resilient, strong voice for queer rights).”