Ghana's parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill

In blow to human rights, the parliament of Ghana this week approved a draconian new law expanding the country’s persecution of LGBTQ+ people and communities. Despite criticism from civil society, the law, which would criminalize all advocacy, support, or promotion of LGBTQ+ groups or activities, both online and off, is expected to be approved by President John Dramani Mahama. We stand by our call for the government to reject this law and safeguard human rights for all people. Read more via BBC News

Do you need help?

ICYMI: Digital safety guide for LGBTQ+ activists in Africa

If you’re on the front lines of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa, our digital safety guide could help you identify tools and strategies to protect yourself from digital attacks, using persona and threat scenarios developed by our Digital Security Helpline. Remember: if you’re an activist, journalist, or civil society member in need of direct, tailored emergency assistance, you can reach out to the Helpline 24/7. Read more via Access Now

When humanitarian tech fails to protect

Data of 600,000 Gaza households exposed in WFP cyber-attack

This past weekend, the World Food Programme (WFP) informed approximately 600,000 households in the Gaza Strip that their personal information had been exposed in a “security-related incident.” But according to Access Now’s Giulio Coppi, “this kind of incident is a matter of when/how, not if,” given the lack of adequate protection mechanisms when humanitarian actors team up with military-linked technology companies like Palantir. Read more via The New Humanitarian

READ: “Mapping humanitarian tech”

To learn how often-opaque partnerships between humanitarian actors and private corporations can jeopardize the digital rights of already vulnerable people, check out our 2024 report, Mapping humanitarian tech: exposing protection gaps in digital transformation programmes. It highlights the need to embed transparency and human rights safeguards in partnership frameworks, and offers concrete recommendations for keeping impacted communities safe. Read more via Access Now

WATCH: Emerging approaches to the protection of civilians in the age of AI

As governments and humanitarian actors increasingly integrate AI tools into their operations, it’s imperative to protect civilians caught up in conflict or crisis. Access Now and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect hosted an online roundtable discussion to unpack these challenges — watch the recording. Watch via Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

Stay safe out there

Digital security for dangerous times

What kind of digital threats should you be watching out for? Access Now’s Mohammed Al-Maskati spoke with Newsjunkie about the trends our Digital Security Helpline is seeing, how U.S. funding cuts impact the digital security ecosystem, the ethical risks of AI, and how organizations can better protect themselves. Watch or read the full interview. Read more via Newsjunkie

Hackers are trying to steal Signal users’ backups in new wave of widespread attacks

Among the most common digital threats: phishing, where the attacker impersonates a trusted person or service in order to trick you into divulging passwords or other sensitive information. TechCrunch has details on a new phishing campaign where hackers masquerade as the Signal messaging app’s tech support team. While it appears the attacks could be far-reaching, Signal is already taking steps to mitigate the problem. Via TechCrunch

Now for the good news

Access Now Europe joins EU AI Act Advisory Forum

If you’re worried about AI and human rights, good news: Access Now Europe’s Caterina Rodelli has been selected to join the European Commission’s AI Act Advisory Forum, intended to support the implementation and enforcement of the EU’s AI Act. Read Caterina’s reflections on her appointment. Via LinkedIn

Opportunities and other highlights

Access Now @ DRAPAC 2026

Headed to the 2026 Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) in Manila next week? Don’t forget to swing by our booth, co-hosted with Digital Defenders Partnership and Decent Design, for a consultation on your digital security and accessibility needs. Via Access Now

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