New York, United States (HRNW): Access Now has intensified its global advocacy for digital rights and internet freedom following the cancellation of RightsCon 2026, one of the world’s largest international gatherings dedicated to human rights in the digital age. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to protecting online freedoms, supporting civil society, and promoting secure, inclusive digital spaces despite the setback.
According to Access Now, RightsCon has become a leading international platform where governments, technology companies, academics, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations collaborate on emerging issues related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, internet governance, digital privacy, freedom of expression, and online safety. The organization stated that despite the cancellation of the 2026 summit, its global advocacy programmes and partnerships will continue through regional engagement, digital initiatives, and international cooperation.
Access Now emphasized that protecting digital rights has become increasingly important as governments, businesses, and communities rely more heavily on digital technologies. The organization continues to advocate for secure internet access, protection of personal data, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and safeguards against unlawful surveillance, censorship, and internet shutdowns. Through research, policy engagement, and legal advocacy, Access Now works with stakeholders worldwide to promote a free, open, and secure internet.
The organization also continues expanding its Digital Security Helpline, which provides rapid assistance to journalists, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and independent media facing digital security threats. The multilingual support service offers technical guidance, incident response, and cybersecurity expertise to help organizations strengthen resilience against cyber threats and protect sensitive information.
In addition to emergency assistance, Access Now regularly publishes research on internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, platform accountability, and technology governance. These publications support policymakers, international organizations, and civil society by providing evidence-based recommendations that encourage greater respect for human rights in the digital environment. The organization maintains that technological innovation should always be accompanied by strong protections for privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.
Access Now has also continued engaging with governments, international organizations, technology companies, and academic institutions to promote responsible digital governance. The organization encourages transparent policymaking and multi-stakeholder cooperation to address evolving challenges associated with artificial intelligence, online misinformation, cross-border data governance, and emerging digital technologies.
Founded in 2009, Access Now operates globally with teams based across multiple regions, advocating for the protection of digital civil rights through policy research, strategic litigation support, emergency digital security assistance, public education, and international advocacy. Its programmes continue supporting journalists, activists, marginalized communities, and civil society organizations seeking to exercise their rights safely in digital spaces.
Digital rights experts note that maintaining open, secure, and accessible internet services has become increasingly important for democratic participation, education, humanitarian action, and economic development. Continued collaboration between governments, technology companies, civil society organizations, and international institutions remains essential to ensuring that technological progress advances human rights while protecting individual freedoms.
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Disclaimer
This HRNW news report has been prepared using publicly available information released by Access Now and other reliable public sources. It is published solely for journalistic and informational purposes. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence, and publication of this report does not necessarily imply endorsement of the views, policies, or positions of the organizations mentioned. Readers are encouraged to consult official publications for comprehensive and updated information regarding programmes, advocacy initiatives, and digital rights activities.
