We defend and extend the digital rights of people and communities at risk 🌎 RightsCon: @rightscon Latin America: @accessnow_latam
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ALT As you read this, there are at least 76 ongoing shutdowns around the world. Alarmingly, these prolonged shutdowns have risen steadily each year, as perpetrators worldwide quietly keep people cut off from the internet.
ALT Sound of the Silenced: voices from the connectivity crisis Art installation: Espai Vertical- ROOM (Level -1) Mozilla Festival Logo Access Now logo
ALT #NoExamShutdown: One step forward, another step back in 2026 Every year, governments across the Middle East and North Africa, and elsewhere, restrict internet access during exams to “prevent cheating,” leaving millions without connectivity, halting business activity, and disrupting daily life across entire countries. We have tracked this phenomenon for years and, with partners SMEX and the Internet Society, we launched the #NoExamShutdown campaign in 2023 to scale up efforts to end this dangerous and disproportionate practice. For the first time, this trend split in two very different directions. Swipe to see what changed. ▶️
ALT Syria: A break with the past? Syria imposed 11 nationwide exam-related shutdowns in 2025. In 2026, no exam-related shutdowns were reported during the exam period. This is the first time in at least a decade that Syria held national exams without such disruptions.
ALT In some countries, exam-related internet disruptions have become an annual pattern. Iraq: At least 34 disruptions were documented in 2026, marking the 11th consecutive year of exam-related shutdowns. Sudan: Authorities ordered 10 internet shutdowns during April exams, extending a six-year pattern amid the country’s devastating civil war. The cost extends far beyond the exam room.
ALT The picture isn't the same everywhere! While Algeria, a persistent offender over the past decade, took a small step in the right direction and restricted shutdowns to exam centers only, keeping the rest of the country connected, Tunisia joined the list of offenders for the first time.
ALT How can you help? If you have experienced internet disruptions during exam periods, we want to hear from you. Your testimonies can help us to document and measure what governments try to conceal. Share your story → forms.gle/pUh6EPwwtkD65BDY6 Join the coalition → accessnow.org/campaign/keepiton Spread the word → #NoExamShutdown #KeepItOn Read more on our blogpost #NoExamShutdown: One step forward, another step back
ALT Digital Security Clinic: Drop-in digital security advice for human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and civil society organizations. One-on-one consultations may also be available by arrangement. October 28, 2026. 2:30 - 4:00 P.M. | Breakout room 7, M.I.C.E Center, Quezon City.
ALT Mozilla Festival October 28-30, Barcelona
ALT Cyber resilience on the digital frontline 13:50-14:35 2nd floor interactive area Shrinking civic space and sophisticated digital repression now pose existential threats to global civil society and independent media. Compounded by funding pressures and rapid AI adoption, organisations must adapt quickly to survive. This interactive breakout session explores the shifting cyber threat landscape, offering insights from the field to keep journalists and NGOs secure, resilient, and effective. Natalia Belikova Head of International Cooperation Press Club Belarus Arzu Geybulla Co-Executive Director Access Now
