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RightsCon
@rightscon.org
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💫The world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age
📆 Taipei and online, Feb 24-27, 2025
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RightsCon @rightscon.org · Feb 21
✨ The #RightsCon2025 Opening Ceremony ✨ will set the stage for critical discussions on the challenges to digital rights today. Let’s unite and spark conversation & action as civil society grapples with interconnected struggles in times of crisis. Join us in shaping a rights-respecting future!
rightscon.org
Unsure which sessions to attend at RightsCon Continues on September 22? We’ve got you covered. Check out the Fireside Chats.

Expect discussions on topics like freedom of expression, artificial intelligence, internet shutdowns, and more. Check out the Fireside Chats and organize your agenda!
Safeguarding Civic Space in the Digital Age: Protecting Freedom of Assembly and Association in Africa September 22, 2026 5:30 - 6:30 pm CEST Speakers Bridget Andere Senior Policy Analyst, Access Now Maria Sarungi Tsehai Activist, Change Tanzania movement Aisha Dabo Co-founder and Coordinator, Africtivistes Chivulli Ukwimi Former Deputy Director ITF and Principal Consultant at Lutanda Initiative AI Safety for whom? Rethinking AI Governance Through a Human Rights Lens September 22, 2026 9:15 - 10:15 pm CEST SPEAKERS Daniel Leufer Senior Policy Analyst, Access Now Udbhav Tiwari Vice President for Strategy and Global Affairs, Signal Andrew Strait Head of Societal Resilience, UK AI Security Institute Isabelle Lois Senior Policy Advisor at Swiss Federal Office of Communications Diana Mosquera Executive Director and Co-Founder, Diversa From surveillance to governance: recentering human rights in the UN AI agenda Speakers September 22, 2026 4:45 - 5:45 am CEST Alejandro Mayoral Baños Co-Executive Director, Access Now Beatriz Busaniche Directora, Fundación Vía Libre Wafa Ben Hassine Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Lund Henneberg Acting Director, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Luda Svystunova Senior ESG Analyst, Amundi Movement-building against digital authoritarianism and transnational repression September 23, 2026 8:30 - 9:30am CEST Naro Omo-Osagie Africa Policy and Advocacy Manager, Access Now Samuel Chu President, The Campaign for Hong Kong Mykola Kostynyan Co-Founder, RESIDENT.NGO Mahsa Alimardani Associate Director, WITNESS Htaike Htaike Aung Director, Myanmar Internet Project
September 18, 2026 at 6:24 PM
rightscon.org
The RightsCon Continues Summit agenda is live!

Explore 50+ sessions, including workshops, roundtables, dialogues, meetups, and fireside chats, across 24 hours of programming.

Register now, sign up for sessions, and start planning your RightsCon experience: rightscon.summit.tc/catalog/righ...
Explore all sessions today! RightsCon Continues Summit. September 22, online.
September 10, 2026 at 2:36 PM
rightscon.org
Registration is now open for the RightsCon Continues Summit, a 24-hour online event starting September 22, 2026.

Register today to connect with the community, join discussions, expand your network, and address major digital rights threats. ⬇️

rightscon.summit.tc/catalog/righ...
RightsCon Continues Summit. September 22, ONLINE. REGISTRATION IS OPEN
September 1, 2026 at 2:31 PM
rightscon.org
The threat to digital rights continues. The work of our community continues. And so does RightsCon.

Registration opens soon.

Learn more: rightscon.org/rc26-continu...
What is RightsCon Continues? RightsCon Continues is a series of initiatives designed to maintain momentum and engagement throughout 2026, supporting the global digital rights community’s ongoing work after the government of Zambia effectively canceled RightsCon 2026. This will look like… RightsCon Continues Summit: A 24-hour global online event with a focused program built around the themes of resilience, solidarity, movement building, and multistakeholder action. RightsCon on the road: An official RightsCon presence at partner events throughout the year, alongside support to help underrepresented community members and participants to join. = The online summit A 24-hour worldwide online event beginning on September 22 will bring the community together for a full day of programming around resilience, movement building, and multistakeholder action. Participants can look forward to workshops, roundtables, fireside chats, meetups, and many networking opportunities. Registration for the online summit opens soon. Get ready to join thousands of passionate digital rights advocates, activists, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and supporters from all around the world.
August 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM
rightscon.org
The work doesn't stop, and neither do we!

That’s why we are launching RightsCon Continues. An initiative that will keep the global digital rights community connected as we build toward RightsCon 2027. It kicks off with a 24-hour online summit on Sept. 22,2026. ⬇️

www.rightscon.org/continues2026/
RightsCon Continues
The threat to digital rights continues. The work of our community continues. And so does RightsCon. Learn more about the initiatives for 2026
www.rightscon.org
August 4, 2026 at 1:37 PM
rightscon.org
Watch the 2026 Privacy and Human Rights Award ceremony as we recognize CHEO Research Institute's Electronic Health Information Laboratory (EHIL) for advancing privacy, data protection, and human rights through groundbreaking innovation. ⬇️

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nucm...
CHEO Research Institute’s EHIL receives international privacy and human rights award
The Electronic Health Information Laboratory (EHIL) at the CHEO Research Institute received the 2026 Privacy and Human Rights Award – an international honour recognizing outstanding leadership in…
www.youtube.com
August 3, 2026 at 1:30 PM
rightscon.org
Congratulations to the Electronic Health Information Laboratory (EHIL) at the CHEO Research Institute, recipient of the 2026 Privacy and Human Rights Award! 🎉

Read more: www.priv.gc.ca/en/opc-news/...
The 2026 Privacy and Human Rights Award winner is The Electronic Health Information (EHIL) at the CHEO Research Institute
July 21, 2026 at 1:08 PM
rightscon.org
This year didn't go as planned. But this won't stop us or our community!

Introducing RightsCon Continues. Join us online on September 22, 2026 for a 24-hour summit focused on resilience, collaboration, and action.

See you there?
RightsCon Continues The work of our community continues. And so does RightsCon. Save the date: September 22, 2026.
July 9, 2026 at 1:37 PM
rightscon.org
What's next for RightsCon 2026?

This year didn't go as planned. But this won't stop our community or us! Tomorrow, we'll share what's next for the world's leading summit on technology and human rights.

Stay tuned!
What's next for RightsCon 2026? Find out tomorrow
July 8, 2026 at 1:40 PM
rightscon.org
RightsCon Organizers Take Stock of What's Next After Zambia www.techpolicy.press/rightscon-or...
RightsCon Organizers Take Stock of What's Next After Zambia
A conversation with Access Now executive director Alejandro Mayoral Baños and RightsCon director Nikki Gladstone.
www.techpolicy.press
May 15, 2026 at 4:43 PM
rightscon.org
Cancelamento da RightsCon afeta debate sobre direitos digitais em todo o mundo nucleo.jor.br/reportagem/2...
Cancelamento da RightsCon afeta debate sobre direitos digitais em todo o mundo
Governo da Zâmbia cancelou evento dias antes do início; pressão diplomática chinesa e ambiente político pré-eleitoral estão entre os motivos
nucleo.jor.br
May 13, 2026 at 4:32 PM
rightscon.org
RightsCon 2026 cancellation is a blow to civil society, free expression and the right to assembly everywhere
ifex.org/rightscon-20...
RightsCon 2026 cancellation is a blow to civil society, free expression and the right to assembly everywhere - IFEX
Members and partners of IFEX and the Global Forum for Media Development stress that cancelling RightsCon and thereby seriously disrupting UNESCO's World Press Freedom Day conference weakens an…
ifex.org
May 13, 2026 at 3:37 PM
rightscon.org
Zambia’s de facto cancelation of RightsCon an attack on rights and freedoms: Special Rapporteur
www.ohchr.org/en/statement...
Zambia’s de facto cancelation of RightsCon an attack on rights and freedoms: Special Rapporteur
GENEVA – The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association* issued the following statement on the postponement of RightsCon in Zambia:
www.ohchr.org
May 12, 2026 at 3:50 PM
rightscon.org
We have seen an incredible outpouring of support from partners, governments, sponsors, and more, with many sharing public statements of solidarity. We are deeply grateful for this support and for the commitment our community continues to show toward RightsCon. ❤️‍🩹
RightsCon 2026 Impact
In this page we talk about the impact of RightsCon 2026, including participant support, media hits, FAQs, and how to help
www.rightscon.org
May 8, 2026 at 8:50 PM
rightscon.org
Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression by @article19.bsky.social
www.article19.org/resources/za...
Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression - ARTICLE 19
The Zambian government's cancellation of global digital rights conference RightsCon is a direct attack on freedom of expression and assembly.
www.article19.org
May 8, 2026 at 5:56 PM
rightscon.org
The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled www.wired.com/story/the-ch...
The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled
Access Now, the group that organizes RightsCon, says Zambian officials asked it to exclude Taiwanese participants if it wanted the event to proceed as planned.
www.wired.com
May 1, 2026 at 5:13 PM
rightscon.org
Following our April 29 announcement, we believe it's important to be transparent about the context that led to the decision. We want to explain, where we can, why this was made on such short notice, only days before we were set to host RightsCon.

Read: www.rightscon.org/rc26-stateme...
A statement to our community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia
Our official statement to the digital rights community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia
www.rightscon.org
May 1, 2026 at 4:48 PM
rightscon.org
Update for participants regarding travel to Zambia
UPDATE FOR TRAVELLERS Our recommendation not to travel is not because Zambia is unsafe but because RightsCon is no longer taking place. We have seen no indications of safety risks in traveling to Zambia, and as of April 30, we haven’t seen increased safety risks for international travellers. If travel does take place, members of our community should consider their individual circumstances, particularly if you consider yourself at higher risk. If we receive further information that might impact traveler safety related to RightsCon, we will share it. We have been informed by our contact at the Zambia Department of Immigration that those travelling with an approved visa tied to RightsCon will still be allowed to enter Zambia, however the situation is recent and that might change in the upcoming days. If there are issues at the border or during your stay in Zambia, we no longer have RightsCon support services on the ground nor can we influence visa and/or immigration decisions made by the government. As always, you can reach out to us at rightscon@accessnow.org if you have any questions.
April 30, 2026 at 5:56 PM
rightscon.org
It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.
STATEMENT: It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online. We understand this news is deeply upsetting for our community and while we know everyone has questions, our goal right now is to notify you of the event’s status because many of you have imminent travel plans. We do not recommend registered participants travel to Lusaka for RightsCon. Over the last 48 hours we have experienced an overwhelming surge of support from civil society, government representatives, sponsors, and our community as a whole. For this, we wholeheartedly thank you. We’ll communicate more information soon.
April 29, 2026 at 8:28 PM
rightscon.org
1 week until #RightsCon2026. 🎉

The global digital rights community will soon come together in Lusaka and online to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and engage in critical conversations shaping the future of the internet.

Plan your participation ⬇️ www.rightscon.org/plan-your-tr...
April 28, 2026 at 12:25 PM
rightscon.org
The RightsCon Summit Platform is live! 🎉

Explore 550+ sessions across all formats. Connect with participants, and build your personal schedule all in one place. The platform is available to registered participants. Register today and start exploring ⬇️

www.rightscon.org/registration/
The Summit Platform is NOW live Explore more than 550 sessions online, in-person, and hybrid formats, build your personal schedule, and connect with participants. Are you registered for RightsCon 2026? The Summit Platform is only available to registered participants. Don't miss this chance and register today! If you are not sure if you're able to join us in Lusaka, don't worry! A free online Community ticket is always available. If you’re registered, good news! Check the inbox of the email address you used to register for your platform invite. Look for an email from our partner TechChange with the subject line: “The RightsCon Summit Platform is live: Claim your invite.” Now you can explore RightsCon 2026 right from your screen!
April 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM
rightscon.org
2 weeks until #RightsCon2026!

The conversations, connections, and ideas that will shape the future of digital rights are almost here.

Plan your participation: www.rightscon.org/plan-your-tr...
2 weeks to go RightsCon26 Zambia May 5-8
April 21, 2026 at 7:54 PM
rightscon.org
Be part of WAIE+’s satellite session at #RightsCon2026, “Reclaiming AI Safety & Security for the People,” where dominant narratives are challenged and real-world riskstake center stage.

-Tuesday, May 5, 1:00 PM ✅️
RSVP: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
April 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM
rightscon.org
The winner of the Privacy and Human Rights Award has been chosen!

The award recognizes individuals and organizations that excel in safeguarding privacy and other fundamental rights.

Join us at #RightsCon2026 closing ceremony to discover this year’s winner!
The winner of the Privacy and Human Rights Award has been chosen. The announcement will be made at the closing ceremony of RightsCon 2026 RightsCon26 Zambia RightsCon2026 marks the second edition of the Privacy and Human Rights Award, presented in partnership with the Global Privacy Assembly and the Data Protection and Other Rights and Freedoms Working Group. It recognizes individuals and organizations that excel in safeguarding privacy and other fundamental rights. Join us at the closing ceremony to discover this year’s winner!
April 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM
rightscon.org
Good news! You now have one extra week to take advantage of our regular ticket prices for RightsCon 2026 (May 5–8, Lusaka, Zambia, and online).

Get your ticket before we transition to late pricing on April 21!

Register: www.rightscon.org/registration
April 15, 2026 at 5:47 PM