RightsCon

21 Feb 2025

✨ 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!

accessnow.orgOpenness in AI development: a path to long-term independence - Access NowThis blog post unpacks concrete initiatives that show how openness in AI development can increase people’s agency over AI.

As Big Tech and powerful countries dominate AI development, how can we ensure it serves the public and upholds human rights? Discover how policies and practices can put people back in control of AI 🔽 www.accessnow.org/openness-in-...

At the RightsCon Continues Closing Ceremony, our speakers are stepping into the future as reporters from 2050, imagining how digital rights and society have evolved amid advancing AI, global crises, and shifting geopolitical and economic power. Watch it live: rightscon.summit.tc/t/rightscon-...

22 Sept

RightsCon Continues is officially underway! The opening ceremony was everything we dreamed of and more. And that was just the beginning. Dive into 24 hours of sessions, conversations, connections, and community from across the global digital rights movement. Jump into the platform and join us!

21 Sept

What if we could see the consequences of today’s choices in the future? In our closing ceremony, a multi-stakeholder group will take us to 2050 as “reporters from the future,” sharing how digital rights and society have evolved. Register ➡️ www.rightscon.org/registration/

18 Sept

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!

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...

1 Sept

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...

25 Aug

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...

rightscon.orgRightsCon ContinuesThe threat to digital rights continues. The work of our community continues. And so does RightsCon. Learn more about the initiatives for 2026

4 Aug

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/

youtube.comCHEO Research Institute’s EHIL receives international privacy and human rights awardThe 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…

3 Aug

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...

21 July

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/...

9 July

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?

8 July

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!

techpolicy.pressRightsCon Organizers Take Stock of What's Next After ZambiaA conversation with Access Now executive director Alejandro Mayoral Baños and RightsCon director Nikki Gladstone.

15 May

RightsCon Organizers Take Stock of What's Next After Zambia www.techpolicy.press/rightscon-or...

nucleo.jor.brCancelamento da RightsCon afeta debate sobre direitos digitais em todo o mundoGoverno da Zâmbia cancelou evento dias antes do início; pressão diplomática chinesa e ambiente político pré-eleitoral estão entre os motivos

13 May

Cancelamento da RightsCon afeta debate sobre direitos digitais em todo o mundo nucleo.jor.br/reportagem/2...

ifex.orgRightsCon 2026 cancellation is a blow to civil society, free expression and the right to assembly everywhere - IFEXMembers 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…

13 May

RightsCon 2026 cancellation is a blow to civil society, free expression and the right to assembly everywhere ifex.org/rightscon-20...

ohchr.orgZambia’s de facto cancelation of RightsCon an attack on rights and freedoms: Special RapporteurGENEVA – The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association* issued the following statement on the postponement of RightsCon in Zambia:

12 May

Zambia’s de facto cancelation of RightsCon an attack on rights and freedoms: Special Rapporteur www.ohchr.org/en/statement...

rightscon.orgRightsCon 2026 ImpactIn this page we talk about the impact of RightsCon 2026, including participant support, media hits, FAQs, and how to help

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.orgRightsCon 2026 ImpactIn this page we talk about the impact of RightsCon 2026, including participant support, media hits, FAQs, and how to help

Now… We are currently assessing the possible next steps for RightsCon. Hosting the summit is a complex process that requires alignment across many stakeholders to ensure we deliver the level of care, depth, and impact our community expects and deserves.

rightscon.orgRightsCon 2026 ImpactIn this page we talk about the impact of RightsCon 2026, including participant support, media hits, FAQs, and how to help

Our future is being shaped right now, and your input will be essential in guiding that process. If you would like to help inform the next steps, we invite you to complete our participant survey ➡️ www.rightscon.org/rc26-impact/

article19.orgZambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression - ARTICLE 19The Zambian government's cancellation of global digital rights conference RightsCon is a direct attack on freedom of expression and assembly.

Zambia: RightsCon cancellation is a blow to freedom of expression by @article19.bsky.social www.article19.org/resources/za...

wired.comThe Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference CanceledAccess Now, the group that organizes RightsCon, says Zambian officials asked it to exclude Taiwanese participants if it wanted the event to proceed as planned.

1 May

The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled www.wired.com/story/the-ch...

rightscon.orgA statement to our community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in ZambiaOur official statement to the digital rights community about why RightsCon 2026 will not take place in Zambia

1 May

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...

30 Apr

Update for participants regarding travel to Zambia

29 Apr

It is with heavy hearts that we share: RightsCon will not proceed in Zambia or online.

28 Apr

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...

22 Apr

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/

21 Apr

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...

21 Apr

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...

17 Apr

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!

15 Apr

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

10 Apr

Going to #RightsCon2026? Be the first to get the latest updates. Join our new RightsCon WhatsApp Channel for updates, tips, and tricks to help you make the most of the event — from important announcements to on-the-ground info. Join the channel today! 🔽 whatsapp.com/channel/0029...

8 Apr

Thinking of going to RightsCon 2026? Registration is still open! 4 days of sessions, networking and dialogue on the issues shaping human rights in the digital age. In person or online, this is where the community worldwide comes together. Register and learn more: www.rightscon.org/registration/

2 Apr

We know our community is navigating uncertainty around traveling to RightsCon 2026 through the Gulf region. Following the escalation of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, multiple countries across the region have closed their airspace.

rightscon.orgAn update about traveling to Zambia and transiting the GulfGuidance on traveling to RightsCon 2026 in Zambia and transiting the Gulf

2 Apr

This is a stressful time for our community, and for many it means dealing with the direct consequences of the conflict directly. If you are coming to RightsCon and your plans are impacted, please don't hesitate to get in touch at rightscon@accessnow.org. www.rightscon.org/rc26-travel-...

rightscon.orgGet your e-Visa to join us in-person in Zambia for RightsCon 2026The visa process for RightsCon 2026 is now available. In this post we outline the steps needed and the support the RightsCon team will provide.

1 Apr

Visa Deadline Alert! 🚨 If you're joining us in Zambia for #RightsCon2026, the window for visa support is closing. You have until April 3 to request your supporting documents. To check if you need a visa, how to request the documents, and the e-Visa process, go to: www.rightscon.org/rc26-visa/

26 Mar

Going to #RightsCon2026? Be the first to get the latest updates. Join our new broadcast channel for updates, tips, and tricks to help you make the most of the event — from important announcements to on-the-ground info. Be the first to know. Join the channel today! 🔽 whatsapp.com/channel/0029...

24 Mar

Traveling to #RightsCon2026 in Zambia? Your visa process starts NOW. If you need a visa to attend, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. Don't miss the deadline: April 3 is the last day to request your supporting documents Read more ▶️ www.rightscon.org/rc26-visa/

10 Nov 2025

It's official: registration is now open for RightsCon 2026 (Zambia and online, May 5-8)! rightscon.org/registration RightsCon is home to many movements: from defending equality, privacy, and freedom, to shaping digital rights frameworks, to fighting internet shutdowns, and more 👇

10 Nov 2025

But RightsCon is more than the big moments. It’s the new perspective that challenges you. It’s where we share, listen, strategize, and act together. Ready to join us? Get your early bird ticket today for up to 50% off regular pricing.

23 Oct 2025

We’re excited to announce our home in Lusaka! RightsCon 2026 will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC), the largest conference center in Zambia! With its modern infrastructure and flexible layout, the MICC is the perfect fit for RightsCon’s dynamic program. 👇

23 Oct 2025

Centrally located, the MICC is surrounded by major international hotels and a 30-minute drive from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Stay tuned for next week as we’ll launch our Plan Your Travel page with more info and tips for joining us in Zambia, including visas, flights, and hotels.

26 Sept 2025

We received over 1,600 submissions for RightsCon 2026! This impressive number shows the urgency of today’s digital rights challenges and the community’s commitment to ensuring that RightsCon remains the space for the crucial conversations shaping our lives. What’s next? 👇

26 Sept 2025

Your proposal will go through a 3-step review process with the Program Committee, and results are expected in late December! In the meantime, there are plenty of other ways to engage with the RightsCon program. In the coming months, you’ll be able to: 👇

globalprivacyassembly.comPrivacy & Human Rights Award – Global Privacy Assembly

26 Sept 2025

Nominate an organization for the Privacy and Human Rights Award: globalprivacyassembly.com/privacy-huma... Add your name to the Speaker and Facilitator List (open late October) Apply for a booth in the Community Village Partner with us through RightsCon side events and our Expanded Programming

18 Sept 2025

Have you submitted your RightsCon 2026 proposal yet? There’s still time to help shape the agenda on digital rights of our next summit, in Zambia and online (May 5-8). Submit through the Proposal Portal: rightscon.secure-platform.com/a/solicitati... Remember to submit before September 19!

11 Sept 2025

Good news! You have one more week to submit your proposal for RightsCon 2026 (May 5-8, Zambia and online). The deadline has been extended to Sept 19. To support you in this final stretch, we’re adding an extra office hour on September 16. Sign up: rightscon.org/program/#tra... 👇