iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 23/09/2026

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-...

Adeboye Adegoke — Principal, Luminate
Jess Wan — Head of Social Research, Redwheel
Arzu Geybulla — Co-Executive Director, Access Now
Esther Mwema — Artist & Digital Inequalities Expert, Atlantic Fellow
Wim Geerts — Human Rights Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

010

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 22/09/2026

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!

030

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 21/09/2026

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/

A closing reflection on digital rights in the future
Live from 2050:
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 amid advancing AI, crises, and shifting power.
Principal, Luminate
Adeboye Adegoke
Head of Social Research, Redwheel
Jess Wan
Co-Executive Director, Access Now
Arzu Geybulla
Artist & Digital Inequalities Expert, Atlantic Fellow
Esther Mwema
September 23, 2026
8:45 - 9:45 am ET

020

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 18/09/2026

A decade of movement building
against internet shutdowns:
The #KeepItOn campaign
September 23, 2026
12:15 - 1:15 pm CEST
Felicia Anthonio
#KeepItOn Campaign
Manager, Access Now
Jalal Abukhater
Policy Manager, 7amleh
Prasanth Sugathan
Legal Director, Software Freedom Law Center, India (SLFC.in)
Jessica Rooney
Human Rights Manager, Vodafone
Catherine K. Mulika
Co-Founder, Cavendrys

010

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 18/09/2026

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

132

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 10/09/2026

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.

001

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 01/09/2026

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

020

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 25/08/2026

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.

052

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 04/08/2026

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.org

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

043

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 03/08/2026

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...

youtube.com

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…

000

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 21/07/2026

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

000

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 09/07/2026

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.

032

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 08/07/2026

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

032

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 08/05/2026

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/

rightscon.org

RightsCon 2026 Impact

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

021

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 08/05/2026

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.org

RightsCon 2026 Impact

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

131

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 08/05/2026

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.org

RightsCon 2026 Impact

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

186

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 01/05/2026

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...

rightscon.org

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

04448

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 30/04/2026

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.

051

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 29/04/2026

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

45642

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 28/04/2026

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...

011

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 22/04/2026

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!

011

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 21/04/2026

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

011

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 21/04/2026

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...

021

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 17/04/2026

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!

021

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 15/04/2026

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

011

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 10/04/2026

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...

Follow our WhatsApp channel to be the first to get RightsCon updates [QR CODE]

011

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 08/04/2026

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/

Thinking of going to RightsCon?

May 5-8, Lusaka, Zambia

RightsCon26, Zambia

Picture of group talking to each other

033

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 02/04/2026

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.org

An update about traveling to Zambia and transiting the Gulf

Guidance on traveling to RightsCon 2026 in Zambia and transiting the Gulf

000

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 02/04/2026

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.

133

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 01/04/2026

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/

rightscon.org

Get your e-Visa to join us in-person in Zambia for RightsCon 2026

The visa process for RightsCon 2026 is now available. In this post we outline the steps needed and the support the RightsCon team will provide.

012

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 26/03/2026

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...

001

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 24/03/2026

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/

Traveling to RightsCon 2026 in Zambia?

Here's everything you need to know about visas — before it's too late.

024

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 10/11/2025

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.

010

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 10/11/2025

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 👇

A graphic collage of triangular shapes and gradients with the RightsCon 2026 branding colors. A text reads: Registration for RightsCon 2026 is now open!
The world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age

141

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 23/10/2025

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.

010

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 23/10/2025

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. 👇

100

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 26/09/2025

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

globalprivacyassembly.com

Privacy & Human Rights Award – Global Privacy Assembly

010

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 26/09/2025

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: 👇

100

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 26/09/2025

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? 👇

The picture shows a collage of shapes. Inside of one of the shapes it shows two participants taking a photo together. In the gradient background, it shows a roundtable session at RightsCon. Above it a text reads: What’s next for the RightsCon program?

100

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 18/09/2025

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!

A collage of two speakers at a RightsCon session and a branded gradient background. A text above it reads: “Call for Proposals: closes tomorrow! September 19”

032

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 11/09/2025

If you need extra guidance, visit our Guide to a Successful Proposal page for instructions, resources, and examples. To submit your RightsCon 2026 proposal go to rightscon.secure-platform.com/a/solicitati...

000

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 11/09/2025

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... 👇

A photo of a speaker during a dialogue session at RightsCon. A text above it reads: “Call for Proposals new deadline: September 19”

102

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 05/09/2025

If you still need support with your proposal, join our social hour on September 10 and chat with the program team directly! Sign up here: www.rightscon.org/program/#tra...

rightscon.org

RightsCon Program

This page gives an overview of the program for RightsCon, including our formats and highlights of previous editions

013

RightsCon @rightscon.org · 05/09/2025

The top three categories leading the way: • Online Hate and Violence • AI & Emerging Technologies • Digital Security for Communities Civil society continues to lead, but Academia is making waves in second place with 19% of proposals, showing the diversity of voices shaping digital rights today. 👇

100