iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by SMEX

SMEX @smex.org · 24/07/2026

It might be tempting to try the new social media trend where you ask AI to generate what you think your life looks like. But that harmless-seeming trend could put your information at risk, including your face. Read more on why we suggest you don't: smex.org/should-you-u...

smex.org

Should you upload a photo of yourself on an AI platform? The short answer is no, and here’s why - SMEX

Every few months, a new AI image trend takes over social media. In early 2025, millions uploaded their photos to AI chatbots to get a Studio Ghibli-style portrait. By Ramadan 2026, the trend turned de...

011

SMEX @smex.org · 24/07/2026

smex.org

Should you upload a photo of yourself on an AI platform? The short answer is no, and here’s why - SMEX

011

SMEX @smex.org · 15/07/2026

New research! With the help of @privacyinternational.org, we’ve published a groundbreaking research paper on how the SWANA region functions as a site of production, a consumption market, and a live testing ground of militarized tech. Read more: smex.org/new-report-o...

smex.org

New report on the militarization of tech in the SWANA: Produced, tested, deployed - SMEX

Human testing. Those two words evoke mental images of inhumane experiments and feelings of disquiet, as they should. Yet human testing of militarized technology is happening in the Southwest Asia/Nort...

032

SMEX @smex.org · 27/05/2026

What does staying connected mean during displacement? Why are Instagram DMs no longer private? And what questions are shaping Bread&Net 2026? Our latest newsletter gathers stories, digital rights updates, opportunities, and reflections from across West Asia and North Africa.

smex.org

Be part of Bread&Net 2026

Bread&Net 2025 functioned not only as a space to share knowledge, but as a connective infrastructure for the region's digital rights ecosystem, and we couldn't be prouder of what this community built…

110

SMEX @smex.org · 19/05/2026

Authorities have issued sweeping bans on filming, sharing, or commenting on footage related to Iranian attacks on GCC territory. We, alongside 28 organizations, are calling on Gulf governments to immediately take measures to uphold freedom of expression and human rights. smex.org/criminalizin...

smex.org

Criminalizing Truth: Gulf Governments Must End the Crackdown on Information - SMEX

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering a wave of Iranian missile...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 19/05/2026

From payment processing to online hospital records, every day lives in the WANA are getting more digitized, and it all relies on data centers. What happens when they become targets? Read our analysis here: smex.org/dual-use-and...

smex.org

Dual-use and dual damage: what the targeting of data centers means for civilians - SMEX

For the first time in military history, private-sector commercial data centers have been deliberately targeted and damaged in an active...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 13/05/2026

RightsCon2026 was de facto canceled after China pressured Zambia to exclude Taiwanese participants. Access Now took a principled decision and refused to hold a conference on those terms. The cost of the cancellation was both financial and human. Read the full piece: smex.org/solidarity-i...

043

Reposted by SMEX

MENA Alliance for Digital Rights @madr.network · 08/05/2026

Google hasn't responded to our letter from Feb. 18 about state-sponsored disinformation running through their ads. So we're publishing it. Google must apply its ad policies to all parties equally without any exceptions. Read the full letter: madr.network/madr-to-goog...

madr.network

MADR to Google: Disinformation during war is still disinformation even if it’s an ad | MADR

001

SMEX @smex.org · 05/05/2026

On March 13, thousands of leaflets dropped over Beirut. At the bottom sat QR codes. But why would a military drop QR codes for people to scan? Were they malicious? And what were they actually trying to collect? Read this piece by our Senior Cybersecurity Analyst: smex.org/opinion-isra...

smex.org

[Opinion] Israeli leaflets with QR codes could be after Lebanese metadata - SMEX

On March 13, thousands of leaflets dropped over Beirut. At the bottom sat QR codes A month later, the question...

020

SMEX @smex.org · 24/04/2026

Stories like this show us that tools built for military surveillance do not stay in the military. They are being repurposed into corporations, governments, and now, into universities. This a worrying sign of how the militarization of tech is quietly reshaping civilian spaces.

021

Reposted by SMEX

Mai El-Sadany @maitelsadany.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

🚨 @smex.org is running a campaign to help ensure that: 📱 Displaced people in Lebanon have Internet access so that they can stay connected to aid agencies and receive the information and news they need to keep them safe. 📱 Displaced children have access to remote learning.

146

Reposted by SMEX

Access Now @accessnow.org · 08/04/2026

Espionage enables repression! In collaboration with Lookout + @smex.org, our Digital Security Helpline exposes a hack-for-hire phishing campaign targeting journalists and dissidents in the MENA region. Here’s what we found, and what it means for civil society 🧵

Espionage enabling repression?

The latest investigation by our Digital Security Helpline shows how it’s happening!

267

SMEX @smex.org · 17/04/2026

On April 16, U.S. president Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese army reported violation within hours of it taking effect. The digital front has no pause. Here is what we followed this week. smex.org/digital-righ...

smex.org

Digital Rights Amid a Regional War: April 17, 2026 - SMEX

Beirut, April 15, 2026 — On April 8, Israel launched its heaviest bombardment on Lebanon since the start of the...

001

SMEX @smex.org · 10/04/2026

A high-profile Lebanese journalist was targeted with advanced phone hacking in May 2025. The investigation identifies the involvement of BITTER, a known threat actor prominent in South Asia whose operations may now extend into West Asia and North Africa. Full findings: smex.org/smex-may2025/

smex.org

Rotten Apple: An Invasive Threat Actor Targeting Civil Society in Lebanon - SMEX

Executive Summary The SMEX Digital Forensic Lab presents a report on a spear-phishing campaign that targeted a high profile Lebanese...

055

SMEX @smex.org · 03/04/2026

In Lebanon, 1 in 5 people have been displaced. In shelters, many must pay high costs for internet and communication with little official support, cutting them off from learning, connection, and loved ones. Help support access during this crisis. Donate to SMEX:

smex.org

Keep Communities in Lebanon Safe, Informed, and Connected. Donate now.

SMEX is working to bridge the connectivity gap for our communities in Lebanon, ensuring they can have access to essential…

020

SMEX @smex.org · 31/03/2026

In response to the ongoing challenges shaping the state of digital rights in the West Asia and North Africa region, and in light of the continuing Israeli war on our region, we invite you to write with us and cover topics related to digital rights.

activityinfo.org

SMEX Editorial Pitch Form نموذج تقديم مقترحات للكتابة مع سمكس

ActivityInfo

000

SMEX @smex.org · 30/03/2026

Last week, a US jury found that Meta and YouTube are liable for damages in a lawsuit claiming it deliberately designed its products to be addictive. This is a novel legal theory, and SMEX will be monitoring how it develops, and how its impact could spread beyond the USA.

000

Reposted by SMEX

مصدر عام | The Public Source @thepublicsource.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Israeli occupation forces dropped leaflets over Beirut, asking residents to disarm Hezbollah & scan QR codes. SMEX (@smex.org) & the Lebanese army warned against scanning them. Christina Cavalcanti & Basyma Saad (@basyma.bsky.social) report: thepublicsource.org/blog/lebanon...

Dispatches

Psychological Warfare Reaches Beirut
By Christina Cavalcanti & Basyma Saad

012

SMEX @smex.org · 27/03/2026

What are the latest developments in digital rights amid the ongoing regional war? Explore five of the most important recent stories in our weekly digest available through the link below: smex.org/digital-righ...

smex.org

Digital Rights Amid a Regional War: March 24, 2026

Beirut, March 24, 2026 — Israel’s war on Lebanon continues to escalate, intensifying its targets on critical infrastructure like connecting…

010

Reposted by SMEX

Association for Progressive Communications (APC) @apc.org · 17/03/2026

An important read from our member @smex.org in Lebanon compiles information on how the war has unfolded on the digital front during the first week of the regional crisis. smex.org/digital-righ...

smex.org

Digital Rights Amid a Regional War: Threats and Responses

Beirut, March 9, 2026 — Israel has displaced more than half a million Lebanese residents from South Lebanon, Beirut, and…

012

SMEX @smex.org · 20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating! As with many major holidays, we observe a rise in phishing campaigns that exploit increased online activity and community messaging. For practical guidance on identifying and mitigating phishing risks, read SMEX’s guide: smex.org/a-few-tips-t...

smex.org

A Few Tips to Detect Phishing Links

Over the past year, we have witnessed an increase in the number of phishing campaigns in Lebanon and amongst the…

001

SMEX @smex.org · 12/03/2026

What did the first week of the regional war in Lebanon, the Gulf, and Iran look like on the digital front? SMEX breaks down the key developments and what they mean for rights online. Read more: smex.org/digital-righ...

smex.org

Digital Rights Amid a Regional War: Threats and Responses - SMEX

Beirut, March 9, 2026 — Israel has displaced more than half a million Lebanese residents from South Lebanon, Beirut, and...

001

SMEX @smex.org · 03/02/2026

Signal's President warns AI agents are undermining encryption in real-world use. This echoes our concern: while WhatsApp uses Signal’s E2E model, Meta AI integration introduces new privacy threats that encryption alone can’t prevent. Read more @dia.bsky.social: smex.org/whatsapp-get...

smex.org

WhatsApp gets a little worse with AI

Last week, Meta announced that WhatsApp will now feature targeted ads. As many news articles and comments from civil society…

110

Reposted by SMEX

Vas Panagiotopoulos @vaspanagiotopoulos.com · 28/01/2026

NEW: guide by @business-humanrights.org, @smex.org & @awo.agency on the severe, under-recognised risks for 📈💰investors in #surveillance technologies – including #spyware, digital forensics tools, cell site simulators & deep packet inspection systems. media.business-humanrights.org/media/docume...

154

SMEX @smex.org · 28/01/2026

Today, the Digital Services Act (DSA) Human Rights Alliance, a group of digital and human rights advocacy organizations from inside and outside the EU, published a set of principles recommending an inclusive enforcement for the DSA. Read the full principles here @EFF.org www.eff.org/issues/princ...

eff.org

Principles for a Human-Rights Centred Application of the DSA: A Global Perspective From the DSA Human Rights Alliance

The EU’s pioneering Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to foster a safer digital space by setting out new responsibilities for online platforms, supporting online expression, and giving users more…

010

SMEX @smex.org · 26/01/2026

Reminder: The Digital Rights Fund (DRF) for this cycle is open until January 31! If you have an idea for an innovative project addressing issues within digital rights, now is your time to apply for funding with us. Find out more: smex.org/smex-relaunc...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 21/01/2026

2024 was the largest election year in history, putting pressure on Meta to address risks from its products and services, including AI. Instead, Meta’s 2024 Human Rights Report largely reads as product promotion, sidestepping the human rights concerns raised by civil society.

smex.org

Meta’s 2024 Human Rights Report: too little, too late - SMEX

In a long-overdue move, Meta finally published its 2024 annual human rights report in December 2025, strategically releasing it just...

100

SMEX @smex.org · 19/01/2026

Meta’s Annual Human Rights Report for 2024 was finally published in December, nearly three months later than the previous year’s release. Despite this delay, the report was superficial and failed to meaningfully address key human rights concerns. Our policy team’s analysis: smex.org/metas-2024-h...

smex.org

Meta’s 2024 Human Rights Report: too little, too late - SMEX

In a long-overdue move, Meta finally published its 2024 annual human rights report in December 2025, strategically releasing it just...

010

SMEX @smex.org · 12/01/2026

Have you recently received an unsolicited email from Instagram asking you to reset your password? Chances are you were part of the 17.5 million users whose data has been compromised in a massive data leak. Luckily, we've compiled a few preventative tips to help you stay protected.

100

SMEX @smex.org · 03/01/2026

What were the major trends in human rights violations we observed in 2025? This past year, our policy team has tirelessly worked to advance our mission and advocate for a safer digital space, free from censorship. Read about our submissions here: smex.org/human-rights...

smex.org

Human Rights Day: SMEX reflects on a year of advocacy for digital rights - SMEX

Over the past year, digital rights have faced increasing pressure. As governments and corporations deploy and develop new technologies at...

020

SMEX @smex.org · 31/12/2025

During the holidays, phishing links are more prominent. How can you identify and protect yourself from phishing? smex.org/a-few-tips-t...

smex.org

A Few Tips to Detect Phishing Links - SMEX

Over the past year, we have witnessed an increase in the number of phishing campaigns in Lebanon and amongst the...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 26/12/2025

Which activities has the Digital Rights Fund (DRF) supported before? We fund practical and innovative projects that respond to digital rights challenges in the region. Have an idea? Apply for a DRF grant by January 31. smex.org/smex-relaunc...

100

SMEX @smex.org · 24/12/2025

During the holidays, your devices are at higher risk than usual. Here are 4 simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

110

SMEX @smex.org · 20/12/2025

New funding for digital rights initiatives! Are you looking to fund your next digital rights project? SMEX is relaunching its Digital Rights Fund for 2026 and will start receiving proposals starting now! Specific eligibility criteria apply. More: smex.org/smex-relaunc...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 17/12/2025

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team in an organization that works at the intersection of social justice and digital rights? SMEX is hiring skilled people for four new roles! Check out the job descriptions and apply by clicking on your position of interest through the link: buff.ly/SKqJ6qT

000

SMEX @smex.org · 12/12/2025

What’s in our latest newsletter? #TheByte

mailchi.mp

100

Reposted by SMEX

IFEX @ifex.org · 05/12/2025

#Lebanon 🇱🇧 Ongoing drone surveillance and telecom disruptions by #Israel continue to undermine digital sovereignty, with @SMEX.org noting that weak governance has left residents exposed and no clear path to accountability. buff.ly/W19wkwH

011

SMEX @smex.org · 19/11/2025

There is no doubt that 2024 was challenging. Even amid war, instability, and the upheavals still reshaping our region, we found ways to protect and advance our human rights online. Explore the full story in SMEX’s 2024 Activity Report: smex.org/smex-launche...

000

SMEX @smex.org · 18/11/2025

How can Lebanon strengthen digital rights and protect freedom of expression? SMEX with @apc.org and @accessnow.org has submitted two sets of recommendations for Lebanon’s upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Read them here: smex.org/smexs-recomm...

smex.org

SMEX’s Recommendations for Lebanon at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

Lebanon is facing its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in November 2025, a critical moment that we can leverage to…

001

SMEX @smex.org · 14/11/2025

Calling all stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, and academics interested in the internet and its governance: register to attend the Lebanon Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on December 10 and 11, 2025 at the Beirut Digital District (BDD). Register: IGFLebanon.org/registration/

001

SMEX @smex.org · 13/11/2025

You’ve helped make the internet a little safer this year. Creators, researchers, technologists, and advocates are reshaping how we claim space online and tell our own stories. smex.org/smex-launche...

smex.org

SMEX Launches Its 2024 Annual Report: Digital Rights in Times of War - SMEX

Over the past year, the digital rights movement in our region, West Asia and North Africa, has gained unprecedented momentum....

110

Reposted by SMEX

The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy @timep.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

TIMEP is proud to have been a partner of the 2025 edition of Bread&Net, the MENA region’s most prominent digital rights convening, organized and hosted by @smex.org. Over the years, Bread&Net has become an incredibly important platform to network, exchange, and collaborate.

143

SMEX @smex.org · 12/11/2025

Sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia are being relocated to rural areas where internet access is weak and online hate speech flourishes with impunity. SMEX and the International Justice Clinic expose how, under international law, Tunisia’s actions violate its obligations to protect its migrants

ijclinic.law.uci.edu

Pushed to the Outskirts: Tunisia Must Actively Protect the Digital Rights of sub-Saharan African migrants in Rural Areas, Cultivate a Culture of Digital Literacy, and Combat Online Hate Speech to Fulfill its Responsibilities Under CERD – International Justice Clinic

114

SMEX @smex.org · 28/10/2025

Tomorrow, participants from across the region will gather in Beirut to defend and advance digital rights! Follow us to keep up with our updates during Bread&Net 2025! #BreadandNet

040

SMEX @smex.org · 23/10/2025

Bread&Net's platform is now LIVE! 🎉 You can check the agenda, build your schedule, and connect with speakers and attendees before the event. Complete your registration on www.breadandnet.org and check out the stellar line-up of speakers taking part in Bread&Net this year.

000

SMEX @smex.org · 22/10/2025

Every 4.5 years, countries undergo a human rights review before the UN Human Rights Council through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). For the third time in a row, SMEX is submitting recommendations to hold Lebanon accountable. This year's recommendations: smex.org/smexs-recomm...

smex.org

SMEX’s Recommendations for Lebanon at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) - SMEX

Lebanon is facing its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in November 2025, a critical moment that we can leverage to...

000

Reposted by SMEX

IFEX @ifex.org · 04/10/2025

#MENA 🌐 A new @SMEX.org report shows how commercial #spyware linked to Israel is used by regional governments to monitor and intimidate journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, urging civil society to protect themselves. Read the report: buff.ly/iiqKccf #WANA

012

SMEX @smex.org · 07/10/2025

Today marks two years since the offset of Israel's genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza. The atrocities unfolding since October 7 could not have taken place without Big Tech's AI-enabled weapons.

120