SMEX
@smex.org
SMEX is a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa.
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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....
smex.org
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...
Creators, researchers, technologists, and advocates are reshaping how we claim space online and tell our own stories.
smex.org/smex-launche...
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...
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...
February 3, 2026 at 9:57 AM
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...
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...
Reposted by SMEX
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...
media.business-humanrights.org/media/docume...
January 28, 2026 at 6:18 AM
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...
media.business-humanrights.org/media/docume...
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...
Read the full principles here @EFF.org
www.eff.org/issues/princ...
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…
www.eff.org
January 28, 2026 at 5:02 PM
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...
Read the full principles here @EFF.org
www.eff.org/issues/princ...
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...
smex.org/smex-relaunc...
January 26, 2026 at 11:01 AM
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...
smex.org/smex-relaunc...
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.
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...
smex.org
January 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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.
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...
Our policy team’s analysis:
smex.org/metas-2024-h...
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...
smex.org
January 19, 2026 at 11:41 AM
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...
Our policy team’s analysis:
smex.org/metas-2024-h...
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.
Luckily, we've compiled a few preventative tips to help you stay protected.
January 12, 2026 at 7:49 PM
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.
Luckily, we've compiled a few preventative tips to help you stay protected.
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...
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...
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...
smex.org
January 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
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...
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...
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-t...
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...
smex.org
December 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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-t...
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...
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...
December 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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...
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...
During the holidays, your devices are at higher risk than usual.
Here are 4 simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are 4 simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
December 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
During the holidays, your devices are at higher risk than usual.
Here are 4 simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are 4 simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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...
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...
December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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...
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...
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
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
December 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
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
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
What’s in our latest newsletter? #TheByte
mailchi.mp
December 12, 2025 at 2:25 PM
What’s in our latest newsletter? #TheByte
Reposted by SMEX
#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
December 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM
#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
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...
Explore the full story in SMEX’s 2024 Activity Report: smex.org/smex-launche...
November 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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...
Explore the full story in SMEX’s 2024 Activity Report: smex.org/smex-launche...
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 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’s Recommendations for Lebanon at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
<p>Lebanon is facing its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in November 2025, a critical moment that we can leverage to…</p>
smex.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM
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 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...
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/
Register: IGFLebanon.org/registration/
November 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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/
Register: IGFLebanon.org/registration/
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...
Creators, researchers, technologists, and advocates are reshaping how we claim space online and tell our own stories.
smex.org/smex-launche...
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....
smex.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:20 AM
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...
Creators, researchers, technologists, and advocates are reshaping how we claim space online and tell our own stories.
smex.org/smex-launche...
Reposted by SMEX
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.
November 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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.
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
SMEX and the International Justice Clinic expose how, under international law, Tunisia’s actions violate its obligations to protect its migrants
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
Menu
ijclinic.law.uci.edu
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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
SMEX and the International Justice Clinic expose how, under international law, Tunisia’s actions violate its obligations to protect its migrants
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
Follow us to keep up with our updates during Bread&Net 2025! #BreadandNet
October 28, 2025 at 6:56 PM
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
Follow us to keep up with our updates during Bread&Net 2025! #BreadandNet
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.
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.
October 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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.
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.
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...
This year's recommendations:
smex.org/smexs-recomm...
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...
smex.org
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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...
This year's recommendations:
smex.org/smexs-recomm...
Reposted by SMEX
#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
Read the report: buff.ly/iiqKccf #WANA
October 4, 2025 at 6:02 PM
#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
Read the report: buff.ly/iiqKccf #WANA