RightsCon Cancellation: A Chilling Reminder of Online Scrutiny

Yesterday, RightsCon was effectively cancelled by the Zambian government, just days before it was scheduled to take place. We were deeply disappointed to hear this news, as we had been looking forward to collaborating with others who share our belief that providing information in the right language and building responsible, equitable technology can be life-saving. RightsCon is a space where these conversations truly move forward. We are heartbroken for the organizers and everyone who, like us, invested significant time, energy, and resources into making this event a success, only to see it cancelled at the last minute. The widespread disappointment expressed by digital rights activists overnight is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to keep working toward a world where digital access is guaranteed for all. We are confident that RightsCon, a standard-bearer for civil society rights, will emerge even stronger next year.

I was really looking forward to being at RightsCon representing AI + Planetary Justice Alliance (AIPJ) this year. It being cancelled is a loss for the field as a whole, especially at a time when these conversations feel more urgent than ever. This was going to be the first RightsCon in Southern Africa, and as such it held particular weight. I hope this setback doesn’t discourage trying again, but instead reminds us why it’s so important to keep creating spaces for these conversations, especially in the places where they are hardest to have. Huge thanks to the Access Now team for the immense effort that went into organizing it – that work doesn’t go unnoticed. Among the many conversations that were about to unfold and that I was beyond excited about, I was really looking forward to a workshop we planned with Dona Mathew, Esther Mwema, Renata Avila, and Ruth Schmidt, PhD and a panel I was going to take part in with Valeria Betancourt, hosted and moderated by Mili Dangwal. Those were going to be spaces to unpack the material realities and injustices of the AI supply chain(s), from mineral extraction to energy and labor, and to collectively imagine new pathways for AI rooted in planetary justice, grounded lived realities, and collective action. This doesn’t stop us though – stay tuned for more soon 👀 👀 👀 And, I'm already in Zambia doing on-the-ground work for the AI + Planetary Justice Alliance (AIPJ)'s Below the Algorithm program – if you're already in Lusaka, reach out! Let's meet 📣 ☕

I joined the RightsCon team in November of last year and in this short time I've seen firsthand how hardworking and intentional this team is — all driven by a deep belief in the importance of the work. This is why the cancellation of RightsCon's is so devastating. But, this cancellation hits harder than one single moment or a missed opportunity and exposes a more concerning issue: a shrinking civil space, where narratives are constrained. It reflects a broader pattern shaped by power dynamics and forms of transnational repression, influencing whose voices are allowed, and whose are not That said, I want to say that the outpouring support we have received from our community has been so motivating and heartwarming for us, reinforcing my belief that we're nothing without the collective. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/dBg_JiZ9

How about civil society focuses on what Linnet is suggesting here, instead of focusing on digital sovereignty? To be "recognised as norm entrepeneurs on the same level as states".

RightsCon is more than a conference. It is where civil society, journalists, technologists and government officials come together to wrestle with the hardest questions about rights and accountability in our digital societies.  Its cancellation is not just disappointing; it is a setback for open dialogue at a time when it is most needed. As OGP we know firsthand how much effort, coordination, and trust goes into bringing an event like this to life. The work behind RightsCon is years in the making. That makes the lost opportunity even harder. This decision is deeply concerning, not only for what it means to the hundreds of participants who made commitments in good faith, but for what it signals about the space available for dialogue, participation, and dissent. Open government means engaging citizens even when it is challenging. Inviting scrutiny as a pathway to stronger governance, not avoiding it. The government of Zambia has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by reaffirming its commitment to these principles, including through its membership in OGP, and ensuring that spaces for participation and accountability remain open and protected. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by this decision. Open Government Partnership

✍️ RightsCon Canceled in Zambia: A Blow to African Democracy Just days before it was set to begin, the news broke: the Zambian government has canceled RightsCon 2026. 🔶 For Badal Fohmoh, a digital activist and member of the YDC delegation heading to the Summit, as well as for thousands of participants, this represents much more than a logistical setback. 🚫 This cancellation reveals a troubling trend: the shrinking of civic space in the face of authoritarian pressures. It is a blatant blow to freedom of expression in Africa and elsewhere. 🗣 Read Badal’s poignant account of the impact of this decision and her call to use our voices to defend freedom of expression 🔗https://ow.ly/ccSK50YVUMo #DigitaliseYouth #YouthDemocracyCohort

Following the cancellation of #RightsCon2026 in Zambia, Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) participated in a strategic convening in Kampala hosted by Pollicy , bringing together civil society actors, digital rights advocates, researchers, and policy stakeholders. The convening created an important space for reflection, collaboration, and conversations around digital rights, internet governance, digital inclusion, and shrinking civic space across Africa. The discussions highlighted the importance of stronger regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and locally grounded approaches in advancing inclusive digital futures across the continent. #DigitalRights #InternetGovernance #PolicyAdvocacy

Recently, Ghana has been facing a growing trend of human trafficking in its sports sector, affecting young footballers. Apparently, the athletes are approached by fake agents and promised opportunities abroad, only to be exploited or abandoned. To combat this, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) partnered with Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation to train journalists. They equipped journalists with skills on how to recognize trafficking patterns, report ethically, and avoid enabling fraudulent schemes. The initiative emphasizes that informed journalism plays an important role in exposing trafficking networks, raising awareness, and protecting vulnerable youth. To learn more, visit: https://buff.ly/Gh3QTkl Source: Modern Ghana #PreventionFriday #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #NationalFosterCareMonth #EndHumanTrafficking #FightHumanTrafficking #AntiTrafficking #Liluye #LiluyeSpirit

The public statement by Adeeba Zaheer has intensified discussion regarding the nature of political mobilization and narrative building among youth in Balochistan. In her press conference, she acknowledged: ✔ Participation in BYC activities ✔ Involvement in anti institution slogans ✔ Regret over past actions ✔ Disassociation from the organization going forward Her remarks follow earlier public statements from other former affiliates raising concerns about emotional mobilization, political radicalization, and the use of inflammatory narratives targeting young individuals. This development highlights the importance of: 🌍 Responsible political engagement 🌍 Constitutional activism 🌍 Youth empowerment through education and inclusion 🌍 Dialogue over confrontation Long term peace in Balochistan requires trust building, institutional stability, economic opportunity, and constructive civic participation. #ExposeBYC #PeaceInBalochistan #PakistanUnity #Balochistan #YouthEngagement #NationalCohesion #PublicDiscourse #Pakistan #PeaceBuilding

It won’t just spread like wildfire, it will be held against all of us on this continent who have worked to shift perspectives and ensure that civic spaces are protected.