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...
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
Reposted by SMEX
New research from our friends at @SMEX.org takes a look at the cyber weapons industry in the West Asia/North Africa (WANA) region. smex.org/new-researc...
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region
<p>New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region</p>
smex.org
October 5, 2025 at 4:59 PM
New research from our friends at @SMEX.org takes a look at the cyber weapons industry in the West Asia/North Africa (WANA) region. smex.org/new-researc...
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.
October 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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.
Program's out!🎉
Over 70 human rights defenders, journalists, tech experts, and researchers from across the globe join us this year to share their insights and findings from 2025.
Explore the sessions at breadandnet.org.
Over 70 human rights defenders, journalists, tech experts, and researchers from across the globe join us this year to share their insights and findings from 2025.
Explore the sessions at breadandnet.org.
October 7, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Program's out!🎉
Over 70 human rights defenders, journalists, tech experts, and researchers from across the globe join us this year to share their insights and findings from 2025.
Explore the sessions at breadandnet.org.
Over 70 human rights defenders, journalists, tech experts, and researchers from across the globe join us this year to share their insights and findings from 2025.
Explore the sessions at breadandnet.org.
Behind every spyware attack is a corporate network. Our latest report "Click, Load, Kill" maps four key players and their role in fueling human rights violations against activists, journalists, and dissidents in our region.
Click the link for the full research: smex.org/new-research...
Click the link for the full research: smex.org/new-research...
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region - SMEX
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region
smex.org
October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Behind every spyware attack is a corporate network. Our latest report "Click, Load, Kill" maps four key players and their role in fueling human rights violations against activists, journalists, and dissidents in our region.
Click the link for the full research: smex.org/new-research...
Click the link for the full research: smex.org/new-research...
Spyware is thriving in West Asia & North Africa—and guess who’s leading this deadly industry? Our new research shows that the most dangerous surveillance companies are either based in or linked to Israel.
smex.org/new-research...
smex.org/new-research...
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region
<p>One of today’s most dangerous violators of personal privacy is the commercial spyware industry—made up of vendors that design, market,…</p>
smex.org
October 2, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Spyware is thriving in West Asia & North Africa—and guess who’s leading this deadly industry? Our new research shows that the most dangerous surveillance companies are either based in or linked to Israel.
smex.org/new-research...
smex.org/new-research...
Reposted by SMEX
A new report by @smex.org, with support from @find.ngo & @accessnow.org, concludes that NSO Group, Cytrox/Intellexa, Cellebrite, and Saito Tech/Candiru are the most active commercial #spyware vendors in West Asia & 🌍North Africa.
smex.org/new-research...
smex.org/new-research...
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region
<p>One of today’s most dangerous violators of personal privacy is the commercial spyware industry—made up of vendors that design, market,…</p>
smex.org
October 2, 2025 at 4:59 AM
A new report by @smex.org, with support from @find.ngo & @accessnow.org, concludes that NSO Group, Cytrox/Intellexa, Cellebrite, and Saito Tech/Candiru are the most active commercial #spyware vendors in West Asia & 🌍North Africa.
smex.org/new-research...
smex.org/new-research...
BREAKING: Who’s really leading the cyberweapons industry in West Asia and North Africa?
New research by SMEX exposes Israel-linked spyware vendors at the helm of the industry with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among top buyers.
smex.org/new-research...
New research by SMEX exposes Israel-linked spyware vendors at the helm of the industry with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among top buyers.
smex.org/new-research...
New Research: Click, Load, Kill: A Look into the Cyberweapon Industry in the WANA Region - SMEX
One of today’s most dangerous violators of personal privacy is the commercial spyware industry—made up of vendors that design, market,...
smex.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
BREAKING: Who’s really leading the cyberweapons industry in West Asia and North Africa?
New research by SMEX exposes Israel-linked spyware vendors at the helm of the industry with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among top buyers.
smex.org/new-research...
New research by SMEX exposes Israel-linked spyware vendors at the helm of the industry with the UAE and Saudi Arabia among top buyers.
smex.org/new-research...
On this International Day for Universal Access to Information, we take note of how states and tech companies either blocked people’s right to find life-saving knowledge or actively distorted the facts.
September 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM
On this International Day for Universal Access to Information, we take note of how states and tech companies either blocked people’s right to find life-saving knowledge or actively distorted the facts.
Microsoft has announced it will cut of the Israeli military’s access to its Azure Cloud technology after a damning investigation from the Guardian revealed its key role in a mass-surveillance system capable of recording “a million calls an hour.”
September 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Microsoft has announced it will cut of the Israeli military’s access to its Azure Cloud technology after a damning investigation from the Guardian revealed its key role in a mass-surveillance system capable of recording “a million calls an hour.”