Donna Wentworth
@wentword.bsky.social
Human rights for everyone, everywhere.
I work at accessnow.org, but these posts are my own and do not represent the views of my employer.
I work at accessnow.org, but these posts are my own and do not represent the views of my employer.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Ten years ago, Access Now’s Grants Program was born from a simple idea:
When digital rights defenders are under attack, they deserve rapid, flexible, and trusted support.
Here’s what that decade looks like 🔽🧵
When digital rights defenders are under attack, they deserve rapid, flexible, and trusted support.
Here’s what that decade looks like 🔽🧵
November 24, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Ten years ago, Access Now’s Grants Program was born from a simple idea:
When digital rights defenders are under attack, they deserve rapid, flexible, and trusted support.
Here’s what that decade looks like 🔽🧵
When digital rights defenders are under attack, they deserve rapid, flexible, and trusted support.
Here’s what that decade looks like 🔽🧵
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Surveillance, censorship, internet shutdowns — the attacks on our freedoms keep growing. Don’t let digital dictators decide the future of the internet.
Fund the good fight, donate to Access Now ➡️ www.accessnow.org/donate
Fund the good fight, donate to Access Now ➡️ www.accessnow.org/donate
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Surveillance, censorship, internet shutdowns — the attacks on our freedoms keep growing. Don’t let digital dictators decide the future of the internet.
Fund the good fight, donate to Access Now ➡️ www.accessnow.org/donate
Fund the good fight, donate to Access Now ➡️ www.accessnow.org/donate
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
No Kings 10/18/2025
Favorite signs
Favorite signs
October 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
No Kings 10/18/2025
Favorite signs
Favorite signs
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
ICE + Paragon = a dangerous match!
The US gov’t has reactivated its deal with Paragon Solutions, whose Graphite spyware has been linked to human rights abuses worldwide. We fear ICE may now use it against US communities.
Read our recommendations: www.accessnow.org/paragon-cont...
The US gov’t has reactivated its deal with Paragon Solutions, whose Graphite spyware has been linked to human rights abuses worldwide. We fear ICE may now use it against US communities.
Read our recommendations: www.accessnow.org/paragon-cont...
The U.S. has reactivated its Paragon contract — and it should alarm everyone - Access Now
On September 1, 2025, media reported that U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was lifting a stop work order that had paused a $2 million USD
www.accessnow.org
October 15, 2025 at 7:22 PM
ICE + Paragon = a dangerous match!
The US gov’t has reactivated its deal with Paragon Solutions, whose Graphite spyware has been linked to human rights abuses worldwide. We fear ICE may now use it against US communities.
Read our recommendations: www.accessnow.org/paragon-cont...
The US gov’t has reactivated its deal with Paragon Solutions, whose Graphite spyware has been linked to human rights abuses worldwide. We fear ICE may now use it against US communities.
Read our recommendations: www.accessnow.org/paragon-cont...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
SCOOP: Spyware maker NSO Group confirmed to us that the company has been acquired by a U.S. investment group.
NSO's spokesperson said the group "has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership," but declined to say who is behind the investment.
NSO's spokesperson said the group "has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership," but declined to say who is behind the investment.
Spyware maker NSO Group confirms acquisition by US investors | TechCrunch
NSO Group confirmed to TechCrunch that an unnamed group of American investors has taken “controlling ownership” of the surveillance tech maker.
techcrunch.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
SCOOP: Spyware maker NSO Group confirmed to us that the company has been acquired by a U.S. investment group.
NSO's spokesperson said the group "has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership," but declined to say who is behind the investment.
NSO's spokesperson said the group "has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership," but declined to say who is behind the investment.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Mamdani talking lucidly and passionately about trans rights and history in a video that should frankly shame every politician who has hemmed and hawed and triangulated and said, "Well, but sports..." It's not that hard to tell the truth and stand for what's right. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEvV...
Until It's Done: Sylvia Rivera
YouTube video by Zohran Mamdani for NYC
www.youtube.com
October 11, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Mamdani talking lucidly and passionately about trans rights and history in a video that should frankly shame every politician who has hemmed and hawed and triangulated and said, "Well, but sports..." It's not that hard to tell the truth and stand for what's right. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEvV...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
NEW: Pegasus spyware coming to America?
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
October 10, 2025 at 11:35 AM
NEW: Pegasus spyware coming to America?
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
An ex-Adam Sandler producer with ties to China is trying to acquire NSO Group.
Again.
Simonds fronted this before in 2023 & failed. But the backers haven't given up. Why?
Where is the money coming from? 1/
www.globes.co.il/news/article...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
As Cameroon prepares to vote on Oct 12, Access Now and the #KeepItOn Coalition call on President Paul Biya to maintain open, secure, and accessible internet access before, during, and after the elections.
Read more:
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Read more:
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
All eyes on Cameroon: #KeepItOn during upcoming elections - Access Now
We urge authorities in Cameroon to ensure reliable, continuous, open, and secure internet access before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
www.accessnow.org
October 8, 2025 at 8:04 AM
As Cameroon prepares to vote on Oct 12, Access Now and the #KeepItOn Coalition call on President Paul Biya to maintain open, secure, and accessible internet access before, during, and after the elections.
Read more:
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Read more:
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Last week, a Dutch court ordered Meta to give Facebook & Instagram users the right to set a chronological feed by default - one of the first EU cases applying the DSA in civil proceedings.
To unpack what this means, I spoke with @bitsoffreedom.bsky.social:
www.techpolicy.press/what-a-dutch...
To unpack what this means, I spoke with @bitsoffreedom.bsky.social:
www.techpolicy.press/what-a-dutch...
What a Dutch Court Ruling Against Meta Signals for Private DSA Enforcement | TechPolicy.Press
Tech Policy Press spoke with Rejo Zenger, Policy and Advocacy Lead at Bits of Freedom, to better understand the significance of the ruling.
www.techpolicy.press
October 8, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Last week, a Dutch court ordered Meta to give Facebook & Instagram users the right to set a chronological feed by default - one of the first EU cases applying the DSA in civil proceedings.
To unpack what this means, I spoke with @bitsoffreedom.bsky.social:
www.techpolicy.press/what-a-dutch...
To unpack what this means, I spoke with @bitsoffreedom.bsky.social:
www.techpolicy.press/what-a-dutch...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Georgians are taking to the streets for democracy. But as authorities deploy surveillance tools, protesters face new digital risks.
We’re sharing quick tips to help you stay safe — online and on the ground.
Read more ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/georgia-prot...
We’re sharing quick tips to help you stay safe — online and on the ground.
Read more ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/georgia-prot...
Georgia protests: digital safety tips for peaceful gatherings - Access Now
Amid protests in Georgia, CyberHUB-AM and Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline share tips for protestors to stay safer online.
www.accessnow.org
October 7, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Georgians are taking to the streets for democracy. But as authorities deploy surveillance tools, protesters face new digital risks.
We’re sharing quick tips to help you stay safe — online and on the ground.
Read more ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/georgia-prot...
We’re sharing quick tips to help you stay safe — online and on the ground.
Read more ⬇️ www.accessnow.org/georgia-prot...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
NEW: turns out the EU helped finance a bunch of spyware companies with..public money.
Extremely bad look.
Group of MEPs calls for action.👇
apache.be/2025/10/01/e...
Extremely bad look.
Group of MEPs calls for action.👇
apache.be/2025/10/01/e...
October 1, 2025 at 10:19 AM
NEW: turns out the EU helped finance a bunch of spyware companies with..public money.
Extremely bad look.
Group of MEPs calls for action.👇
apache.be/2025/10/01/e...
Extremely bad look.
Group of MEPs calls for action.👇
apache.be/2025/10/01/e...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
🌈 Together with @liberties.eu and the HCLU, we urge the European Commission to uphold the #AIAct in Hungary and protect the participants of the Pecs #Pride from #AI #surveillance. 👀
#FacialRecognition #FundamentalRights
Read our letter here:
ecnl.org/news/civil-s...
#FacialRecognition #FundamentalRights
Read our letter here:
ecnl.org/news/civil-s...
Civil society urges the European Commission to uphold the AI Act in Hungary
ECNL, Liberties and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union call on the EU to protect Pecs Pride participants from AI surveillance.
ecnl.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM
🌈 Together with @liberties.eu and the HCLU, we urge the European Commission to uphold the #AIAct in Hungary and protect the participants of the Pecs #Pride from #AI #surveillance. 👀
#FacialRecognition #FundamentalRights
Read our letter here:
ecnl.org/news/civil-s...
#FacialRecognition #FundamentalRights
Read our letter here:
ecnl.org/news/civil-s...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
The Taliban is keeping millions in digital darkness.
Internet shutdowns are a human rights attack — cutting off people from education, healthcare, and vital information. Together with 60+ orgs, we demand they restore access immediately and #KeepItOn.
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Internet shutdowns are a human rights attack — cutting off people from education, healthcare, and vital information. Together with 60+ orgs, we demand they restore access immediately and #KeepItOn.
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Access Now - The Taliban must restore internet access across Afghanistan now
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition unequivocally denounce the ongoing nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan and demand that the Taliban restore internet access immediately.
www.accessnow.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:48 AM
The Taliban is keeping millions in digital darkness.
Internet shutdowns are a human rights attack — cutting off people from education, healthcare, and vital information. Together with 60+ orgs, we demand they restore access immediately and #KeepItOn.
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Internet shutdowns are a human rights attack — cutting off people from education, healthcare, and vital information. Together with 60+ orgs, we demand they restore access immediately and #KeepItOn.
www.accessnow.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
It begins with chipping off Art 3 (freedom from torture) and Art 8 (right to privacy and family life) for foreign criminals to assist deportation, then it will be extended to all asylum seekers, after that - who knows? It's the thin end of the wedge. Human rights should always belong to all humans.
Starmer to rethink human rights law to tackle ‘Farage boats’
Prime minister blames Brexit for surge in numbers of small boat crossings but defends UK’s membership of ECHR
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:39 AM
It begins with chipping off Art 3 (freedom from torture) and Art 8 (right to privacy and family life) for foreign criminals to assist deportation, then it will be extended to all asylum seekers, after that - who knows? It's the thin end of the wedge. Human rights should always belong to all humans.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
The US 🇺🇸 gov has moved from combatting, to now openly facilitating, transnational repression
The Trump administration has reached a deal to deport about 400 Iranian immigrants to Iran, marking a rare display of cooperation between the two countries that immediately raised concerns among human rights advocates for the immigrants’ safety.
U.S. to deport immigrants to Iran, Tehran says, raising human rights concerns
The rare cooperation between Washington and Tehran would come as tensions mount over Iran’s nuclear program and the U.S. travel ban.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 1, 2025 at 11:29 AM
The US 🇺🇸 gov has moved from combatting, to now openly facilitating, transnational repression
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Justice Kavanaugh: “If the person is a U. S. citizen or otherwise lawfully
in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
September 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Justice Kavanaugh: “If the person is a U. S. citizen or otherwise lawfully
in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
in the United States, that individual will be free to go after the brief encounter.”
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Trump’s attempt to use the FCC to silence his critics in the media is one of the most unpopular things he has done in office, including among Republicans
Voters, including Republicans, oppose gov. punishing critical speech | Weekly roundup for September 28, 2025
Also this week: Immigration attitudes move left; NSF cuts hit red states hard; Can Democrats become the anti-corruption party?; + more!
www.gelliottmorris.com
September 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Trump’s attempt to use the FCC to silence his critics in the media is one of the most unpopular things he has done in office, including among Republicans
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
79. American citizen.
September 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
79. American citizen.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
Ty Cobb: "The simple theme is rewriting history. Trump wants to rewrite history so the next generation may not know that he incited a violent insurrection... America needs to learn from the mistakes that we've had. And one of the biggest mistakes that America ever had was reelecting President Trump"
September 28, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Ty Cobb: "The simple theme is rewriting history. Trump wants to rewrite history so the next generation may not know that he incited a violent insurrection... America needs to learn from the mistakes that we've had. And one of the biggest mistakes that America ever had was reelecting President Trump"
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
This is one of the more chilling things I've read in recent weeks. I can't believe Just Security had to publish this, but I'm glad it did.
FAQ for Senior Military Officers at Hegseth's Quantico Meeting
Military justice expert Eugene Fidell answers crucial questions ahead of next week's senior military meeting with Secretary Hegseth.
www.justsecurity.org
September 26, 2025 at 11:31 PM
This is one of the more chilling things I've read in recent weeks. I can't believe Just Security had to publish this, but I'm glad it did.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
UK petition: " Do not introduce Digital #IDcards " - petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73... currently close to 1.65 million signatures; let's get it to 2 million today, please sign if you can... #privacy #surveillance
Petition: Do not introduce Digital ID cards
We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.
petition.parliament.uk
September 27, 2025 at 8:25 AM
UK petition: " Do not introduce Digital #IDcards " - petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73... currently close to 1.65 million signatures; let's get it to 2 million today, please sign if you can... #privacy #surveillance
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
If a government tells you that you can’t call it authoritarian, it’s authoritarian.
September 25, 2025 at 5:22 PM
If a government tells you that you can’t call it authoritarian, it’s authoritarian.
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
My brilliant colleague @marwasf.bsky.social and I were kindly invited by @soeptech.bsky.social to share what @accessnow.org & partners are doing to ensure the digital side of conflict is considered when building peace: What is a digital ceasefire? Our latest in the podcast and the link in next post
🚀 New show out now!
1️⃣ Digital Ceasefires: What would it mean to protect human rights—not just on the ground, but online?
2️⃣ DeepSeek’s AI Breakthrough: No billion-dollar compute. No hype-driven roadmap. Just pure, efficient innovation.
🎧 Full episode link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQ2...
1️⃣ Digital Ceasefires: What would it mean to protect human rights—not just on the ground, but online?
2️⃣ DeepSeek’s AI Breakthrough: No billion-dollar compute. No hype-driven roadmap. Just pure, efficient innovation.
🎧 Full episode link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIQ2...
Digital Ceasefires & DeepSeek’s Breakthrough: How Peace and Science Are Redefining Our Digital Fu...
YouTube video by Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast
www.youtube.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
My brilliant colleague @marwasf.bsky.social and I were kindly invited by @soeptech.bsky.social to share what @accessnow.org & partners are doing to ensure the digital side of conflict is considered when building peace: What is a digital ceasefire? Our latest in the podcast and the link in next post
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
I talked with @wired.com about a burner phone:
“Use cases for burners may include: crossing borders, traveling to a risky environment, or participating in or documenting a protest,” says Mohammed, digital security helpline director at the rights group @accessnow.org.
www.wired.com/story/how-to...
“Use cases for burners may include: crossing borders, traveling to a risky environment, or participating in or documenting a protest,” says Mohammed, digital security helpline director at the rights group @accessnow.org.
www.wired.com/story/how-to...
How to Set Up and Use a Burner Phone
Obtaining and using a true burner phone is hard—but not impossible. Here are the steps you need to take to protect your mobile communications based on the risks you face.
www.wired.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:48 AM
I talked with @wired.com about a burner phone:
“Use cases for burners may include: crossing borders, traveling to a risky environment, or participating in or documenting a protest,” says Mohammed, digital security helpline director at the rights group @accessnow.org.
www.wired.com/story/how-to...
“Use cases for burners may include: crossing borders, traveling to a risky environment, or participating in or documenting a protest,” says Mohammed, digital security helpline director at the rights group @accessnow.org.
www.wired.com/story/how-to...
Reposted by Donna Wentworth
When people first hear about "jawboning" -- meaning government pressure to suppress speech through threats and other extra-legal measures, like what the FCC is doing now -- they always want to talk about "coercion" by the govt.
I've always thought this is a red herring. Current events show why. 1/
I've always thought this is a red herring. Current events show why. 1/
September 18, 2025 at 10:35 PM
When people first hear about "jawboning" -- meaning government pressure to suppress speech through threats and other extra-legal measures, like what the FCC is doing now -- they always want to talk about "coercion" by the govt.
I've always thought this is a red herring. Current events show why. 1/
I've always thought this is a red herring. Current events show why. 1/