EFF Stands in Solidarity With RightsCon and the Global Digital Rights Community
Summary
The RightsCon 2026 conference, the largest global digital rights gathering, was abruptly canceled in Zambia due to political pressure and demands that would have restricted participation and discussion. This cancellation is seen as part of a broader trend of shrinking civic space and increasing hostility toward free expression and independent civil society.
IFF Assessment
The cancellation of RightsCon signifies a hostile environment for digital rights and free expression, which is detrimental to the efforts of defenders in these spaces.
Defender Context
The cancellation of RightsCon highlights a concerning global trend of governments restricting digital rights discourse and civic space. Defenders should be aware of this pattern, as it can impact international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy efforts related to cybersecurity, privacy, and freedom of expression online. This trend suggests a potential increase in surveillance and censorship, which requires vigilance and adaptive strategies.