SMEX

@signal.org @meredithmeredith.bsky.social

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...

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...

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…

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...

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...

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...

Our policy team dissected Meta’s report. Read our 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...

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...

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...

If you suspect you've been compromised digitally or are facing an online threat, our Digital Safety Helpdesk is here for you. Contact them via:

WhatsApp/Signal: +961 81 633 133
📨 helpdesk@smex.org

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.

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...

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...

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...

During the holidays, phishing links are more prominent. How can you identify and protect yourself from phishing?
smex.org/a-few-tips-t...

ما هي الأنشطة التي سبق ودعمها صندوق الحقوق الرقمية؟

يدعم صندوق الحقوق الرقمية الأفراد والمنظمات الذين يعملون على حماية وتعزيز الحقوق الرقمية في غرب آسيا وشمال أفريقيا.

هل لديك فكرة؟ قدم/ي طلباً للحصول على منحة من صندوق الحقوق الرقمية قبل 31 كانون الثاني/يناير 2026.
smex.org/ar/%d8%b3%d9...

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...

If you ever face or suspect any digital attack, you can get in touch with SMEX's Digital Safety Helpdesk via:

Signal/WhatsApp: +961 81 633 133
Email: helpdesk@smex.org

Always stay safe!

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. These networks can expose your personal data.

Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts.

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...

Be careful with phishing links. These often use words like “urgent” or “congratulations” to pressure people into clicking.
smex.org/a-few-tips-t...

Keep your phone with you at all times in public places.

During the holidays, your devices are at higher risk than usual.
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...

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

Do you want to stay updated on the latest digital rights updates and news in the region? Subscribe to #TheByte, SMEX’s monthly newsletter.
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2026 Mozilla Fellows Request for Nominations | Mozilla Foundation Detailed information about the request for nominations for the 2026 Mozilla Foundation fellowship program

SMEX is hosting one Mozilla fellow for 2026! Apply or nominate someone by March 20, 2026.
www.mozillafoundation.org/en/what-we-d...

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...

What were our recommendations to the Lebanese government at the Universal Periodic Review to advance digital rights?
smex.org/smexs-recomm...

Invasive Israeli-founded bloatware is harvesting data from Samsung users in WANA - SMEX Across West Asia and North Africa (WANA), growing concerns about digital surveillance have placed Israeli cybersecurity firms and their software...

The world is finally waking up to the serious concerns surrounding Samsung's intrusive bloatware, AppCloud. Earlier this year, we published our findings concerning Appcloud.
smex.org/invasive-isr...

One year on: Israel still violates Lebanon’s digital sovereignty with impunity  - SMEX One year after a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel, Lebanon, and five mediating countries, one thing remains clear: Israel...

How is Israel still breaching Lebanon’s sovereignty, more than one year after the ceasefire?
smex.org/one-year-on-...

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....

What did SMEX achieve this year? Key figures from our Annual Activity Report in our latest newsletter.
buff.ly/42Oa5tr

Bread&Net 2025 was a success– thanks to you! We welcomed over 500 participants from all over West Asia and North Africa. Revisit your favorite moments in pictures!

What’s in our latest newsletter? #TheByte