SMEX advances digital rights
in West Asia and North Africa.
Who we are
SMEX is a non-profit that advocates for and advances human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa.
Our Vision
Our vision is for everyone living in West Asia-North Africa and the diaspora to be able to access and engage with the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion.
Our mission
SMEX advances freedom of expression and the right to privacy in WANA through research and reporting, monitoring state and tech companies’ policies, protecting the safety and security of online users, and collaborating with regional advocates to sustain a safer digital space.
What we do
Our Digital Safety Helpdesk assists internet users facing digital threats in the region
3381
Tickets received
1289
Tickets escalated
729
Journalists assisted
900
Activists assisted
News
Latest Articles
Latest news at the intersection of technology and human rights in WANA.
Meta is making Instagram DMs less private, WANA users could...
Meta’s removal of the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) technology for its Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) could pose serious risk to internet…
Lebanon’s telecom preparedness falls short amid a dangerous escalation with...
Once again, Lebanon’s telecom infrastructure is under pressure as the war with Israel escalates. Israel’s bombing on residential neighborhoods caused…
SMEX warns of risks related to scanning QR codes on...
Beirut, March 13, 2026 — Israeli aircraft dropped on Friday afternoon propaganda leaflets containing QR codes urging people in Lebanon…
Lebanese government expands Starlink licensing, grants Telecom Minister special authority
Citing “exceptional circumstances” amid ongoing war and the forced displacement of more than 700,000 people, Lebanon’s government approved a decision…
Digital Rights Amid a Regional War: Threats and Responses
Beirut, March 9, 2026 — Israel has displaced more than half a million Lebanese residents from South Lebanon, Beirut, and…
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