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 WANA 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
We advance digital rights in the West Asia and North Africa region through research, campaigns, and advocacy. We encourage users to engage with digital technology, media, and social networks responsibly and critically.
What we do
Our Digital Safety Helpdesk assists internet users facing digital threats in the region
1330
Tickets received
446
Tickets escalated
91
Journalists assisted
118
Activists assisted
News
Latest Articles
Latest news at the intersection of technology and human rights in WANA.
Tell social media companies: improve your content moderation practices for...
Acknowledging the importance of protecting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) both offline and online in the West Asia and…
How journalists can protect their privacy: legal and technical recommendations
A journalist in Lebanon was recently forced to hand her phone, password, messaging content, and information sources to the Information…
Exam shutdowns in Syria: financial and human losses
Despite a global trend towards improving the speed, quality, and availability of internet services, Syria still disrupts access to the…
Lebanon’s telecom ministry to suspend mobile SIMs for “illegal” Syrian...
The government-led campaign to deport Syrian refugees in Lebanon has been marked by escalating hate speech, raids, arrests, and further…
Digital Safety Helpdesk Statistics: Rising Electronic Repression in the Region
In May, SMEX’s Digital Safety Helpdesk addressed 133 digital threats spanning account suspensions, cyber violence, sexual blackmail, content moderation, and…
Do Global eSIM Apps Work in Lebanon?
“Are you interested in connecting to the internet without a physical SIM card?” A video circulating in Lebanon discusses how…
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Upcoming Events
Tell social media companies: improve your content moderation practices for SRHR content [Petition]
Acknowledging the importance of protecting sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) both offline and online in the West Asia and…
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you.
