2026 EFF Award Winners: Access Now, 7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, DeFlock, and New Media Rights (www.eff.org)
<div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p><span data-contrast="auto">EFF is pleased to announce that Access Now, 7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, DeFlock, and New Media Rights have received 2026 EFF Awards for their vital work in ensuring that technology supports freedom, justice, and innovation for all people.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The EFF Awards recognize specific and substantial technical, social, economic, or cultural contributions in diverse fields including journalism, art, digital access, legislation, technology development, and law.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.eff.org/awards/past-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">For the past 30 years</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, the EFF Awards—previously known as the Pioneer Awards—have recognized and honored key leaders in the fight for freedom and innovation online. Started when the internet was new, the Awards now reflect the fact that the online world has become both a necessity in modern life and a continually evolving set of tools for communication, organizing, creativity, and increasing human potential. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Supporting a global community advancing digital rights, defending digital access in crisis zones, empowering communities to take action against surveillance, and providing free legal assistance for creators and consumers to fight back against digital threats are high callings that help bring about a better tech future for all. We are pleased to honor these organizations with 2026 EFF Awards.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">Access Now – Fostering Change in Human Rights and Technology </span></h3>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/access_now_logo-primary.png" width="1454" height="280" alt="Access Now logo" title="Access Now logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.accessnow.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Access Now</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, founded in 2009 as an emergency response team helping Iranian activists get back online and communicate safely, has grown into one of the world’s foremost organizations defending and extending the digital rights of people and communities at risk and supporting the global fight against technological repression. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Its 24/7 </span><a href="https://www.accessnow.org/help" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Digital Security Helpline</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> offers real-time, direct technical assistance and advice to civil society groups and activists, media organizations, journalists and bloggers, and human rights defenders. It provides grants to frontline organizations working with people and communities most impacted by digital rights violations. It educates decision makers and pressures the powerful. And it organizes </span><a href="https://www.rightscon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">RightsCon</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, a leading annual summit on human rights in the digital age, where activists, technologists, policymakers, business leaders, journalists, philanthropists, researchers, and artists can connect, collaborate, and drive change at the intersection of human rights and technology. </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media – Defending and Advancing Digital Access and Rights Across the MENA Region</span></h3>
<p><img src="/files/2026/09/01/7amleh_logo_green_cropped.jpg" width="1491" height="550" alt="7amleh logo" title="7amleh logo" /><a href="https://7amleh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> protects and expands digital access and rights for Palestinians and across the MENA region. The nonprofit investigates and monitors challenges to digital rights, focusing on internet access, privacy, freedom of expression and association online. It builds the capacity of activists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations to provide training about digital rights, gender sensitive digital security, and effective online advocacy. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">7amleh also advocates for changes to the digital rights policies and practices of governments, corporations and other influential institutions and individuals locally, regionally and internationally. It plans and manages advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns and builds networks and coalitions to promote access to safe, fair and free online spaces. For example, 7amleh has led the #ReconnectGaza campaign, supported by dozens of international NGOs </span><a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/03/eff-joins-7amleh-campaign-reconnectgaza" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">including EFF</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, to restore full internet access in Gaza – a crucial lifeline for residents, journalists, activists, and first responders. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">DeFlock – Exposing the ALPR Surveillance Network </span></h3>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/deflock-logo.jpg" width="3594" height="938" alt="DeFlock logo" title="DeFlock logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://deflock.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">DeFlock</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is an open-source, volunteer-powered project that maps surveillance devices across the world, helping communities hold their governments and surveillance vendors accountable and understand where and how they're being watched. Founded in 2024 by software engineer and privacy advocate Will Freeman, DeFlock shines a light on the widespread use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and the threats it poses to personal privacy and civil liberties. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">DeFlock resources help people request public records, speak to local lawmakers, and take action against ALPR surveillance. Its work has helped foster a national grassroots community of anti-surveillance activists fighting back against this dangerous surveillance technology. </span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">New Media Rights – Helping Creators Fight Back Against IP Bullies</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/nmr_highresolution_logotransparent_background.png" width="21600" height="4432" alt="New Media Rights logo" title="New Media Rights logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://newmediarights.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">New Media Rights</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> (NMR) is a San Diego-based nonprofit program of California Western School of Law dedicated to defending digital rights through legal services, education, and public policy advocacy. Since its inception, NMR has been at the forefront of protecting creators, entrepreneurs, and internet users from digital threats such as copyright abuse, online harassment, and privacy violations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition to providing free legal assistance, NMR has produced hundreds of freely available video and written legal education guides for creators and consumers, including the </span><a href="https://newmediarights.org/fairuse/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Fair Use App</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> for filmmakers and video creators. It has participated in regulatory proceedings on net neutrality, Digital Millennium Copyright Act anti-circumvention, and copyright reform. Its work has also helped support access to public information and greater business and government accountability.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
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<p><span data-contrast="auto">The EFF Awards recognize specific and substantial technical, social, economic, or cultural contributions in diverse fields including journalism, art, digital access, legislation, technology development, and law.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.eff.org/awards/past-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">For the past 30 years</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, the EFF Awards—previously known as the Pioneer Awards—have recognized and honored key leaders in the fight for freedom and innovation online. Started when the internet was new, the Awards now reflect the fact that the online world has become both a necessity in modern life and a continually evolving set of tools for communication, organizing, creativity, and increasing human potential. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Supporting a global community advancing digital rights, defending digital access in crisis zones, empowering communities to take action against surveillance, and providing free legal assistance for creators and consumers to fight back against digital threats are high callings that help bring about a better tech future for all. We are pleased to honor these organizations with 2026 EFF Awards.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">Access Now – Fostering Change in Human Rights and Technology </span></h3>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/access_now_logo-primary.png" width="1454" height="280" alt="Access Now logo" title="Access Now logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.accessnow.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Access Now</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, founded in 2009 as an emergency response team helping Iranian activists get back online and communicate safely, has grown into one of the world’s foremost organizations defending and extending the digital rights of people and communities at risk and supporting the global fight against technological repression. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Its 24/7 </span><a href="https://www.accessnow.org/help" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Digital Security Helpline</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> offers real-time, direct technical assistance and advice to civil society groups and activists, media organizations, journalists and bloggers, and human rights defenders. It provides grants to frontline organizations working with people and communities most impacted by digital rights violations. It educates decision makers and pressures the powerful. And it organizes </span><a href="https://www.rightscon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">RightsCon</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, a leading annual summit on human rights in the digital age, where activists, technologists, policymakers, business leaders, journalists, philanthropists, researchers, and artists can connect, collaborate, and drive change at the intersection of human rights and technology. </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media – Defending and Advancing Digital Access and Rights Across the MENA Region</span></h3>
<p><img src="/files/2026/09/01/7amleh_logo_green_cropped.jpg" width="1491" height="550" alt="7amleh logo" title="7amleh logo" /><a href="https://7amleh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> protects and expands digital access and rights for Palestinians and across the MENA region. The nonprofit investigates and monitors challenges to digital rights, focusing on internet access, privacy, freedom of expression and association online. It builds the capacity of activists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations to provide training about digital rights, gender sensitive digital security, and effective online advocacy. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">7amleh also advocates for changes to the digital rights policies and practices of governments, corporations and other influential institutions and individuals locally, regionally and internationally. It plans and manages advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns and builds networks and coalitions to promote access to safe, fair and free online spaces. For example, 7amleh has led the #ReconnectGaza campaign, supported by dozens of international NGOs </span><a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/03/eff-joins-7amleh-campaign-reconnectgaza" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">including EFF</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">, to restore full internet access in Gaza – a crucial lifeline for residents, journalists, activists, and first responders. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<h3><span data-ccp-props="{}">DeFlock – Exposing the ALPR Surveillance Network </span></h3>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/deflock-logo.jpg" width="3594" height="938" alt="DeFlock logo" title="DeFlock logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://deflock.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">DeFlock</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> is an open-source, volunteer-powered project that maps surveillance devices across the world, helping communities hold their governments and surveillance vendors accountable and understand where and how they're being watched. Founded in 2024 by software engineer and privacy advocate Will Freeman, DeFlock shines a light on the widespread use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and the threats it poses to personal privacy and civil liberties. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">DeFlock resources help people request public records, speak to local lawmakers, and take action against ALPR surveillance. Its work has helped foster a national grassroots community of anti-surveillance activists fighting back against this dangerous surveillance technology. </span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="auto">New Media Rights – Helping Creators Fight Back Against IP Bullies</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><img src="/files/2026/09/01/nmr_highresolution_logotransparent_background.png" width="21600" height="4432" alt="New Media Rights logo" title="New Media Rights logo" /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://newmediarights.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">New Media Rights</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> (NMR) is a San Diego-based nonprofit program of California Western School of Law dedicated to defending digital rights through legal services, education, and public policy advocacy. Since its inception, NMR has been at the forefront of protecting creators, entrepreneurs, and internet users from digital threats such as copyright abuse, online harassment, and privacy violations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition to providing free legal assistance, NMR has produced hundreds of freely available video and written legal education guides for creators and consumers, including the </span><a href="https://newmediarights.org/fairuse/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-contrast="none">Fair Use App</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> for filmmakers and video creators. It has participated in regulatory proceedings on net neutrality, Digital Millennium Copyright Act anti-circumvention, and copyright reform. Its work has also helped support access to public information and greater business and government accountability.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
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