Access Now urges UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security to prioritise human rights, critical infrastructure and AI security
Access Now has called on the UN Global Mechanism on ICTs in the Context of International Security to strengthen protections for human rights, safeguard critical infrastructure, and address emerging cybersecurity risks associated with artificial intelligence as part of its future work programme.
During the First Substantive Plenary Session of the UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security, held at UN Headquarters in New York on 22 July 2026, Access Now outlined its priorities for international cooperation on cybersecurity and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The statement was delivered by Laura O’Brien, Senior International Counsel at Access Now, on behalf of the organisation and reflected consultations with the broader multistakeholder community.
Access Now expressed support for concerns previously raised by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) regarding the growing use of commercial spyware, surveillance technologies, and state-sponsored cyber harassment against journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents. The organisation also echoed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in highlighting the impact of cyber operations on civilians during armed conflicts.
Referring to its own monitoring, Access Now stated that it documented 313 internet shutdowns in 2025, including 125 shutdowns occurring in situations of armed conflict. According to the organisation, such disruptions have affected access to essential services and communications for civilian populations.
The organisation identified three priority areas for discussion within the Global Mechanism’s Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs).
First, Access Now called for greater attention to the human impact of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. It argued that governments should engage more closely with civil society organisations, cybersecurity researchers, and incident response teams, while ensuring that national critical infrastructure protection frameworks remain consistent with international human rights obligations. The organisation also stressed the importance of protecting technologies such as strong encryption and supporting independent cybersecurity research.
Second, Access Now addressed the growing role of AI in cybersecurity. While supporting ongoing discussions within other UN processes, the organisation argued that the Global Mechanism should focus specifically on cybersecurity risks associated with AI, including vulnerabilities affecting data confidentiality, information integrity, and system availability. According to Access Now, placing human rights at the centre of AI governance discussions can contribute to stronger protections for individuals most affected by these risks.
Third, the organisation encouraged the Global Mechanism to build upon the existing international consensus that both international human rights law and international humanitarian law apply to state behaviour in cyberspace. Access Now welcomed the growing number of governments publishing national positions on the application of international law to cyber operations and called on all states to ensure that domestic cybersecurity legislation, strategies, and policies align with their international legal obligations.
In its concluding remarks, Access Now reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all participating states, particularly countries with limited resources, in implementing the existing framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and contributing to the work of the Global Mechanism.
