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.
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…
Alfa should not force opt-in users to unwanted services
To keep a backup SIM card during periods of poor network performance, I bought two SIMs from the only mobile…
Artificial intelligence during Hajj: How safe is pilgrims’ data?
Muslims’ pilgrimage season (Hajj) was marked by the extensive use of 32 modern technologies by Saudi authorities to facilitate the…
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