"Access Now stated that they were informed by multiple sources that in order for RightsCon to continue, they would have to moderate specific topics and exclude communities at risk, including Taiwanese participants, from participation."
"Arzu Geybulla, co-executive director of Access Now, indicated that multiple pieces of information suggested that foreign interference by the People's Republic of China played a role in the abrupt disruption of RightsCon 2026."
"RightsCon 2026 was set to feature panels on China's international influence, including discussions on how Beijing exports digital authoritarianism and spreads disinformation in regions like Africa."
RightsCon, the largest digital rights conference, was canceled after the Chinese government pressured Zambia to exclude Taiwanese participants. Access Now reported that diplomats from China influenced the Zambian government, leading to demands for moderation of topics and exclusion of at-risk communities. The conference was set to address China's digital authoritarianism and its global influence. A week before the event, Zambia announced a postponement, citing concerns over specific speakers and participants.
Read at WIRED
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