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 West Asia-North Africa 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
SMEX advances freedom of expression and the right to privacy in WANA through research and reporting, monitoring state and tech companies’ policies, protecting the safety and security of online users, and collaborating with regional advocates to sustain a safer digital space.
What we do
Our Digital Safety Helpdesk assists internet users facing digital threats in the region
3381
Tickets received
1289
Tickets escalated
729
Journalists assisted
900
Activists assisted
News
Latest Articles
Latest news at the intersection of technology and human rights in WANA.
SMEX relaunches its Digital Rights Fund (DRF) for 2026!
Are you a tech geek, grassroots initiative, student, independent researcher, or civil society organization looking to fund your digital rights…
Meta’s 2024 Human Rights Report: too little, too late
In a long-overdue move, Meta finally published its 2024 annual human rights report in December 2025, strategically releasing it just…
MENA Case Study: Civil Society Organizations’ Engagement in Internet Governance...
How did civil society organizations in West Asia and North Africa respond to the enactment of cybercrime laws? What are…
SMEX relance son Fonds pour les droits numériques (Digital Rights...
Vous êtes un passionné de technologie, une initiative de terrain, un/e étudiant/e, un chercheur/se indépendant/e ou une organisation faisant partie…
Human Rights Day: SMEX reflects on a year of advocacy...
Over the past year, digital rights have faced increasing pressure. As governments and corporations deploy and develop new technologies at…
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Upcoming Events
SMEX relaunches its Digital Rights Fund (DRF) for 2026!
Are you a tech geek, grassroots initiative, student, independent researcher, or civil society organization looking to fund your digital rights…
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