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

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.

Bread&Net: Save the Date!

For many of us, the internet was never a utopia, but a space of possibility. Building upon decades of collaboration…

AI Investments in the Gulf: Opportunities and Surveillance Risks

Methodology All findings and analyses were developed through the review of publicly available information, including online articles, research papers, investment…

Syria: Digital Safety Tips from SMEX’s Helpdesk

The recent circulation of an audio recording, allegedly from a Druze religious leader in Syria insulting Prophet Muhammad, is being…

Upcoming Events

Bread&Net: Save the Date!

Beirut

For many of us, the internet was never a utopia, but a space of possibility. Building upon decades of collaboration…

More Events

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you.