New Delhi: Zambia has cancelled the 2026 edition of RightsCon, the world’s largest conference on human rights and technology, only days before it was scheduled to open from May 5 to May 8 in Lusaka. The last-minute decision has drawn sharp backlash from civil society groups, with organisers saying thousands of participants were already preparing to attend and accusing authorities of undermining free expression.
What is RightsCon?
RightsCon is a major annual global gathering organised by Access Now that brings together activists, policymakers, academics and technology companies to discuss challenges at the intersection of human rights and the digital world. Topics typically include online censorship, artificial intelligence, surveillance, disinformation and internet shutdowns.
The 2026 event was expected to host more than 2,600 in-person participants from over 150 countries, making it one of the most significant forums for shaping global digital rights policy. The event was especially seen as important for several groups from underrepresented regions attempting to amplify their voices on issues such as women’s rights online, LGBTQ+ protections and access to information.
Why did Zambia cancel the summit?
Zambian authorities said the event needed to “align with national values, policy priorities and public interest,” and cited the need for further review of its themes and participants. However, organisers and rights groups have strongly disputed this explanation. Access Now said it believed “foreign interference” played a key role, pointing to pressure linked to the participation of Taiwanese civil society groups.
Multiple reports suggest that China may have influenced the decision due to objections over Taiwanese delegates attending the summit. Critics within Zambia have also linked the move to domestic politics, noting that the country is heading into general elections later in 2026 and that authorities may have been wary of increased scrutiny over human rights issues.
Human rights organisations have described the cancellation as a “blow to free expression.”