The Chinese Government Just Got the World’s Largest Digital Rights Conference Canceled
WIRED • • world
Key Points:
- RightsCon 2026, the world’s largest digital rights conference, was canceled due to pressure from the Chinese government on Zambia, the host country, because Taiwanese participants planned to attend in person.
- Access Now, the nonprofit organizing RightsCon, reported that Chinese diplomats pressured Zambia to exclude Taiwanese participants and moderate specific topics related to China, including discussions on Beijing's digital authoritarianism and cyberattacks.
- The Zambian government abruptly postponed the event citing pending administrative and security clearances for participants, with officials referencing diplomatic protocols amid Chinese influence concerns.
- The cancellation also affected related events like UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day conference, with many sessions moved online or relocated to Paris.
- Access Now condemns the cancellation as an attempt to silence digital rights advocacy under authoritarian pressure, emphasizing their commitment to continue despite challenges.
