RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka Suddenly Postponed: Tech Community Awaits Clarity

Just days before its scheduled start, the RightsCon 2026 conference, one of the most significant global events in digital human rights, has been abruptly postponed by the Zambian government. The announcement, made on April 28, caught thousands of researchers, academics, and human rights experts by surprise as they prepared to converge in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, between May 5 and 8. Many participants and speakers were already en route, causing a wave of confusion and uncertainty within the academic and technological communities.

RightsCon is internationally recognized as a crucial platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities related to rights in the digital age, from privacy to online freedom of expression. Its postponement raises important questions about the dynamics between governments and civil society organizations in sensitive discussion contexts.

Official Reasons and Organizers' Reaction

Zambia's Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, announced the postponement on April 28, stating the country needed more time. The objective, he said, was to ensure the conference "fully aligns with national procedures, diplomatic protocols, and the broader objective of fostering a balanced and consensus-driven platform for dialogue." Mutati also added that "certain invited speakers and participants remain subject to pending administrative and security clearances, which have not yet been concluded."

Subsequently, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, reiterated the government's position, specifying that the postponement was "necessitated by the need for comprehensive disclosure of critical information related to key thematic issues proposed for discussion during the Summit." Kawana emphasized the importance of such disclosure to "ensure full alignment with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations." Meanwhile, Access Now, the organization behind RightsCon, stated on its website that it was aware of the media announcement but had not yet received formal communication from the government. The organization has requested an urgent meeting with the involved ministries for further clarification.

A Context of Challenges for Digital Rights

The postponement of RightsCon 2026 occurs during an already complex period for digital human rights research globally. In the United States and other parts of the world, researchers studying social media content moderation and related topics have faced significant obstacles, including the revocation of visas for some academics. This situation highlights a growing tension between independent research and government policies.

RightsCon itself has encountered difficulties in previous years. The 2025 edition, held in Taipei, Taiwan, saw some participants forced to withdraw or participate virtually at the last minute due to funding cuts from US agencies. In 2023, approximately 300 participants, largely from the Global South, were unable to attend the conference in Costa Rica due to visa-on-arrival issues. These incidents underscore the fragility and the logistical and political complexities involved in organizing international events focused on sensitive topics.

Implications for the Digital Rights Discussion

The uncertainty surrounding RightsCon 2026 has left many participants unable to make decisions about their travel, with some questioning whether to board flights to Lusaka. The lack of clear and timely communication from Zambian authorities and Access Now's waiting stance have amplified the confusion.

This episode highlights the inherent challenges in organizing international forums that address critical issues such as digital rights, especially in complex geopolitical contexts. The ability to ensure open and inclusive platforms for dialogue is fundamental for progress in this field, and the postponement of an event of this magnitude represents a significant obstacle for the global community committed to promoting and protecting rights in the digital age.