Press Release
Artificial Intelligence, Tech Company Accountability, and Governance
Beirut, November 3, 2025 — SMEX, the digital rights organization, hosted Bread&Net in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut — the region’s leading event on digital rights.
The gathering brought together more than 550 participants from West Asia and North Africa for over 80 sessions exploring the intersection of technology and human rights, with a central focus on privacy and freedom of expression.
Mohamad Najem, Executive Director of SMEX, said:
“Technology in our region is often associated with progress and opportunity, but that’s only part of the picture. Bread&Net offers a space to rethink what’s possible and to explore ways of shaping a more human-centered future.”
Reflecting on the event’s inspiring momentum, Najem added:
“This gathering aims to exchange knowledge, research, and resources that strengthen critical thinking about technology’s role, while expanding civil society movements for safe, fair, and inclusive digital environments.”
Bread&Net succeeded in bringing together hundreds of technology experts, policymakers, parliamentarians, legal professionals, social entrepreneurs, journalists, human rights defenders, academics, researchers, and media practitioners to discuss pressing digital rights issues across West Asia and North Africa.
Experts and participants tackled a range of topics including:
the unrestrained use of technology and AI in warfare and surveillance,
the lack of accountability of major tech corporations for war crimes in Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and Sudan,
internet shutdowns and restrictions on access,
the deliberate targeting of telecommunications infrastructure, and
the exploitation of data-driven technologies in communities vulnerable to conflict and surveillance.
Rina Wahbi, Campaigns Officer for Lebanon at Amnesty International, noted in a panel on freedom of expression that:
“In 2023, Amnesty documented around ten cases of individuals prosecuted or interrogated based on defamation or insult complaints, following peaceful criticism or journalistic work.”
She added:
“Authorities have failed to follow standard procedures that safeguard due process rights, and in some cases, have resorted to intimidation tactics.”
Lucy Domanyan, Executive Director of Digital Action and a participant in the forum, stated:
“Every participant at Bread&Net now possesses what it takes to drive change — knowledge, capacity for action, and a shared passion for digital rights.”
What Is Bread&Net?
Organized annually by SMEX, Bread&Net is the most prominent event addressing digital rights and freedoms across West Asia and North Africa.
The forum offers digital age human rights defenders a trusted and diverse network to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and advocate for human rights protection and respect.
Its mission is to build and strengthen the digital rights movement in the region by equipping advocates with the tools and support needed to continue their struggle for freedom, social justice, accountability, and security for all.
About SMEX
SMEX is a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights and freedoms in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa.
It empowers individuals to safely access and engage online — on the internet, mobile networks, and digital platforms — free from censorship, surveillance, or retaliation.
The organization monitors digital rights violations through reporting, campaigning, research, training, and advocacy focused on internet policy and digital freedoms.
Through its Digital Safety Helpdesk, SMEX offers free, rapid technical assistance to individuals and organizations facing digital threats or attacks.
For Media Inquiries:
Email: media@smex.org
Phone: Abd Qattaya — 03044373
