The Zambian government has canceled the RightsCon 2026 summit, which was set to take place in Lusaka from May 5-8. Organizers from Access Now, a New York-based organization, were informed that the conference did not align with national values. This decision, made just days before the event, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights activists and civil society leaders, who see it as a blatant act of censorship. The summit was expected to attract over 2,600 participants, including technologists, academics, and policymakers, to discuss pressing issues such as online hate, internet shutdowns, and the militarization of technology. Critics like Linda Kasonde, a Zambian lawyer, argue that the cancellation reflects a growing trend of suppressing democratic freedoms in Zambia, particularly as the country approaches its August 2026 general elections. The conference was meant to showcase Zambia's commitment to human rights, making the last-minute cancellation particularly damaging to the country's international reputation. Activists have expressed concerns that this move could set a dangerous precedent for future gatherings focused on human rights and technology.