...In early 2011, Access (AccessNow.org) drafted a 5-step Action Plan to assist telcos seeking to conduct their operations in a way that ensures the protection of fundamental human rights. The initial Telco Action Plan was developed, in part, as a reaction to the responses of several companies to requests received from Middle Eastern and North African (“MENA”) governments during the Arab Spring uprisings. Nearly a year later, Access has drafted this revised Action Plan as a platform for continued dialogue with telcos seeking to operate in political and legal contexts that pose threats to the rights of freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy. This iteration further aims to guide companies, in a pragmatic manner, on how to mitigate the risks associated with operating in all countries, including those with a high propensity for human rights abuses. Benefits will include less liability for the companies and their investors, enhanced relationships with customers, and smoother and more predictable relations with host countries, particularly during times of crisis...