Social Media Exchange (SMEX)

Social Media Exchange (SMEX) is a Beirut-based non-governmental organization that champions digital rights across West Asia and North Africa (WANA). Founded in 2008, SMEX works to ensure that individuals in the region can access and engage with the internet and other networked spaces safely, freely, and without fear of censorship or surveillance.

SMEX’s mission revolves around promoting freedom of expression, privacy rights, and digital safety. Through research, policy analysis, advocacy campaigns, and capacity-building programs, the organization empowers civil society actors, journalists, and everyday internet users to navigate and shape the digital landscape.

The Digital Safety Helpdesk provides direct support to those facing online threats, while the annual unconference, Bread&Net, brings together activists, technologists, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of technology and human rights.

With a strong regional presence and a commitment to open knowledge, SMEX also produces Arabic-language guides and resources to foster digital literacy and resilience.

SMEX uses Activityinfo to map out and centralize all data collection tools, receive internal and external reports, perform data entry, and collect project data, giving us a boost in our M&E work.

“ActivityInfo is our MEAL compass, centralizing data to turn activities into insights, and insights into action. We leverage ActivityInfo to anchor our MEAL processes—streamlining data collection, strengthening accountability, and accelerating learning” — Mohamad Cheikh, Senior MEAL Officer, SMEX.