Stories from May, 2016
China’s Independent Journalists Face High Risks — And Are in High Demand
Outside the umbrella of the media institution, independent journalists face many risks, but their work is becoming increasingly influential in China's media ecology.
Ghanaian Minister Vows Not to Ban Whatsapp, Skype and Viber Calls
"Methinks the telcos need to smell the coffee because the traditional 'voice game' is over, and with it, the monopoly profits they used to make."
Venezuela: Research Confirms Censorship of News Platforms, Currency Websites
The study also confirmed that all local Internet service providers using DNS (domain name system) blocking, technique through which domain name servers respond incorrectly to requests for a particular domain.
The Iranian State Versus Kim Kardashian
The story is so absurd that it seems funny, at first glance. But the Iranian state's problems with Kim Kardashian are no laughing matter.
Netizen Report: Two of Egypt’s Leading Human Rights Defenders Face Legal Challenge
Social media is back on in Uganda, but off in Iraq; a new tool helps Russians make friends (and target victims); and @Verdade reveals that Mozambique is conducting mass surveillance.
Mexico Launches National Transparency Platform
Mexico has a new tool to combat the opacity of public servants and of those who govern. But its effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.
Ugandans Are Finally Back on Social Media After Days-Long Blackout
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the sites blocked for "security reasons" ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. Authorities also blocked access to social media during elections in February.
The Government of Mozambique is “Spying on its Citizens”, According to @Verdade
The order to intercept information was secured by military command between 2012-2014, and installed by the Chinese ZTE Corporation. Listening in on citizens is said to have begun in 2013.
Kenyan Blogger and Photographer Goes Missing
Before disappearing, he wrote on Facebook about how his arrest and 'terrorism suspect' label have destroyed his career and livelihood.
Chinese Censors Crack Down on ‘Illegal’ Live-Streaming, Including Erotic Banana Eating
As it is impossible to pre-screen live-streamed content, China's public security bureau has set up a police station at the office of major live-streaming platform to oversee what is broadcast.
Ethiopian Blogger and Activist Sentenced to Five Years and Four Months
Ethiopia's state prosecutor conflated digital security training with terrorism. A local judge agreed.
Bulgarian ‘Green’ Activist Faces Lawsuit Over Facebook Post
Bulgarian eco-activist Borislav Sandov was sentenced for "insulting" the director of a mining company through a Facebook status. Court of appeals will hear his case at the end of May.
Netizen Report: Facebook and Twitter Disappear in Uganda Amid Election Tensions
Mapping “disputed” areas could become a crime in India, Nepal gives Canadian man the boot over controversial tweets and a Russian social mediaite is convicted of promoting “separatism” online.
Ukrainian Activists Leak Personal Information of Thousands of War Reporters in the Donbas
The international journalist community reacted with consternation and anger to a leaked database of reporters accredited with the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" published by Ukrainian activists.
Draft Law Would Prohibit Showing ‘Disputed Areas’ on Maps of India
A new bill in India has been proposed to ban anyone to call the Pakistan and China borders as "disputed areas" along with several other restrictions.
Social Media Blocked in Uganda Ahead of President Museveni's Inauguration
"Darkness hovering over Uganda...VPN is the only way to go now"
Russian Court Sentences Internet User to Two Years Behind Bars for VKontakte Reposts
A court in Tver region, Russia, has sentenced Internet user Andrey Bubeyev to two years and three months in prison on extremism charges for reposts on social network VKontakte.
Canadian Man Forced to Leave Nepal Over Controversial Tweets
Robert Penner, a Canadian man who currently finds himself mired in a controversy about a series of provocative tweets, left Nepal after the Supreme Court postponed his appeal hearing.
Uganda's Defiance Campaign Will Not Be Televised
"Hot on the heels of #WorldPressFreedomDay comes #UgandaMediaGag. Ironic"
#LeyTelecom: Mexican Supreme Court Ratifies Geolocation and Retention of Metadata
Mexico's Supreme Court has ratified the indiscriminate retention of metadata, allowing authorities to use real-time geolocation of mobile devices. But the battle in defense of privacy is far from over.
