Stories from June, 2016
As Election Day Approaches, Zambia's Largest Independent Newspaper Shut Down by Tax Authority
"The government itself owes contractors, food suppliers, stationery suppliers, pensioners, utility companies, and civil servants and nobody, NOBODY, has shut them down...."
Russian Activists and Industry Speak Out Against New Draconian ‘Anti-Terrorist’ Laws
The new comprehensive amendments threaten Russian Internet users' privacy and anonymity by cracking down on encryption and beefing up surveillance measures.
National Bank of Kenya Takes Blogger to Court for “Defamatory” Blog Posts
The bank took Cyprian Nyakundi to court following a series of critical stories. Nyakundi calls himself a "Kenyan-based blogger who has an interest in politics, governance, corporate-fraud and human-interest stories."
Journalist Couple Attacked in Makassar, Indonesia
In Indonesia, violence against journalist happens regularly. Incidents like these often go unreported in the media, and perpetrators often go without punishment.
Tanzanian Musician and Activist Maembe Vitali Arrested and Released
"You are not a soldier, you are not a rebel, they should understand that you are just a fighter... Yes, a fighter of a noble cause."
Russian State Censor Can Now Un-Delegate Website Domain Names Extrajudicially
The Russian state Internet regulator, Roscomnadzor, has been grated the power to un-delegate domain names for websites found to host child pornography without a court order.
Russia Mulls A ‘National Big Data Operator’ to Control Internet User Data
Russian officials are considering the creation of a "national big data operator" that would control how Russian Internet users' data is being used, stored and protected.
Hong Kong Bookseller Says He Was Forced to Confess on TV During Eight-Month Detention in China
"This is not just my personal matter or Causeway Bay Books, this is about the human rights of Hong Kong people."
World Refugee Day: Fear of Arrest Drives Journalists Into Exile
"I was paralyzed by the idea of exile. This is the first time I had decided to flee the country without knowing exactly when I would return."
In Defense of Free Software: My Case Against Lenovo in Mexico
Lenovo fails to inform its clients of the Secure Boot feature on the Lenovo Yoga 2, which restricts the right to install operating systems besides those authorized by Microsoft.
Singapore Plans to Pull the Plug on Internet Access for Public Servants
"Computer security is important in the modern workplace, but it should not be an excuse to revert to dumb or blind practice."
Tanzanian Man Could Face Three Years’ Jailtime for “Insulting” the President on Facebook
The case falls against a backdrop of Tanzania's Cybercrime Law, passed in 2015, which critics say gives too much power -- without meaningful oversight -- to police.
Hungarian Think Tank Finds Suspicious Device in Office, Raising Fears of State Surveillance
Ekint had searched their office after the head of the prime minister's office claimed Hungarian-American businessman George Soros is manipulating the country's politics through organizations funded by him.
Netizen Report: Researchers Shed Light on the Origins of Malware
Ghana considers a social media shutdown for election day, Algeria arrests a labor activist over a Facebook video, and power shortages leave Venezuelans offline, literally.
Popular Sports Website Goes Offline in Uzbekistan in Wake of Fan Controversy
"Football and show business were the only areas where criticism was allowed and tolerated. And now even here they are choking the voice of the public."
No Country for Gags? Politicians Go After Indian Comedian Over Snapchat Video
Indian right-wing political parties armed with police complaints have threatened comedian Tanmay Bhat for posting a parody video on two prominent Indian celebrities.
Russian Blogger Arrested After Helping US Journalists Report on Olympic Real Estate in Sochi
A Russian blogger has been arrested after working with an HBO film crew to report on the real estate situation in the wake of the Sochi Olympics.
In Venezuela, Electrical Shortages Limit Basic Communication — and Free Expression
Without electricity, communications via citizen media — a process by which citizens participate and influence their communities — cannot go far.
War Has Been Declared Online Against ‘Fujitrolls’ in the Middle of Peru's Presidential Elections
In the middle of the presidential runoff campaign in Peru, cyber armies from both sides face off in a merciless battle online... and it appears Fujitrolls are in the lead.
Is Social Media Helping to Perpetuate Violence in Afghanistan?
"Those who share the bloody pictures of victims not only irritate [victims'] families but also unintentionally assist the Taliban in their propaganda."
