Stories from August, 2016
Wife of Persecuted Labour Activist Goes to Trial Over Facebook Post
The wife of a labor activist has been charged with posting “insulting” content on Facebook even though she is not a member of the social media site.
WikiLeaks: From Collateral Murder to Collateral Recklessness
From rape victims to democratic party donors, WikiLeaks' latest data dumps demonstrate a disturbing trend of publishing the personal information of private individuals.
Independent TV Station and Two Community Radio Stations Suspended Amid Disputed Elections in Zambia
"Zambia is slowly becoming a court room. We all must be careful when we speak out on issues of national interest."
In India, a Nationalistic ‘Witch Hunt’ Targets Journalists Who Exposed #BabyLift Trafficking Operation
According to its constitution, India is a secular republic with freedom of expression, but it also prohibits anything that hurts religious or ethnic sensitivities.
Technical Difficulties and Allegations of Corruption Leave Mexicans Concerned About New Transparency Agency
A malfunctioning platform a poorly received anti-sexting campaign and serious allegations of corruption tarnish the reputation of the office of transparency and privacy in Mexico.
Dear Hong Kong Activists, Please Stop Telling Everyone Telegram is Secure
While we marched across Hong Kong Island, organizers shouted, “download Telegram, it's more secure than WhatsApp!” But Telegram is not more secure than Whatsapp -- in many circumstances, it's worse.
Justice as Usual, or Attack on Free Speech? Debunking Singapore’s Contempt-of-Court Bill
"Leaving people confused over what can or can’t be said will have a chilling effect, whatever the intention of the law, further entrenching a culture of self-censorship and passive citizenship."
Japanese Police Are Spying on Muslims, Despite The Constitution
The Supreme Court's dismissal of a case questioning the legality of putting Muslims under surveillance based on their religion alone brought a long series of court battles to an end.
Bangladesh Shuts Down the Internet, Then Orders Blocking of 35 News Websites
“As part of the ongoing exercise, all sorts of Internet connections will be suspended for a short period anytime at any place in the country.”
Netizen Report: In China and the Middle East, Pokémon GO is Not All Fun and Games
While Pokemon continues to make waves across the globe, the UAE passes a perplexing new VPN law, Brazil's battle with WhatsApp continues and Mexican indigenous groups launch their own telco.
Anonymous Eritrea: Communicating in a Paranoid State
Many believe that the state can monitor any Eritrean, in any corner of the world. The regime has successfully portrayed itself as omnipresent—this is fundamental to its survival.
Bad Laws Are Contagious: Demystifying the UAE’s New Information Tech Law
Preceded by a wave of VOIP blocking in various Arab countries, the new law comes as no surprise for those familiar with digital policy in the region.
Macedonian Activists Suspect Ruling Party Used Emails to Impersonate Environmental Activists
Local media told OhridSOS, a citizen-led environmental protection initiative, that they received emails from someone claiming to represent the group. The emails expressed strong support for ruling party leaders.
‘This Is a 99.99 Percent Democracy’ and Other Orwellian Newspeak by Thailand's Junta
"The closer to the August referendum, the more intense intimidation gets."
South Sudanese Journalists Face Increasing Threats as Political Violence Peaks
Journalists have long struggled to survive in Sudan and South Sudan, but the impact of the conflict that erupted in 2013 has made working in media even more dangerous.
