Stories from January, 2018
Protests Underscore the Potential Power of Iran's Access to Information Law
This is an opportune time to fully enforce efforts towards transparency after Iran's December-January protests. The first step must be a full implementation of Iran’s Access to Information law.
Filipino Bloggers Rally to Defend Rappler News Site
"We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views."
The First Mobile Phone Network for Indigenous Communities in Mexico Is Under Threat
"This is the only telecommunications service that these communities have, historically they have not been covered...we believe a clear exemption for this type of operator should be in the law."
Leaked Documents Show That Ethiopia’s Ruling Elites Are Hiring Social Media Trolls (And Watching Porn)
The leaks include a list of individuals who appear to have been paid to promote the ruling coalition on social media.
Reuters Journalists Covering Rohingya Conflict in Myanmar Detained for ‘Illegally Acquiring Information’
"If Myanmar is serious about democratic reforms, it must accept the right of journalists to work freely and report on topics that make those in power uncomfortable."
Netizen Report: Five Months After Houthis Arrested Him, Human Rights Blogger Hisham Al-Omeisy Walks Free
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Philippine Authorities Order Shutdown of Rappler News Site, Bringing a Blow to Press Freedom
"If this revocation stands, Rappler will effectively be shut down —the first time a news organization will be closed by government since the dictator Marcos declared martial law in 1972."
How Will Macau's New Cybersecurity Legislation Impact Freedom of Speech?
The Macau Civil Servants Association (MCSA) called the proposal to monitor online data through binary code “arbitrary, disproportionate and illegal."
Why Wait? Wikipedia and Google Accidentally Declare Putin the Winner of March 2018 Presidential Elections
Whether the error was intended as a joke, or as a political move, is unknown.
In 2017, Samoa's Parliament Made Libel a Crime. How Will This Affect Bloggers and Social Media?
"Concerns about anonymous bloggers should not override the right of citizens to speak freely, without fear of being jailed."
Netizen Report: Fearful of ‘Fake News’, Lawmakers in France and Brazil Want to Limit Free Speech Before Elections
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
India's Biometric ID System Is Leaking Personal Data — And State Agencies Won't Fix the Problem
Instead of improving the Aadhaar system, India's unique ID authority is going after journalists who write about its flaws.
Yemeni Human Rights Blogger Hisham Al-Omeisy Has Been Missing for 150 Days
Before his detention Hisham Al-Omeisy was outspoken about the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Despite Threats of Censorship, Documentary Filmmakers Show Human Rights Violations in Western Sahara
The film gives audiences a close look at Western Sahara under Moroccan occupation.
After Facing Harassment from Authorities, Pakistani Journalist Narrowly Escapes Abduction
Taha Siddiqui is the bureau chief for WION news. He also is an avid social media user and critic of the military.
‘If I Don't Oppose Dictatorship, Am I Still a Man?': Chinese Activist Gets Eight Years in Prison
Wu Gan, better known by his nickname “Super Vulgar Butcher”, has been active in Chinese human rights circles since 2008.
Under Pressure From Cyberspace Administration, China's Top News App Will Hire 2,000 More Content Reviewers
Last week, the country’s top internet regulator accused the news app of spreading pornographic content.
What Happens at Maekelawi? Tales of Torture from an Ethiopian Detention Center Slated for Closure
"It turns out that the anguish of Ethiopian prisoners, something that appeared to be so distant in memory, is not that far off after all."
Netizen Report: Iranian Authorities Are Blocking International Web Traffic and Messaging Platforms
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Iranian Technicians Have Been Ordered to Disrupt International Web Traffic Amid Protests
“We have been ordered to interrupt international traffic,” a source at an Iranian internet exchange point said.
