Stories from September, 2018
Wanna compare the world’s largest tech companies on human rights terms? Now you can do it in Korean — and five other languages
In April 2018, Ranking Digital Rights released their third Corporate Accountability Index, a ranking of corporate policies affecting freedom of expression and privacy.
Will Brazil's forthcoming data protection law actually protect peoples’ privacy rights?
The president vetoed the creation of an independent authority that would oversee the law's implementation.
Netizen Report: Authorities shut down mobile internet in Ethiopia’s capital, as ethnic and political conflict persist
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Arrested for fact-checking: Kazakh court fines Ukrainian journalist after police break up media workshop
The incident highlights the authorities' aversion to discussions of Ukraine in Kazakhstan.
Protestors artfully demand the release of Shahidul Alam, Bangladesh's prisoner of conscience
"When a regime is governed by nothing but fear, it is often a sign that the regime might have lost its plot."
Three days behind bars for the ‘crime’ of journalism: Diary of a Nigerian journalist
Investigative journalist Samuel Ogundipe spent three days in detention on spurious charges and was denied access to his lawyer. Now free on bail, he is telling his story.
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Under Austria's right-wing government, ‘ethical’ principles for journalists could hijack media rights
If the current draft is adopted as it stands, it will provide for an extra layer of strict control that aims to silence the critique and dissent.
More Afghan journalists killed as militants ramp up attacks on Shiites
"He was live moments ago on tv without knowing he himself will be making the headlines moments later. RIP dear friend."
Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Shawkan to be released soon after five years in prison
"He never should have been behind bars. He was arrested while doing his job as a photographer."
Google caves in to Russian demands, censors videos promoting a protest rally
This latest scandal is unfolding as Google is in the middle of an existential crisis, with its employees revolting against what they see as embracing censorship by their company.
As China faces record-breaking flood levels, authorities arrest two women for spreading ‘rumors’ of health risks
"If they could react to the floods as effectively [as they do to the 'rumors'], that would be great."
South Asian governments keep ordering internet shutdowns — and leaving users in the dark
“Operators owe complete transparency to their users, as consumers who are paying them money and also in the interest of accountability.”
After Facebook ban, Myanmar military accounts are moving to Russian social media site VKontakte
"...they are now spreading their hate freely on the site without any moderation."
Netizen Report: What role does Facebook play in Libya’s civil war?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
A lethal combination: How MENA governments use cybercrime laws and spyware to target activists
Gulf governments continue to deploy cybercrime laws as an arbitrary legal cover to target target human rights defenders.
Kashmiri journalist arrested after reporting on slain rebel, Burhan Wani
“By reporting on militant activity, Sultan is performing an important public service, not committing a crime.”
Myanmar sentences Reuters journalists to 7 years in prison
The case has attracted outrage both internationally and inside Myanmar, with local activists and civil society organizations bravely speaking out against their arrest.