Stories from November, 2014
The Story Behind Iran's Censorship Redirect Page
When Internet users in Iran try to access a blocked website, they're taken to www.peyvandha.ir. The page has changed throughout the years, reflecting the government's evolving approach to censorship.
The Silent Crackdown on Serbian Media
"Censorship is no longer a relic of the past, it's the present that we must fight against."
Venezuela: Draft Law Would Criminalize Online Protest, Remove Checks on Surveillance
Under the law, a person using digital media to “promote or attack the constitutional order” or “disrupt public peace” could face between one and five years behind bars.
University Teacher Unpopular with Islamist Hardliners is Killed in Bangladesh
A Facebook group claimed responsibility for hacking to death a university professor. After a few days of receiving abuse reports from users, Facebook took down the page.
Digital Security Guide for African Environmental Rights Defenders
As they increasingly use digital advocacy and communication tools to do their work, environmental rights defenders in Africa have become more and more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and online harassment.
Netizen Report: UK Companies Vow to Censor ‘Terrorist’ Websites
This week, the UK and France set tough measures to censor extremist websites, India steps up porn blocking efforts, and WhatsApp gets hip to encryption.
At Home and Around the World, Supporters Demand Justice for Vietnamese Blogger Dang Xuan Dieu
A former inmate released from detention last month revealed that the activist blogger is being tortured in prison. Supporters in Vietnam and around the world are campaigning for his release.
There's a Dark Side to Alibaba's Massive Profits in China
Alibaba made $9.3 billion on China's Single's Day, a popular online shopping day. But much of its success is due to its cooperation with the Chinese government in punishing dissidents.
Online Campaign to Support Russian LGBT Teens Is Charged with ‘Gay Propaganda’
It is hard to underestimate the chilling effect the crackdown on Children-404 might have. The LGBT community is one of the least respected, most maligned groups in Russian society.
UPDATE: Gambian Blogger Released As Outrage Escalates
Jaw was released as students planned mass demonstrations to demand his freedom. The arrest of the young blogger and activist attracted substantial condemnation on social media.
Venezuela: E-Commerce Bill Would Give Authorities New Avenue for Online Censorship
The first draft of the e-commerce bill grants the telecommunications authority new powers to block websites found in breach of the bill's restrictions.
Netizen Report: Whether North or South, Net Neutrality is a Tough Nut to Crack
We begin this report with a look at policy making on network neutrality in Argentina and the United States.
Prison in Bahrain: A Tale of Torture
Following the death of Hasan Alshaikh due to torture, Global Voices author Mohamed Hassan details his own experience being tortured by Bahrain authorities.
Thai Student Activist Says Military Junta Is Monitoring Her Actions
Nattanan Warintarawet, who vocally defends free assembly and expression, spoke with Global Voices about her experience in promoting reforms in the military-backed government of Thailand.
After 25 Years, Have Hungarians Finally Realized They Live in a Democracy?
The notion that Hungary is becoming an 'illiberal state' is nothing new. Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Hungarians are standing up to demand a real democracy.
Blogger and Women's Rights Activist Detained in The Gambia
Gambian authorities have neither confirmed nor denied arresting Sait Matty Jaw. Supporters are rallying on Facebook at the Free Sait Matty Jaw page.
Mexico: Shots Fired at Transparency Expert on University Campus
Violence continues unabated in Mexico: Ernesto Villanueva, a lawyer specializing in transparency and freedom of expression, was attacked by a gunman on a university campus.
Netizen Report: Attacks on Media Peak as Mexico Reaches Boiling Point
In this week's roundup, we look at media repression in Mexico, steep regulations for US tech companies in Asia, and the rioting pussycats of the Turkish Internet.
Digital Citizen 2.0
In this edition of Digital Citizen, a review of human rights and technology news in the Arab World, we look at threats to bloggers and online activists across the region.
Corporate Critics Say Vietnam's New Tech Regulations Are Bad for Business
Vietnam has drafted two Internet-related decrees which impose stricter regulations on tech companies, Internet users, and online transactions. Are these regulations necessary or are they excessive?
