Stories from August, 2015
Did Wikipedia Just Outsmart Russia's Internet Blacklist?
Wikipedia is trying something new in the fight against Russian censorship, and it might actually work.
Malaysia Considers Forcing News Websites to Register with Government, As Political Scandal Unfolds
"It is highly unlikely that this move is intended to achieve anything other than the shutting down of criticism."
Netizen Report: Authorities Finally Take Action on Bangladesh Blogger Killings
Censorship spikes in Turkey and Tunisia, net neutrality takes a hit in Mexico, and Germany puts food porn under copyright lock-and-key.
New Research: Iranian Internet Users May Care More About Access than Security
With over 100,000 subscribers, Filtershekanha serves as a compelling case study in how Iranians evade internet censorship.
Russia Blocks Euronews ISIS Video Over ‘Extremist’ User Comment
Russian censors have blocked another YouTube video, although it did not violate any Russian laws. Instead, an offending user comment under the video caused Roscomnadzor to ban the page wholesale.
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Head Back to Court After 15 Months Behind Bars
The Zone9ers' trial has been postponed 33 times, for reasons ranging from the banal to the bizarre. They may finally learn their fate this Wednesday, at their next court date.
Should Conspiracy Theories Enjoy Free Speech Protections?
To what extent, should conspiracy theories enjoy free speech protections? Three members of the Global Voices community share their thoughts.
Bangladesh Police Chief Tells Bloggers, “Don't Cross the Line”
"Those who illogically write against religion in blogs are also extremists," said a high police official.
Turkish Authorities on Blocking Binge as Political Tensions Rise
Pro-Kurdish and leftist media sites are among the 96 websites most recently blocked by Turkish authorities.
Maldivians March to Mark Anniversary of Local Journalist's Disappearance
"To demand action and accountability from the state, Rilwan’s well-wishers started the #FindMoyameehaa campaign – the first of its kind in the Maldives."
Shanghai Telecom Triples Cost of Access to Overseas Websites
If commercial restrictions on accessing overseas sites becomes common practice, the Chinese Internet could become a de facto domestic network for the majority of Internet users.
Protests as Malaysia Suspends Two Newspapers Following a Corruption Expose
"We must never forget abuses of power today. You can suspend The Edge but you can't suspend truth!"
“No Country For Secular Bloggers”: Niloy Neel is the Fourth Bangladeshi Blogger Killed in 2015
"How many more bloggers must be murdered before the government acts decisively to stem the violence and impunity?"
China Steps Up Internet Surveillance With “Cybersecurity Police Stations” at Major Websites
Until now, managing online discourse has been delegated to Internet content providers on a largely ad hoc basis.
How India's Porn Ban Backfired And “Brought the Entire Nation Together”
India's overreaching ban on pornography sites was lifted less than a week after it was laid down, in the wake of heavy criticism. But the mockery of government continues.
Netizen Report: Wanna Comment on Social Media? Submit Your State ID First, Says Brazilian Deputy
While India's porn ban makes headlines, online harassment of Indian women has peaked. Meanwhile in Europe, Google balks at proposals to globalize the Right to Be Forgotten.
“We Will Choke You”: How Indian Women Face Fatal Threats on Facebook While Trolls Roam Free
One Facebook user threatened to choke her. Two days later, on August 4, Inji Pennu's Facebook account was suspended.
Disappeared Gambian Journalist Slammed With Sedition Charge
"It seems the whole nation is behind bars," wrote one Facebook user on the disappearances of multiple journalists in The Gambia. Although facing charges, Abdoulie Ceesay's whereabouts remain unknown.
The Investigation of Germany's Netzpolitik Blog is an “Attack Against the Free Press”
We join partners around the world in condemning the treason charges against Netzpolitik and demanding an end to the German government's investigation of our colleagues.
