Stories from April, 2017
Three Ways the Russian Government Is Trying to Control the Internet
“The Internet was created as a special project by the CIA,” Vladimir Putin announced three years ago. Since then, Russian authorities’ faith in the Internet has declined even further.
Taiwan Tops Asia While Hong Kong Falls Four Places in Freedom of Press Index
"A majority [of media workers in Hong Kong] have expressed an increasing pressure which results in deliberate self-censorship."
Russian Authorities Want Easy Access to Online Dating Logs
Do you hope to find love in Russia? If so, and you’re planning to use the Internet to meet people, the pursuit could be less private than you maybe hoped.
Maldives Blogger and Activist Yameen Rasheed Stabbed to Death
“So-called 'Paradise on Earth' has no public safety for its citizens. Tomorrow, it could be me, you, or any of us," wrote a Facebook user.
Netizen Report: Mexican Journalists Were Threatened Online, Then Killed
Kashmiris see more cuts to basic communications services, a Japanese artist gets fined for her 3D vagina art, and Thailand tells Facebookers to "unfollow" state critics.
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
Russian Math Instructor Faces Criminal Charges for Online Posts He Says He Didn't Write
The arrest of a Moscow math instructor has raised questions about the safety of using internet anonymizers in Russia.
Pick Your Poison? Russian Orthodoxy or Banishment From Social Media
Critics of Vitaly Milonov, perhaps the most reactionary social conservative in the Russian parliament, have vowed to get him banned from Vkontakte, where his “online status” features an “illegal expression.”
Ugandan Academic and Sanitary Pad Campaign Leader Faces Criminal Charges For ‘Computer Misuse’
Nyanzi's story has become a rallying opportunity for Ugandans who oppose the Musveni government.
Censorship Undressed: Iranian State TV Cuts Broadcast Mid-Sentence
In an unusual broadcasting flub this week, Iran's official state media network cut off the live video feed of a reporter in mid-sentence, censoring election coverage.
Netizen Report: Censorship Spikes After Venezuela’s ‘Self-Inflicted Coup’
Venezuelan journalists face rising threats amid protests, Russia blocks Zello, and Southeast Asian lawmakers use ‘fake news’ fears to justify censorship.
Russia Blocks Walkie-Talkie App Zello As Truckers Strike
Russia's media regulator has announced plans to block Zello, a mobile push-to-talk app that Russia's long-haul truckers are using to organize protests—including to coordinate an ongoing three-week strike.
Satirical News Show ‘China Uncensored’ Censored by Apple in Hong Kong and Taiwan
"There is no point in disputing your app store decision with respect to mainland China…but Hong Kong and Taiwan [...] operate under independent legal systems."
Iraqi Journalists Face Threats From ISIS, Armed Militias and the State
"As the war intensifies, and the number of armed groups and their influence in Iraq grows, the pressure on Iraqi journalists will increase.”
Southeast Asian Leaders Use ‘Fake News’ to Justify Tighter Media Laws and Intimidate Their Critics
Singapore plans to update its Broadcasting Act, Philippine House Speaker is proposing to regulate social media, and Cambodian officials are mimicking Donald Trump by calling unfavorable news "fake".
As Protests Escalate, Web TV and News Sites Are Censored in Venezuela
Multiple web TV channels that had been broadcasting protests in Caracas have been inaccessible since the morning of April 7.
News Website Cameraman Arrested While Broadcasting Protests in Venezuela
"Almost 30,000 people were watching the VPITV broadcast on YouTube when the Bolivarian National Police took the cameraman."
In Venezuela, Activists Document Protests and Share Protection Tactics
"Human rights violations don't have a time limit...Record for the future, when there will be democracy."
Netizen Report: Online Battles Break Out Amid Elections in Armenia and Ecuador
LiveJournal bans "political solicitation" in Russia (its new home), Google contemplates a return to China, and Bangladesh's telecom regulator rejects a proposed Facebook bedtime ban.
Russian Lawmakers Want to Ban Kids From Social Media, Require ‘Real Name’ Registration
Lawmakers in the St. Petersburg area want to purge online social media of all children under the age of 14, and eliminate Internet anonymity.
