Global Voices · June, 2013

Latest posts by Global Voices from June, 2013

Orphaned in US, SOPA Finds Home in Russia

  17 June 2013

America’s controversial Stop Online Piracy Act is back—and it’s poised to become law in a matter of weeks. SOPA, however, isn’t coming to the US, where a wide coalition defeated the legislation in January 2012. A law that creates similarly harsh penalties for online copyright violations is on the cusp of finding a home in Russia.

Singapore’s ‘Largest Blogger-led Protest’ Bats for Media Freedom

  10 June 2013

An estimated crowd of 2,000 people joined a protest assembly in Singapore’s Hong Lim Park last June 8, 2013 to oppose the government’s new licensing scheme for news websites. Organized by the ‘Free My Internet’ movement, it was reported to be the ‘largest blogger-led protest’ in Singapore.

Saudi Arabia Blocks Instant Messaging App Viber

  7 June 2013

Following the Saudi threat to block encrypted communication software unless the government is allowed to spy, the instant messaging application Viber was blocked earlier yesterday. The website can no longer be accessed and the application does not connect.

‘Free My Internet’ Movement Rises in Singapore

  4 June 2013

A new licensing scheme for news websites announced by Singapore's Media Development Authority has been denounced by many as a censorship measure. A group of concerned netizens calling themselves the ‘Free My Internet’ movement has invited the public to join a rally this coming Saturday to demand the withdrawal of the controversial regulation.