Latest posts by Global Voices
‘I Am Shuhrat': Tajiks Come to Jailed Lawyer's Defence on Facebook
Shuhrat Qudratov, a Tajik lawyer with a reputation for defending politically endangered clients, has been sentenced to nine years in prison on charges many citizens feel are bogus.
Sketch Comic Faces Accusations of ‘Glorifying’ Terrorism in Spain
The day after the attack on Charlie Hebdo in France, a Spanish judge summoned satirist Facu Díaz for questioning about a satirical sketch broadcast on his online TV show.
Fact-Checking the Hype Surrounding FireChat in Hong Kong's Protests
Pro-democracy protesters downloaded smartphone chat app FireChat in droves amid rumors of an Internet shutdown. In the rush to cover the phenomenon, media outlets got some things wrong.
Intel Shuts Down Its Russian-Language Developer Forums
Intel's decision could create an important precedent, showing how easily new RuNet regulations spill into seemingly innocuous blogging activities.
Russia Investigates VKontakte User for Posting Ukraine-Related Content
Russian authorities are investigating a Yekaterinburg woman on charges of "inciting hatred and violence" for posting links to content about Ukrainian Euromaidan protests on the social network VKontakte.
Indian Netizens Criticize Online Censorship of “Jihadi” Content
Indian netizens are speaking out against censorship in the face of government blocks on Github, Internet Archive, Vimeo, Sourceforge and other popular sites.
Indians Plead for #NetNeutrality as Airtel Raises Data Charges
Although plans are now on hold due to regulatory restrictions, advocates worry that the company may yet find a way impose the fee increase.
New Protest Facebook Page Already in Place as Kremlin Moves Navalny Verdict Forward
As thousands of Russians joined a January 15 protest against the verdict in the trial of opposition leader Navalny, the court suddenly moved the verdict announcement to tomorrow, December 30.
Navalny Protest Rally Facebook Event Page Blocked in Russia
Just one day after supporters of Putin critic Alexey Navalny set up a Facebook event page for a protest rally in his support, the page has been blocked in Russia.
The Russian Internet is Not Free. A New Tax Might Make it Even Worse.
The Russian government is now considering its own variant of an Internet tax, and wants to make all Russian Internet users pay for consuming copyrighted content online.
Fear of ISIS Threatens Media Freedom in Kyrgyzstan
A Kyrgyz media outlet refused government requests to delete a reposted video of Kazakh children training in ISIS camps. Now it is partly blocked in both countries.
What Does Japan’s State Secrecy Act Mean for Free Expression?
Japan’s controversial State Secrecy Act became law on Wednesday, December 10. The law imposes strict penalties on leakers of state secrets.
A New Filtering System Could Slow Down RuNet. And Then There's the Censorship
Internet filtering at ISP level might become reality in Russia by the end of 2014. This would slow down Internet speeds and introduce more surveillance and censorship in the RuNet.
China's Censorship Authorities Are Not Fans of Foreign TV
Two popular subtitling sites closed their doors at the behest of Chinese authorities. Netizens and TV fans are angry about the decision.
Selfies, ‘Sandwich Parties’ and ‘The Hunger Games': How Activists Have Challenged Thailand's Martial Law
Six months have passed since the army grabbed power and declared martial law in Thailand. During this time, Thai citizens have used various forms of protests against the junta.
Kazakh Authorities Censor Videos of Children in ISIS Training Camps
Videos of Kazakh children in ISIS training camps have gone viral. Now the government is engaged in a futile damage limitation exercise.
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.
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.
Myanmar Reporter Detained by the Military, then Killed
More than a thousand people gathered in Myanmar's capital to call for an investigation into the death of a journalist who supporters allege was tortured and killed by the army.