I’m a journalist and researcher from Italy, now living in Kazakhstan. I’m the Regional Editor for Greater Central Asia at Global Voices and a freelance journalist and editor for various other publications. I hold a PhD from the University of Glasgow, where I studied labor relations in Kazakhstan’s oil sector.
Latest posts by Paolo Sorbello
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan tighten the screws on media freedom
The Uzbek government banned entry to a foreign journalist, while in Kazakhstan journalists and activists were targeted by state security services.
News site founders, editor resign under pressure from Kazakhstan's authorities
A sophisticated attack on Hola News's website kept it down for 10 days. The core team then abandoned the project, citing pressure from the authorities.
Kazakhstan considers new legislation to hinder social media
New legislative amendments are poised to curtail the activity of social media companies in Kazakhstan. Ostensibly to protect children's rights, the restrictions could enhance government snooping.
Kazakhstan news site receives threats after reigniting a child abuse story
Journalists in Kazakhstan are often under pressure for their work. A harrowing about child abuse is now the target of fresh threats against a news outlet.
Devices of journalists, government officials in Kazakhstan hacked and spied on
Journalist Serikzhan Mauletbai found himself on a list of people targeted by Israeli-made spyware the government of Kazakhstan bought. The current president and prime minister are also on the list.
More internet security for many, not for Central Asians
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are among the few countries that will not enjoy a new privacy tool unveiled by US giant tech company Apple for its users. Apple's focus in 2021 is privacy. On its website, the company states that “Privacy is a fundamental human right.” Yet this policy comes with...
Pressure on journalists, bloggers mounts ahead of Uzbekistan's presidential elections
A foreign journalist loses accreditation, a pro-LBGT blogger is beaten and another blogger gets a heavy sentence on dubious charges.
