Stories about Advocacy from March, 2011
Understanding Iran's Cyberpolitical Context
Since I last posted, events on the ground and online in Iran have continued to escalate. This is broadly in line with my belief that the Iranian government has decided to engage in a long-term project to silence dissent online, using both state and non-state actors, as well as to...
Liberal Jewish Blogger Under Attack
Richard Silverstein, a liberal Jewish blogger, has come under attack from right wing nationalists and religious hard liners. In his blog Tikun Olam, Silverstein has posted a statement sent to his lawyer from David Yerushalmi-who accusing him of libel. “I am reluctantly forced to revisit the statements your client, Richard...
Microsoft Compromises Users’ Privacy: No HTTPS in Arab Countries, Iran
With the ongoing protestes and violent crackdown from governments in the Middle East, compromising online security could have dire repercussions on the wellbeing of internet users in the region. Email security is a priority and HTTPS should be enabled by default. Gmail does that, while Microsoft allows users to choose to activate...
Azerbaijan: Blowing Up in Their Facebook
Baku seems to be getting savvier about how to discredit, marginalize, or monitor online activists. This article was originally published on 9 March 2011 by Transitions Online and is used by permission.
What is in name? A Lot Says Facebook
Facebook is now in the middle of scandal that has exposed the flimsiness of its no pseudonym policy. Andrea Petrou at Techeye.net says, “The complaint against the company comes from a well-known Chinese commentator – Michael Anti – who has accused it of insulting him by closing his account. He hasn't been reported...
Azerbaijan: Another activist arrested, questioned over Facebook
Following concerns that there might be an official attempt to discredit or crackdown on the use of Facebook by alternative voices in Azerbaijan comes news of the detention of yet another activist, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev.
China: Tracking mobile users’ movement
According to Beijing Morning Post on March 2 2011, China Mobile Beijing would turn 17 million mobile phone into monitoring devices. The monitoring system could detect the population flow 24 hour a day. The city science committee social development department deputy head Li GuoGuang said that they had already submitted...
Azerbaijan: As protests loom, Facebook is monitored
Recent events in the Middle East and North Africa have highlighted the potential use of online social networks for activism, but they have also added weight to existing personal and security concerns. Now, as their own day of protest draws near, online activity by prominent alternative voices in Azerbaijan appears to be monitored.
Is Urging Suicide Free Speech?
A developing case in Minnesota raises serious questions on what free speech. According to Emily Gurnon at Pioneer Press, “Former nurse William Melchert-Dinkel, 48, of Faribault has been charged with two felony counts of encouraging, advising or assisting another in committing suicide. After oral arguments Thursday morning, Rice County District...
