Stories about Censorship from May, 2017
Facebook ‘Mistakenly’ Censored Tiananmen Massacre Tribute
Facebook said the image “belittles, threatens or attacks a particular person, legal entity, nationality or group.” Following an uproar among Hong Kongers, the company apologised and approved the image.
Egypt Ups Systematic Efforts to Silence Independent Media
In an environment of persistent conflict, free and independent media that cover events in the public interest — not in the interests of politicians — is more important than ever.
Netizen Report: In India and Jamaica, Women Face Threats for Resisting Misogyny Online
In Malaysia and Azerbaijan, officials go after media for political coverage. Meanwhile, with major social media sites banned, Kashmiris have turned to local platform KashBook.
Panic Over Russian Online Suicide Game Sparks ‘Whale Hunt’ in China
Pro-government groups are waging a campaign against the game, and internet censors have predictably gone into overdrive.
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
The Russian State Media: Champion of Internet Freedom?
With millions of Ukrainians now at risk of losing their beloved online services, Russia's state media did what it often does in unexpected geopolitical situations: it suddenly changed sides.
Ukraine Sanctions VKontakte, Other Russian Social Media Websites
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed an order instructing the country's Internet providers to block several major Russian social media websites.
Thailand Threatens to Take Facebook to Court Over Anti-Monarchy Posts
Tha Thailand government has given Facebook until Tuesday, May 16, 2017, to remove the 131 remaining 'anti-monarchy' posts.
Netizen Report: Draft Laws in Egypt Could Lock Down Social Media
As Egypt's parliament pushes to further restrict expression, Turkey blocks Wikipedia, Russia blocks WeChat, and the UK can't seem to stop snooping.
WeChat? Not in Russia You Don't.
Last week, Russia’s federal censor blocked WeChat, China’s largest mobile messaging app. According to Russia’s media censor, Roskomnadzor, WeChat failed to register with the federal government.
Wanna Share News on Social Media? With China's New Rules, You'll Need a Permit For That.
"It is like asking us to uninstall all the communication tools or else whenever you speak, you could violate the law."
Wikipedia is Turkey's First Major Censorship Target, Post-Referendum. What Will Be Next?
"Whats the aim, to stay uninformed?"
Netizen Report: Vietnam Says Facebook Will Cooperate With Censorship Requests on Offensive and ‘Fake’ Content
Vietnam makes a deal with Facebook, beef controversy leads to online harassment in India and French authorities push to globalize ‘right to be forgotten’.
Fighting Fire With Fire: African Regional Body Proposes High Costs for Internet Shutdowns
A new proposal would cut off technical resources for governments that shut down the Internet. But if governments go offline, the effects will unquestionably be felt by the public.
