Stories about Free Expression from May, 2015
Tagline of Zelalem Kiberet’s Blog: ‘Let Freedom Ring’
Because of his wit, humorous writings and uncompromising digs on religion, his friends nicknamed Zelalem after the imminent French writer, Zola.
Advoxers Talk About Tech, Privacy, and Security with Tor
What exactly is the Tor network? How does it work? Global Voices’ Iran editor Mahsa Alimardani talks with Iranian Tor developer Nima Fatemi and Tor’s Director of Communications, Kate Krauss.
Netizen Report: Rights at Risk Under Trans-Pacific Trade Deal
The TPP battle continues, China’s “Weibo Inquisition” stumbles on a robot mix-up, and a pro-Kremlin think tank launches a “demon” social media monitoring system.
Digital Citizen 3.0
Digital Citizen is a biweekly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World.
Dear Ukrainian Officials: Russian Security Services Thank You for Your Cooperation!
A group of journalists pulled a prank on Ukrainian officials who use Russian email services, alerting them to the dangers of careless information security policies.
Netizen Report: Deconstructing Facebook’s Version of the Internet
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world. Facebook’s Internet.org project seeks to “give the unconnected majority of the world the power to connect.” In cooperation with mobile carriers and telcos, the program provides mobile phone users...
Message to an Ethiopian Blogger: Mahlet Fantahun, You Are Not Alone
"Writing one single blog post is not going to bring Mahlet... out of Kaliti Prison. This is much rather about keeping the process going. Of not staying silent."
STATEMENT: Global Voices Calls for Safety of Bangladesh Bloggers
We condemn the recent murders of bloggers and call on authorities to ensure that those responsible for these killings are brought to justice.
Russia Launches ‘Predictive System’ for Monitoring Protest Activity Online
The new Russian software will allegedly be able to spot preparations for protests online long before they happen, and could supply that information to law enforcement, academics and state officials.
Lost in the Web: Navigating the Legal Maze Online
Media lawyer and human rights expert Nani Jansen gives an overview of censorship and online speech regulation across the globe.
Digital Citizen 2.9
Digital Citizen is a biweekly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World.
Ethiopian Blogger Atnaf Berahane: Young, Courageous, and in Jail
This 26-year-old Ethiopian blogger's passion for free speech left him in chains.
Facebook's Zuckerberg Responds to Ukrainians’ Complaints, But Is His Answer Enough?
Mark Zuckerberg has addressed the appeals of Ukrainian Facebook users for better content moderation and calls to create a dedicated Ukrainian office. His answers seem unlikely to satisfy them.
Human Rights Abuses in Azerbaijan: We Can’t Stay On The Sidelines Anymore
Arzu Geybullayeva calls on Western leaders to speak out on political prisoners in Azerbaijan as the country prepares to host the European Games.
Selective Truths Revealed: The Case of Iranian Search Engines
Iranian authorities maintain that local search engines can compete with Google and other Western alternatives. A new study by Iran research group Small Media puts these claims to the test.
“Their Freedom is Their Right”: A Campaign for Prisoners of Conscience in the Arab World
Three human rights organizations launch a social media campaign to raise awareness about prisoners of conscience throughout the Arab World.
New Research: Iran is Using ‘Intelligent’ Censorship on Instagram
Political pages are accessible, but Justin Bieber and the Kardashians are blocked. Saddled with a censorship regime that is both exhaustive and ineffective, Iranian authorities are experimenting with “intelligent” filtering.
Despite Low Internet Use, Burundi Blocks Viber and WhatsApp
Fewer than 2 percent of Burundi’s 10.2 million residents use the Internet. Nevertheless, the government blocked Viber and WhatsApp this week, amid protests.
