Stories about Free Expression from August, 2015
Is Telegram's Compliance with Iran Compromising the Digital Security of Its Users?
Telegram has been complying with the Iranian government to block features, a cause for privacy concerns on a platform that boasts secure communication.
Digital Citizen 3.5
Digital Citizen is a biweekly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World.
Think You're So Clever, Wikipedia? Russian Censors Plan to Block You Anyway
Though Wikipedia has tried to circumvent Russian censors' demands to remove content, the Kremlin seems intent on blocking the website at all costs.
Russia Blocks Euronews ISIS Video Over ‘Extremist’ User Comment
Russian censors have blocked another YouTube video, although it did not violate any Russian laws. Instead, an offending user comment under the video caused Roscomnadzor to ban the page wholesale.
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Head Back to Court After 15 Months Behind Bars
The Zone9ers' trial has been postponed 33 times, for reasons ranging from the banal to the bizarre. They may finally learn their fate this Wednesday, at their next court date.
Should Conspiracy Theories Enjoy Free Speech Protections?
To what extent, should conspiracy theories enjoy free speech protections? Three members of the Global Voices community share their thoughts.
Bangladesh Police Chief Tells Bloggers, “Don't Cross the Line”
"Those who illogically write against religion in blogs are also extremists," said a high police official.
Protests as Malaysia Suspends Two Newspapers Following a Corruption Expose
"We must never forget abuses of power today. You can suspend The Edge but you can't suspend truth!"
How India's Porn Ban Backfired And “Brought the Entire Nation Together”
India's overreaching ban on pornography sites was lifted less than a week after it was laid down, in the wake of heavy criticism. But the mockery of government continues.
Netizen Report: Wanna Comment on Social Media? Submit Your State ID First, Says Brazilian Deputy
While India's porn ban makes headlines, online harassment of Indian women has peaked. Meanwhile in Europe, Google balks at proposals to globalize the Right to Be Forgotten.
“We Will Choke You”: How Indian Women Face Fatal Threats on Facebook While Trolls Roam Free
One Facebook user threatened to choke her. Two days later, on August 4, Inji Pennu's Facebook account was suspended.
Disappeared Gambian Journalist Slammed With Sedition Charge
"It seems the whole nation is behind bars," wrote one Facebook user on the disappearances of multiple journalists in The Gambia. Although facing charges, Abdoulie Ceesay's whereabouts remain unknown.
The Investigation of Germany's Netzpolitik Blog is an “Attack Against the Free Press”
We join partners around the world in condemning the treason charges against Netzpolitik and demanding an end to the German government's investigation of our colleagues.
#HackingTeam Leaks: Ecuador is Spending Millions on Malware, Pro-Government Trolls
Pro-government propaganda, anti-opposition trolls, hashtag spamming, and widespread malware are all part of a politically-motivated social media spin campaign dating back to 2012.
Indians Blast Facebook Over Broken Community Standards
"What the **** are community standards if they cannot take down a page purely abusive in nature, harassing a woman using her photos and other personal details?"
Exiled Journalist Speaks on Human Trafficking and The Gambia's Assault on Media Freedom
Sanna Camara fled his home country in the face of legal challenges and death threats after he published a series of stories on human trafficking in The Gambia.
Iran Closes Down Hardline Newspaper After Anti Nuclear Deal Coverage
Iran's Press Supervisory have closed down 9 Dey, a hardline newspaper that has published dissenting views to the nuclear deal signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries, signed in Vienna on...
