Stories about Internet governance
Russia's isolationist ‘sovereign internet’ bill worries experts and users alike
Experts have pointed to the colossal costs associated with building the infrastructure required, and lamented that this would only lead to further monopolization of the Russian internet provider market.
In Iran, state-sanctioned messaging apps are the new hallmark of internet nationalization
Since they censored Telegram, Iranian officials have deployed aggressive measures in an effort to promote national messaging services.
Free speech advocates say Bangladesh's new Digital Security Act is ‘ripe for abuse’
"Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," said PM Hasina, in response to critics.
South Asian governments keep ordering internet shutdowns — and leaving users in the dark
“Operators owe complete transparency to their users, as consumers who are paying them money and also in the interest of accountability.”
Netizen Report: What role does Facebook play in Libya’s civil war?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
‘Fake news’ is in the eye of the beholder: China is centralizing efforts to stop online ‘rumors’
In July 2018, Chinese state internet regulators received 6.7 million reports of illegal and false information.
Netizen Report: Elections in Mali marred by militant violence — and internet shutdowns
Bangladeshi students go quiet as police pursue online accounts, Brazil gets a new data protection law and Facebook is still floundering in Myanmar.
If Google goes back to China, it will be on the government's terms. What will that mean for human rights?
Google may be prepared to compromise human rights principles for the Chinese market. But it will still depend on the Chinese government to grant its entry.
What will it take to #savetheinternet in Europe? The view from Romania
Copyright proposals being pushed by European governance bodies must take into account the nature and potential uses of networked digital technology.
Iranian authorities arrest ‘Instagram celebrities’, in effort to assert control over social media
Iranian authorities announce plans to filter Instagram because of the evils of "Instagram celebrities". A few days later, the state broadcaster reveals the arrest of several "Instagram celebrities."
Freedom segregated: China to set up open internet zone on tourist island
"If visiting Twitter, Facebook is appropriate and harmless, why [are they] only granting foreigners access but not Chinese?"
Can the United States connect Cubans to the internet? A historical review from the Cuban perspective
There is likely no way for the United States to provide internet access to Cuba without authorization by the Cuban government.
Netizen Report: New rules in Cambodia and Tanzania force independent media to quiet down — or shut down altogether
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Mexico's new copyright law allows censorship of online content, rights advocates warn
The Mexican chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation warned that the approved changes "criminalize the act of publishing" and "legalize acts of violating the fundamental and constitutional rights..."
The chilling effect of officials discussing Telegram's imminent ban in Iran
Some officials say Telegram is set to be blocked at the end of April. Although the app remains technically unfiltered at the moment, usage among Iranians is down.
Laughing in the Face of an Internet Shutdown In Bangladesh
"To stop the leaks, better to cancel the exam rather than shutting the internet down. Then you won't have to worry about leaks anymore."
What Do Argentinians Give Up in Exchange for “Free” WiFi in Buenos Aires?
"The average Argentinian it doesn't [care], as long as they are given free wifi they will accept anything, 'in the end they have nothing to hide.'"
In Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Network Shutdowns Leave Civilians Unreachable — And Unable to Call for Help
Without telecommunication networks, residents of the North Sinai "cannot report injuries and they have limited access to emergency services.”
Netizen Report: Iranian Authorities Are Blocking International Web Traffic and Messaging Platforms
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Caught in Conflict, Internet Users in Yemen Face Blocking, Shutdowns and Slow Speed
Authorities in Yemen have a long history of imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and the right to access information.