Featured stories about Media
Stories about Media
The government of Bangladesh quietly passed the new Cyber Security Act 2023
The Bangladesh parliament passed the new Cyber Security Act 2023 after scrapping its predecessor, the controversial Digital Security Act, 2018. The new law poses similar threats to the freedom of expression.
Pakistani movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ is finally made available online after injunctions on its release
Pakistani Punjabi-Urdu film Zindagi Tamasha, originally scheduled for release in theatres in 2020, but halted after receiving threats from religious hardliners, was finally made available to viewers on Youtube.
Arrested humor: Comedian Nour Hajjar detained in censorship case
Comedy in Lebanon has always served as a means to find relief in challenging circumstances, but now, the tightening grip of censorship on creative freedom and satire could challenge this.
Australian journalists imprisoned in China anxiously await diplomatic breakthrough
Australian novelist Yang Hengjun has been awaiting the verdict on his case in China for more than two years after being accused of spying. Now he fears he may die in detention
In Russia, authorities filter information and algorithms help them
Social networks want their users to spend more time on their platforms, to leave a more extensive digital footprint that can be used for various purposes.
Navigating the boundaries of free speech: Nigeria’s Twitter ban
While governments have a legitimate interest in addressing the spread of misinformation and promoting online safety, there may be more effective solutions than outright bans on social media platforms.
If adopted, Tajikistan’s draft law on bloggers will do more harm than good
In the last few years, the country has recorded significant backsliding with regards to freedom of expression as well as overall political freedoms.
Cambodia: Problematic laws and restrictions on information are threatening digital rights
As internet use and digital technologies flourished in Cambodia, more people are relying on social media to access news and information and to exercise their rights to free expression.
Concerns in Guyana about threats against women activists
Women have been on the receiving end of death threats and other forms of intimidation for speaking out against mining, fossil fuel extraction and sexual violence.
Ahead of election, Pakistan introduces new laws to stifle dissent
On August 9, 2023, the Pakistan National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the upcoming election and dozens of bills were hurriedly passed that limit civil liberties and stifle dissent.
Jordan's fight for online freedom of expression
Jordan's endorsement of the controversial "Cybercrime Law" fuels concerns about online freedom and data privacy. It also echoes a larger conflict between security and rights.
Serbian ruling party troll farm leak revealed identities of over 14,500 ‘bots’
Vidaković stated that he paid EUR 15,000 (approximately USD 16,540) for the list, with money collected from the Serbian diaspora.
Ethnic clashes bring Indian state Manipur to the brink of civil war
More than 180 people have died, and 400 others have been injured in the conflict between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe in the Indian state of Manipur.
Unfreedom Monitor: Civic Media Observatory findings report
The Unfreedom Monitor is a project to analyse, document, and report on the growing phenomenon of the use of digital communications technology to advance authoritarian practices.
Can Taiwan become a hub for journalists fleeing mounting authoritarianism in Asia?
Taiwan is rated as one of the freest societies in Asia, but are the Taiwanese authorities ready to turn the island into a welcoming and safe haven for journalists fleeing authoritarianism in their home countries in Asia?
The Great Leap Backwards of media in China
To understand the nuances of censorship, state violence, resilience and journalistic courage in China, Global Voices interviewed Cédric Alviani, head of the Taiwan-based office of RSF for East and Southeast Asia.
Kamnotra emerges as the latest platform in a ‘news-starved’ Cambodia
A new website was launched by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) amid the forced closure of independent media outlets and the dismantling of civic spaces in Cambodia.
Anti-refugee rhetoric and the new far-right on Turkish social media
From openly racist statements from far-right political leaders to claims that news agencies are circulating disinformation to incite violence, social media is not making life safer for refugees in Turkey.
In Togo, a journalist honoured for his fight against corruption must from now on live in exile
In Togo, the journalist Ferdinand Ayité's determination and resilience net him an international prize, but Togolese journalists are still powerless in the face of exile.
Cambodian Prime Minister quits Facebook after Oversight Board review
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen deleted his official Facebook account after Meta's Oversight Board recommended his account be suspended for six months after he shared a video inciting violence.
